Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-12

5Ith. l6th 9th, 103d and Tooth companies
or Coast Artillery; twenty-six enlisted men
OF Company G. Signal Corps, and six cleo
trician sergeants.
This is the force of men who are endeay-
oring, with. the assistance of the squadron
under Admiral Dfckins' command. to give
practical demonstration of the efficiency of
certain portions of the coast defense posi-
ton. - -
Admiral Dickins' Fleet.
1t is difficult to arrive at an estimate Of
Admiral Dickips' fleet He has sixteen
ships of various size and class. The ex-
ercises are much more wearing on the
army than on the navy 1t is said here for
the reason that ship is always under prac-
ticaly war conditions. 1t is always neces-
sary for the commander of a naval vessel to
keep sharp lookout to protect his ship
and the additional precautions that are
necessary during maneuvers such as these
are not likely to be as great strain on the
men of the navy for that reason as they
are on the men of the army, who man the
telescopes, etc. only when in time of war
or for drill, and never for such protracted
periods as are necessary under the present
conditions. The navy has another advan-
tage in that 1t is on the offensive construc-
lively. In these operations. and can attack
when 1t sees fit The army, on the other
hand. is on the defensive, and must keep
constantly on the alert. The men In tho
navy, In heavy, foggy weather. when the
attack is deferred. can take to their hunks
and rest. while the men Of the army, having
no means of knowing that the ships are
not coming in to attack. must keep their
stations
Divided Into Reliefs.
The forces at all the Notifications are
divided into two reliefs and are working
twelve hours on duty and twelve hours off.
except In the case of the men who raan
and telescopes and observation stations,
where there are three reliefs with eight
hours On and sixteen hours off. these men
being under greater strain than the others
This relates solely to the enlisted force.
The officers get what rest they can snatch
between times. and the battle commanders
ana f1re commanders and their assistants
are at their posts almost continuously.
Yesterday was nervous day for all con-
cerned The quiet observance of the day
that is typical of all military posts was
disturbed only through the activity Of those
officers whose business is to see that all
that should be done had been done and to
make the final tests of the appliances that
are called into special use. There was an
under. Arrent of expectancy and nervous
strain distinctly noticeable In the move
ments and conversation of all concerned
outside the post. Inside everything ap-
peared as calm and peaceful as the June
day 1t was. The officers all went about
their business In q business-like manner
and the men appeared to be doing hke-
wise.
Chaplain Wakely had an extra large con-
gregation at the Church of the Cen
turion." as the post chapel is appropriately
called. the guests of the Chamberlin hav-
ing been especially invited. The service was
attractive and was thoroughly enjoyed
Saturday Night Dance.
The officers of the army and navy sta
toned here were the guests of honor at
the weekly dance given in the ball room OF
the Chamberlin Saturday night. The hotel
brill font xrif rlyaffn
of the military and the gay dresses of the
feminine contingent.
Gov Montague OF Virginia was here Sat
urday evening for a short time. He was
ON his way to Richmond from Bethel,
where a confederate monument was un-
yelled Saturday afternoon A r. r