The Washington times., 1905-02-26
GUARDSMEN READY
FOR INAUGURAL ION
Official Parade Orders Not
Yet Issued.
NOT PERFECT IN DRILL
Battalions and Regiments Are Prac-
ticing Hard to Perfect Themselves
in New Regulations.
NOT PERFECT IN DRILL

Prepara tions are being made for the
partieipl. .Y1 of the District militia In
the inaugural parade.
The orders from the War Department
had not been received at National
Guard headquarters last night, but Ad-
iutaot General Brett has received In
structions from General Harries to have
the brisades ready on March i. There
! is no doubt that the local citizen sol
diery will take part and have place of
prominence in the line of march.
The heavy blue uniforms, forage caps,
leggins, and white gloves are to be
worn by the men in the ranks Through
out the past ten days the enlisted men
have been carrying their overeoats and
uniforms home TO be cleaned and press
ed 1t is the Intention of the command
ers to have their men put up as good an
appearance as possible and everything
has been done to encourage neatness.
Officers Uniforms.
Blue uniforms, Ieggins, caps, and
heavy olive drab overcoats are TO be
worn by the officers. These garments
have large storm collars which resen1-
bic hoods when turned up. They are the
heaviest coats in the service and in adj
| dltion to keeping the wearers warm
| they look more presentable than any
| thing that officers wear.
| Coats of similar pattern, but little
different in texture of goods. have been
| issued to the enlisted men in the regular
service. Ultimately coats of this kind
will be distributed among the District
/ miiitiamen. In the absence of the latest
style beited back coat they will wear the
| only ovesrcoats they have.
The order calling for the participation
| Of the District soldfery in the parade
win also specify what position the
| hI1 1rrElg4 hzT~ In fs.aS y l1.xe..
Brett said yesterday that further than
| receiving orders from the com nlanding
general to have. the organization In
| readiness ne had heard not hing regard
ing the part to be taken by the civilian
soldiers.
a Dull Week.
| Other than the regular drills, basket
/ ball games, dances, and reunions held
in the Guard, there has been practically
nothing to attract the attention of the
soldiers. The past week was one of the
| duilest in the history of the Guard Al
| headc.3arters it was said by Ensign
| Sigourney that no examination papers,
| designations, dismissa1s or recommends
| tons had been received throughout the
| entire week
| II Is expected that things will be en-
| itvened after inaugura ton. Battalion
| ana regfmental drills will be held fire.
| quentiy. and the annual indoor athletic
1
III April or the first OF May will also
| cause sttr among the voIunt eers.
| lhere are many promising atf1ietes in
| the organization. and it is expected that
the Washington business men will CON
tribute many handsome prizes to be con-
| tested fer.
Not Perfect in Drill.
Throughout the fall and winter the
| officers of the general staff, and regi-
mental and battalion officers. as well.
| have spent much time coaching and IN
| structfng company comma nlcrs on the
new army drill a.d field regulations
| which were revised last year
/ Notwithstanding the fact that the of
| ficers have attended many sessions OF
| the school of instructions the men are
far from perfect Some apprehension is
| felt regarding the showing the men will
make in line on Saturday. The changes
| In the regulations were most radical
| and caused entire Switching
around. as some of the officers have
| rut 1t.
| The company officers have kept their
commands within the sacred precincts
| OF their own quarters while putting,
| them through the drills because the
| boys would not bear close scrutiny.
| Speculation is now rife regarding the
| annual outing or camp of tie local bri-
gade of volunteers 1t was rumored
| last fall that the organization would &c
! into a Joint camp with enlisted men In
| the regular army somewhere in Vir-
ginia
| 1t has been proposed in previous years
j that the site of the maneuyers be laid
! on the banks of the Potomac. This To-
| cation is considered unhealthy and tile
plans. therefore, have been abandoned