Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-25

IEUT. COL. LLOYD NJ. BRETT,
adjutant general District of Co
lumbia Militia, who has also
IL served as instructor of the brigade
since the death of COL Petit,
points out certain things that mean IN
creasing interest In the armory work OF the
guardsnen. The company officers are on
hand in the drill hall before second call
and insist upon a prompt assembly OF the
company. The men are beginning to realize
that emptiness is one of the first and most
essential duties of 90 soldier.
wen-c considered pan of work for each
night on the rt SoE the captain is now
the rule. and mtst the Organizations open
the evening with the SCHOOL of the soldier
and by gradual progression close with a drill
OF the company at war strength, special at
teution being given TO platoon movements.
The work is said to be not only instructive,
but interesting and IL is hard to find body
of men who so readily and earnestly exer-
else every faculty in an endeavor to respond
to the wishes of their instructors. The field
officers are now enabled to detect the weak
points in their commands and apply
remedy.
The average guardsman. it is explained,
there is something in soldier work for him
besides drudgery, II he is a mind to ex
tract II. In the instructions that are so
carefully given are the exercises that build
up a fine physique and a military figure.
The art of walking correctly is also taught.
The soldier Is told how to shoot correctly,
and that in itself IS an accomplishment held
In high esteem throughout the country. The
camps at the target range and elsewhere
declared of value to those in every walk
of life. II Is asserted that there is bright
future for the guard. Its work Is progress
sive and sensible. the officers are earnest
and competent and the men loyal and will
ing. -s-4
Bruce Magruder and John G. Donovan
viii depart in a few days for Fort Leaven-
worth, Kansas. to take final examinations
for commissions in the army. That they
will pass and become excellent officers is
said 10 be assured. They received their
early military training in the guard here
and are as proud of that fact as the guard
is said to be Of their success.
,-' X - .--
Maj James f, Bell. Inspector general OF
rifle practice District of Columbia Militia,
has completed his annual report. 1t shows
that 66.Si per cent or the membership of
the brigade qualified during the season just
ended Sixty-tve guardsmen qualified as
experts. forty as sharpshooteFs" and 623 as
marksmen. OF the remainder twelve finish
ed as frst-class men. ssixtystwo as second
class 1913 as third-class and Sl5 as fourth
class The Improvement is indicated by the
statement that In 1898 there were 1,2l9
guardsmen In the fouAh class. The bril-
gade figure of merit is 1865 against
-. 20 in 1895.
Rifle PRACTICE seems to be improving all
over the country For Instance. the state
OF New York this year had 1l9lS thorough
ly trained marksmen, against IL 500 quail
fed In 1905. There are now 716 distin-
gRished experts. 9S1 experts. 1871 sharp
shooters and S906 marksmen. The record.
II is claimed Is not equaled by any other
state In the Union. The list Brigade of
Manhattan. in command of Brig. Gen.
George Moore Smith. has the best record
OF shooting among the brigades OF the
state. having qualified all told 1904 marks
men The It'll Regiment Of Manhattan, Col.