Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-21

ment, commanded by Capt. Frank E. Skin
ner. Every member of the company is also
a member, in good standing. of the Wash
ington Young Mems Christian Association,
and herein lies the unique and peculiar fea
ture of the organization.
So far as can be ascertained the militia
of no other city in the country contains a
Y. NJ. c. A. company. Prior to the out
break of the Spanish-American war the Y.
NJ. c. A. of Cleveland, Ohio, had established
company in the national guard of that
city, but Its organization had been well eff
fected, for when war was declared the
members of this company drifted into other
companies, and the original body lost it's
identity. 1t is understood that no effort
has since been made to rehabilitate the old
OrganiZa ton.
Company X, N. G. D. c., is known as the
Association Cadets and was mustered
into the I'd Regiment March 26 1903. 1t is
the immediate outgrowth of company of
the United Boys Brigade which held its
annual convention in this city a few weeks
ago. The boys were persistently getting
too big for the boys brigade, and the Off
Gals of the local association faced the d.
lemma of a constantly changing muster
roll. The idea of a company in the Ma
tional Guard then presented itself, the vet
Grams of the Y. NJ. c. A. company in the
boys brigade were gathered together, 9TH
ers were enlisted, and Company K was
mustered into the I'd Regiment of the mi
litia of the District of Columbia.
Club Life Preserved.
In order to preserve as far possible the
influence exercised by the Y NJ c. A., the
association company is quartered in the as
ISOLATION club house on G street. and not
at the armory, which is the home of every
other company. The officials are proceeding
on the theory that as the members of the
company are all members of the Y. NJ c.
a ,;,,J
maintained by keeping the soldier boys Eat
home as it were. Capt Skinner is also
OF the opinion that this scheme results
In keener enthusiasm when it comes to
competitions with other companies The
members of Company K feel they are the
military representatives of the $500 mem
bers OF the Y: NJ. c. A, and because of
harder to perfect themselves in the manual
OF arms.
The Association Cadets have participant
ed in two annual encampments of the Ma
uonal Guard. and on To occasions received
the commendation of Gen. George H. Har-
RES commanding the guard Col. NJ. EN-
met Urell and Major Harvey. both as to
mlhtary and moral efficiency. Besides this,
the company has made many independent
marches some of the destinations having
been Great Falls, Burnt Mills Md), Colo
NAL Beach, and Manassas. Capt. Skinner
is busy now arranging a schedule for the
winter and spring, which he hopes will give
his soldiers ample fresh air and exercise, as
well as practical military experience.
Although only year and half old,
Company has made a record in rifle prac-
tlce and athletics, of which its members
are proud. In open competition with all
the members of the guard the men of Cap:
SINNERS command have CAPTURED several
individual prizes, besides a first and sec
ond prize in team matches. At the last
athletic meet of the guard. L. G. Connors'
OF Company X defeated all-comers in the
mile run. To have accomplished all this
within eighteen months is considered nv
the members of the company and by the
officials of the Y. NJ. c. A. as fair
start in the right direction.
Competitive Drills.
On the third Wednesday in each month
there is held in the big gymnasium of the
Y. NJ. c. A a competitive drill In the man
ual of arms. The men are watched closely
by their officers for points in accuracy, at
tention and general efficiency and to the
winner of each drill is presented a silver
medal inscribed Best Drilled Man"
record is kept of the points made by each
man at each drill, and at the end of year
generous cash prizes are awarded to the
winners of the individual and squad con-
tests. Attendance al drills and efficiency at
rifle practice are also counted and at the
present time five men tied for first
honors, each having 100 per cent The
twelve months contents end November /
each year, and as there is less than two
weeks time remaining for this years COM
petition the interest and enthusiasm Is in
tense.
There is recorded for each man." said
Capt. Skinner today, "a percentage mark
for annual attendance at drills and parades
| for quality of service In camp, for monthly
inspections for rifle practice, and, in fact.
| for any special service they may render
When man enters Company X he knows
| he will receive credit for all service per-
| formed by him. This we consider to be a
great incentive. and on account of the con-
slant changes In the personnel of commits
stoned and on-commissioned officers re-
| wards in the form of promotions are nu-
merous. During the past six months Com
pany X has lost through designations,
which were compelled by business or other
good reasons. two lieutenants and six SER
geants and corporals. This showed good
| many of the boys up, and now all are on
the 'qui vive' for some recognition of this
sort"
When asked concerning the plans of the
company for the coming season Capt Skin
ner modestly replied that his command in
tends to win the first prize at the annual
competition of the national guard next
spring.
purpose achieving 1t by discipline and hard
The drill by the new regulations is a diff
icult undertaking. but the task already has
been begun, and IL present indications are
not misleading Company X will set pace
next spring which will surprise the local
military experts"
Looking for Recruits.
The Y. NJ. C. A officials have undertaken
to Lee he cd IN 4; ri