The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-10-12
BAMBERG GUARDS PRIZE DRILL.

A Grand Success-serseant r. A. Delk Was the
Winner-Capt. Rouse's Remarks Makes
Hit-A Tribute to the Late Gen. F. N.
Bambers.
On Friday evening last the Folk opera
house was packed with the friends OF
Captain E. L. Price and his men to wit
ness ine prize drill.
The following reception committee:
Col. John. F. Folk, Maj. Havelock Eaves,
First Lieutenant B. D. Bronson, and
First Lieutenant 81. 81. Copeland, handled
the large crowd with considerable skill
and ease.
Captain Price acted as drill master, and
gave the commands in a loud, clear cut
military voice. After a most spirited con-
test Sergeant R. A. Delk was declared the
winner of the medal.
The judges of this most interesting
contest were First Lieutenant John. S.
Jennings and Second Lieutenant Creation
E. Bamberg.
The guests of honor occupied the right
hand box: Judge R. o. Purdy, who is
holding court here, Senator ]. B. Black,
Mayor G.. Moye Dickinson, Col. J. D.
Copeland, and Captain George Douglas
Rouse, aid.de.camp to Gen. Willie Jones,
commander of the South Carolina militia.
The exhibition was well enjoyed by all
those present. Each soldier demonstrated
that he was past master in the manual
of arms.
At the conclusion of the contest Capt.
Price introduced Captain George Douglas
Rouse, who was well received, to present
the gold medal, and he did so in most
creditable manner.
Capt. Rouse spoke as follows:
Capt Price, and Comrades of the Bam-
berg Guards:
1t is a great pleasure, can assure you,
to be your guest tonight. This drill can
not be equalled, or excelled by any COM
pany in your regiment. Now, my COM
rades, back up your officers, who are three
of the best posted military men in South
Carolina. Attend all drills promptly and
regularly. I know my chief, Gen. Willie
Jones, would have been delighted to be
here tonight, as our brigade has large
part of his noble, generous heart, and
your Colonel Henry T. Thompson, who
by the way is an excellent officer and a
charming gentleman, it will afford me
much pleasure to inform him of this
event, and am confident that it was
source of disappointment to him that he
was not here.
The first duty of soldier is unques-
toned obedience to orders. Keep liquor
out of your armory, never discuss politics
within your portals, as you may bring on
an argument that may cause you to lose a
friend. Promote the best of good fellow.
ship amongst your comrades. Look after
your sick. Should comrade get out of
work, let every one of you turn out to his
aid and endeavor to secure him better
position. Don't forget, boys, that mo
man liyeth unto himself" Do this, and
rank and file of Company G will be "a
united band of jolly good fellows" Re-
good soldier makes good Cit
izen, good citizen makes good hus-
band and good father. (Applause.)
A few days ago was walking through
your new cemetery. uncovered as l
passed by the grave of one who once held
the high rank of Brigadier General in our
State militia. You boys would do we'll to
follow in his footsteps. Take his life for
your guiding star. A man whose private
virtues and public worth has made him
the pride and the boast of this county,
whose beneficial influence exerted for the
happiness and prosperity of Bamberg,the
town that has more progress, energy, push
and enterprise than any other town in
South Carolina. (Applause.)
I believe this happy condition is due to
him. If God had not said to him few
months ago, "Friend, come up higher"
Bamberg tonight would have been lighted
by electric lights, the water works would
have been completed, a fire engine would
be on guard to protect your lives and
your property. This noble man never
turned deaf ear to the tale ofsorrow, or
refused to cheer the despondent soul by
kind and gentle words; and in the hearts
of all good people his memory will last
when marble has crumbled to decay, Gen.
eral F. NJ. Bamberg. Nong applause.)
And now, Sergeant Robert A. Delk, I
have the honor to present to you this gold
medal. In each of your comrades you
have found a foreman worthy of your
steel. My friends, may this little trophy
stimulate you to reach after higher hon.