The Washington times., 1905-06-11
GETTING READY
FOR ENCAhPnENT
acquisitions for Nearly All
Equipments Made.
DRILLING FOR GUARD MOUNT
Commissioned Officers Are Teaching
Men Their Most Difficult
Duty.
DRILLING FOR GUARD MOUNT

equipments except ratlons have been
made by General Harries, commanding
the District militia, and ADJ. Gen.
Lloyd NJ. Brett. Routine preparations
for the ten days outing, from August
3 to 13. began several weeks ago. and
at present the officers and men are
back In their stride and thoroughly
familiar with the field maneuvers.
The commissioned officers are now
drilling their men in the most difficult
duty they have to perform. which Is
guard mount. 1t has truly been said
that there are not three companies in
the local militia, or any other orSaniZa-
ton its size that can mount guard
strictly in accordance with the army
regulations. The company commanders
have We'd with one another from time
1mmemorial to see who can put up
the best guard mount. Company 4, OF
the Second Regiment, commanded by
Cap1. Edward Brian, had the best guard
mount during the last encampment at
Bolivar Heights. near Harpers Ferry,
w. Va. and he was warmly congratu-
lated and compIimented by the regular
army instructors who witnessed and
passed upon the ceremony.
Should Do Their Best.
This year the men should do their
best work In the field. Throughout the
past fall and winter the commissioned
officers have been coached by more ex-
perienced men. once or twice d week,
and have become thoroughly familiar
with the changes made last year in the
regular army regulations Last year
there was some confusion because of
the alterations, but this summer there
will be no occasion for 1t. Adjutant
Brett went to camp last August for the
first time as an officer IN the Guard, and
his presence worked wonders.
Unlike the majority of adjutants. who
sit in their tent and give orders, Col
one1 Brett mounted his horse and did
more actual field work and instructing
than anyone else connected with the
Guard. His tent on the headquarters
line. from which all the generals or
ders emanated, was admirably cared for
by Capt. Fred Cook, who was highly
complimented by officers of the Guard
for his efficient service as acting adju-
tant. Regiment maneuvers were under
taken for the first time last year, and
giant strides were made by the officers
of higher rank than captain. In previous
encampments the drill hours were de-
movements. Colonel Brett soon revolu-
tionized things and the men returned
to Washington better soldiers than ever
This year will be a repetition Of last,
although Colonel Brett promises TO give
the colonies some practice in movements
and maneuvers not on the slate last
August.
Promises Substantial Food.
Major Newmeyer will have charge of
the cOmmissary OF the guard, and prom
ises to feed the boys on the most sub
stantial food that money can buy. Last
year the officers We're compelled to pay
for their own rations. and the same
will hold good this summer. Prior to
last August the officers received their
rations from the company quartermas-
ter and paid nothing for them The
man who draws the rations for the men
viii be allowed 123z cents per man in
addition to the regular fare. This will
be spent for extras, such as eggs, milk,
cake. and other things soldiers like to
eat and which are not found on the
grub list If all the money IS not
used up in this way the cash Will be
handed over to the men, but it is safe
10 say that precious little filthy lucre
VIII pass into their hands If il comes to
choice between food and money.
Delay in Recognizing First.
Although there appears to have been
nothing TO hinder It., the reorganization
OF the First Regiment, recently dis
banded by General Harries, has not vet
begun
Week before last was set as the time.
put business prevented General Har-
ries from assembling the various sepa-
rate battaiions Of the organization. 1t
was expected that some definite action
would be taken last week, but nothing
happened and there Is much specuia-
ton as TO when the companies VIII he
com bined into a regiment. Officers ara
growing peevish and disgruntled over
the unnecessary delay
Practically the entire time of the
officers connected with the brigade head
quarters has been occupied this week in
making arrangements for the particfba-
uon OF the Naval Battalion in the army
and navy maneuvers on board of their
vessel, the Puritan.
Rife Practice.
The companies of the Guard and Naval
the range every day except Saturday
and Sunday. beginning Thursday, June
10. with Company a. Second Separate
Battalion, in alphabetical order. as fol-
lows: Second Separate Battalion, Third
Separate Battalion. Fourth Separate
Battalion Second Regiment First Sep