Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-02
SAW FIN AL DRILLS
PRESIDENT WITNESSED EXHIBI-
TON AT FIT. MYER SATURDAY.
Display of Skill of Cavalrymen and
Artillerymen, Who Will Be IN new
York This Week.

A distinguished party, including the
President and his family, witnessed the
final drills of the exhibition squads OF the
18th Cavalry and the 4th Battery OF Field
Artillery at Fort Myer Saturday AFTER
noon. The two organizations were entfaln-
ed for New York yesterday morning ana
this evening they will begin a week en-
gagement at Madison Square Garden under
the auspices of the Military Athletic League
of America. The drill Saturday afternoon
was given for the special entertainment or
tine President Several weeks ago Col.
Wallace, commandment of the post at Fort
Myer, invited the President to set day
when he would visit the post and inspect
the troops that go to Madison Square.
Thursday last was chosen and the time was
set for 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon. Owing
to the heavy rains Thursday afternoon the
President did not pay the visit promlsed
but said he would go out Saturday after
noon. The last public drill of the troops
was given Friday afternoon and a large
crowd was accommodated. No one was IN
vited to the drill that was to be given for
the President. Secretary William Loeb. Jr.
was supplied with a number Of tickets
which he issued to friends OF the PreSlut=ht
at his direction.
The Presidential Party.
President Roosevelt and Mrs. Roosevelt,
the White House early and drove to the
outskirts of the city, where they mounted
horses provided for them and by a round
about ride reached Fort Myer at the hour
set detachment of artillery fired a sa-
lutte of twenty-one guns as they crossed
the limits of the post. The presidential
party went Immediately to the gallery OF
the riding hall. Mr.. Roosevelt had dis
tanced his guests, however, and waited for
fifteen or twenty minutes before they arrfv-
ed. The party included, In addition TO the
President and Mrs. Roosevelt. Miss Roose-
yelt Prince Hohenohe, the Princess Eliza
beth Prince Karl Ratibor the Erlprince
Ratibor, Princess Ratibor Count Runner
scirsch. Nine. Borgus, Mile. Borguis. Mr..
F. B. Wiborg, Lieut.. Gen. s. b. M: Young,
retired; Major Gen. Gillespie, Brig. Gen.
William CroZier, chief of ordnance; Senator
Warren of the committee on military at
fairs of the Senate; Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Chat
fee Mrs Elkins, Miss Mckee, Miss Oliver,
Miss Carow and Mrs. Cowles. 1t had been
expected that Secretary Taft and Lieut..
Gen Chafree would see this drill, but their
absence in ST. Louis prevented their at
tendance.
The entire party was seated by o'clock,
when the first strains of a lively march
gave the signal to Capt. Rooster to bring
the saddle squad of his crack troop into
the hall.
The Exhibition Of Skill.
The work of the saddle squad was APP
plauded with vigor as it appealed to
the guests. The troopers were attired in
the olive drab service uniform and wore
the new service cap. This resembles a
Scotch cap without ribbons. and makes the
soldiers look quite English. The drill of
The saddle squad lasted about twenty min
utes and cioced with charge down the
length of the hall.
The bareback squad. under the comma nd
of Lieut.. Burnett. was then brought Into
the hall. These men were dressed in the
service trousers and olive drab flannel
shirts. The officer In command wore the
regulation service uniform. The work Of
the bareback squad was pleasing through