The Washington times., 1905-07-23
PETNORTH BOYS
GOOD SOLDIERS
Guards at Camp Roosevelt
Make Excellent Showing.
THEY DRILL LIKE VETERANS
Old Soldiers From the Home Interested
Spectators at the Various
ManeuveTS.

Those who think that the pleasures
and comforts of this world are uneven |
" divided, and that struggle and en-
ergy are of no avail against fate, viii |
find a rift in the cloud of their gloomy |
views after a visit to Camp Roose- |
velt," of the Petworth Guards. The
boys of Petworth organized a military
company some months ago. and under
the instruction Of j. Edward Howard, a
cadet Of the Mckinley Manual Training
School, quickly attained such military
knowledge and precision as TO draw
upon themselves the attention and good
viii of the residents of that section,
The closing of the schools had no
dread for the parents and neighbors,
for instead of boisterous pastimes the
captains clear commands and the mar
tiaI tread of these young patriots only
are heard. There are no quarrels and
feuds TO disturb the peace of this at
tractive suburb for the boys, being
comrades, meet as friends. never as
foes.
Last month they conceived the idea
OF camping in soldierly fashion and en-
ergetically went 10 work to raise"
funds. They gave a lawn fete, which
was SO we'll and literally patronized
that 1t yielded an amount of profit sew
eral times larger than the sum the boys
had wished and hoped for Aided by the
advice OF a few OF their friends who
had seen actual service the guards pre-
pared for their outing and are now es-
tahlished in camp which. though
small. should pass inspection by the
severest military critic.
An Ideal Spot.
TIE spot selected by the boys is an
ideal camping ground high. timhcred,
and abundantly supplied with excellent
water from two springs. 1t is located
near the reservation intended as the
site for the municipal sanitarium
small distance west OF Brightwood ave
nue. and Soldiers Home railway juno
ton. and is within easy reach of the
homes of the boys. Six large wall-tents
pitched IN two rows facing each other,
form the company street. al the head of
which stands the headquarters tent.
while the opposite extreme of the camps
centeTliue is marked by 4 large fag-
pole.
The routine of the camp was estab-
nshed after careful consideration and
planning so as to produce combina
tion which would teach discipline. self
reliance. and independence without sac
rificing any Of that submission and con-
ing in age from ten 10 seventeen years.
The boys are taught neatness prompt
ness, and obedience to orders While
everything Is being dohe to add TO their
enjoyment and physical benefit They
rise al am. and are allowed half an
hour for washing. dressing. and placing
their tents in proper military condition.
which requires the rolling up of their
bedsacks, the folding of their blankets,
and Strengthening out their pillows. At
$50 they answer 10 -'reveiIle" roll cal,
receive orders from The officer Of the
day. and are then dismissed to go "a
their homes for breakfast. so as to re
heye any anxiety on part of the parents
after the night has passed.
Routine of Camp.
Returning at about o'clock they clean
the camp ground. air their bedding and
clothing. drill. and fill In the remainder
of the forenoon by preparing for tbs
comforts of visitors and of themselves
Dinner is cooked in the kitchen OF onG
Of the homes and Is brought to camI
by a detail Of "orderhes' in charge of (
sergeant or corporal Supper is pre-
pared AT the camp. While il had beer
the intention to pay for all provision.
and to accept only the assistance of tn,
ladies in the preparation of the food, n,
account or bill has as yet been obtain.
able. the ladies apparently having en-
tered into competition as to generosif,
and display Of culinary knowledge.
Then also cake. preserves. and othe
contributions fiji The commissary'
storage trunk. and supper consists gen
orally Of a bill OF fare which few restau
sants could equal
zf1e camp Is visited by large mum
Der Of friends. especially at sundowH
when retreat IS held, the entire com
mand paying honor 10 the national col
crs as il is lowered from the fagpole
More than one moist eye can be seel
especially among the visiting inmate
OF Soldiers Homey during this most i'm
pressive. patriotic ceremony. At p. n
IS tattoo" ron-cau and then the boy
have half an hour in which 10 prepar
their tents for the night Taps j
sounded at $3.50, the last note o. whic
commands the extinguishing of all light
and marks the beginning Of stricIes
silence. the tread of the sentinel alon
being heard. This night guard is main
tanned by hourly reIiefs. governed b
the striking OF the tower clock OF Sol
diers' Home
The boys are now accustomed 10 thi
duty, but a. first found time so long i
The lonely night that one little soIdie
awakened the colonel at o'clock in TN
morning and asked him rOr the time. bs
cause he really believed that they mus
have forgotten 10 wind the clock, an
Il would not strike any more" A re-
minutes later he heard the welcom
sound and probably regretted the unju,
reflection upon the promptness of III
old soldiers, Tc show their apprecia
stion Of the favor and kindness extende
70 them Dy the residents, the Petwort
Guards senr out 10 their friends th
opening day OF the camp an artisttcaII
designed invitation in the shape OF
Eour-page folder. one page of which COZ
tained the. following original poem d
one OF the residents OF Petworth,
This Is the Poem.
The poem follows:
Nc trumpet blast, no cannon-shOt
Have 20 draw you 10 the spot
Where stands our camp. midst timber tai
NBeeause We boys are stiu quite sinallJ-