The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1905-08-11
TIE CITIZEN SOLDIERS,

The stay of the Maryland state militia
has been pleasant, both for the residents
OF the town and the soldier boys 1t was
distinctly announced in advance that the
camp was TO be no play affair, and there
fore. many entertainments that had been
planned in honor of the event were aban-
doncd in compliance with the wish OF the
commanding officers. Nevertheless, little
impromptu meetings have been much en-
| ioved by everyone.
The week has been given to drills and
actual warfare, and the countyseat of
Hartford has been captured and recaptur-
ed several times, although its residents
went about their vocations regardless of
the fact that the town was in constant
danger Of being charged upon by an
imaginary foe.
State militia encampments are very
different affairs from those held ten or
| twenty years ago. Military tactics were
then entirely different, and the ordinary
state militia was only drilled in the most
rudimentary principles ofsoldiery. Now,
however, all has changed. While there is
still revcille and taps, just as in the days
of our forcfathers in years gone by, yet
the hours in between are made up of prac-
tice that may sometime serve a useful
purpose.
Perhaps it is not generally known that
he cto ,,,,lit,, i sc .,
United States army. Its support comes
partially from the national treasury, and
recent cnCampments include the repre-
sentatives of the regular army as we'll as
the citizen soldery. In this way the
government can maintain large stand
ing army at n very small cost Should
this country hc SO unfortunate as to be
come involved in war that would re-
quirc vast armies of men, the state militia
would first be pressed into service instead
of the raw recruits.
The Bel Air encampmcnt includes 40
officers and / ,5S5 men. This is not as
great Il number as had been expected, but
is large enough in point of efficiency. The
camp grounds now present a beautiful
sight, the large fields on the Mccormick
farm being dotted with hundreds of tents
From the first streak of dawn until ten
O'Clock at night. the residents of this
"spec.rc' city are on the go, with very
few intermssinns for rest. Sometimes
the entire place seems neglected, but
closer inspection shows the faithful SEN
try, whose steps never seem to weary
while on guard duty. The boys may be
out on Il "hike" several miles away, but
not n cents worth of states property
could he tempered with, as the vigilant
eye of the guard is never relaxed.
One Of the pleasing incidents of the
camp was the visit of Governor Wariield
on Tuesday. Accompanied by his staff,
he rode from the Five Mile House to Bel
Air, making the trip by easy stages. He
received greetings all along the road, ana
his entrance into Bel Air under TIE escort
of the brigade officers and Troop A was
a scene that will long be remembered. !
On every side hats were dotted and the
Governor returned each salute in q like !
manner. lie has a large personal &C
quaintance in the town and was able to
call many persons by their names. Prepa-
rations for his reception were made in
advance, and Main street was decorated |
with flags and bunting in honor of the
event. The Governor was especially vel |
coined by Mr. Harry d. Hanway, chair
man of the local town board, who ter
dcred him the Inequalities of Bel Air.
The camp will break up on Saturday.