Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-22
GUARD COMMENDED
MR.. JOHN JOY EDISON CoMPLI-
MENTs CAMP oRDWAY.
Says Gen. Harries' Soldiers Are Great
Credit to the District Of
Columbia.

Mr.. John Joy Edson president Of the
Washington Loan and Trust Company, and
formerly president of the asnington Board
of Trade, whe recently inspected the camp
of the local brigade of citizen soldiery, in
conversation today with a Star reporter,
said:
AT the invitation of Gen. George H. Har-
ries in company with Messrs. P. B. Tur-
pin, Frank Reside, j. L. Gerry, A. B.
Browne, c. F. Nesbit, j. E. jerks and
Capt James F. Oyster, / visited the Ma
tional Guard of the District of Columbia at
Camp Ordway on Bolivar Heights, just
back of Harper's Ferry-the day before the
guard broke camp and returned to WASH
ington.
"All of the party were greatly pleased
anti intensely interested 1t was a heauti-
full day, and the situation of tne camp was
exceedingly picturesque. The contour Of the
ground was ideal for a camp. We arrived
about IL 30 a m. had luncheon and remain
el until after dinner. In the afternoon the
dress parade occurred, and from headquar-
ters was inspiring sight.
1T was the last day in camp, and it
seemed as if all the people in tie surround
ing country. young and old, in their best
attire, visited the camp.
The discipline and the sanitary cCn1i-
tons of the guard and camp seemed per-
feet. The camp was absolutely clean, no
rubbish or litter of any kind could be seen !;
and the soldiers We're subject to the best
ideals of military discipline and practice.
Excellent Discipline.
an camp with the guard were some regu-
lar army troops. artillery and cavalcy. In
conversation with some of the regular Of
ficers they told me that the splendid prac-
tice and thorough discipline CT the District
National Guard was a surprise 10 them.
That so much could be accomplished by
the militia a wonder, with comparative
ly so little chance during the year for drill
and practice. From what We heard and
saw in Camp Ordway all felt that the
guard was great credit to the District of
Columbia, and we congratulated Cen Har-
rieS and his officers upon the excellent
methods and practice adopted and In force;
their success, and the good results attained.
1t is doubtful If there is any other state
militia who carry out their annual camp
life and duties so efficiently and beneficial
ly. AS l remarked several regular army
officers so express themselves. The officers
and men of the guard were imDue1 with the
real soldier spirit and all appeared to Keen
ly enjoy regular camp life and appreciate
the benefits of such an outing.
''One feature of our visit was particularly
interesting to- me; and that vas that after
the battle of Antietam, in September, 1852
Just forty-two years ago-the I'd Army
Corps, with which l, myself as d. soldier
was connected. being attached TO Gen. Ed
win b. Summers headquarters, was camped
on these identical heights Standing IN
Camp Ordway l could well remember the
camp of 1862. Abraham Lincoln visited the
canD and reviewed the troops ct that time
Cen Harries in command of Camp OrdWay
was one year old when the I'd Army Corps
was encamped there in 1857, and L was
private soldier.