The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-06-16
MILITIA PREPARES
FOR ANNUAL CAMP
GuardSmen viii Start for
Harpers Ferry on
July II.
Happier Days Expected
Than Those at
Mt. Gretna.

Great activity is seen on all sides in
National Guard circles.
Less than a month from now the ciu-
zen-soldiery OF Washington viii be en-
camped under canvas at Harpers Ferry
w. Va.
Many sites have been selected for the
annual encampment OF the District Ma
tional Guard. but none has been as pop
ular as Harpers Ferry. Bolivar
Heights. the camp grounds. is conceded
TO be an Ideal spot. The miliuamen
are popular with the people of the
neIghborhood and are enthusiastic over
the prospects of renewing their friend
ships in the historic Old West Virginia
town
Maj. Lloyd NJ. Brett. Of the First
United States Cavalry. detailed as ad-
jutant general of the District Militia,
has been busy throughout the past
week issuing orders TO the commanders
of the infantry and the qUartermaster's
department. Major Brett believes this
years encampmept will prove the most
successful since the organization of the
Washington ciuzen-soldiery.
Selecting Battalions.
On July II the soldiers will entrain
at the Baltimore and Ohio railroad sta
ton and journey 70 Harpcrs Ferry,
which will be their home for two
weeks. This is the longest period the
miiitiamen have ever remained in camp.
Major Brett will spend most Of his
time drilling the militiamen and hopes
10 get three battalions in shape for
training at Fort Washington. Nd.
As yet Gen. George II. Harries, COM
mander Of the brigade of militiamen,
has not selected the three battalions
which will go 70 the Maryland post for
training.
III is said at National Guard head
quarters that these commands viii not
be detailed until AFTER at least week
has been spent in camp The companies
proving most efficient and capable Of
making the Des- showing at the coast
artillery practice will be selected by
General Harrles TO represent the DIS
trict militia.
Commanders OF the various companies
have been instructed by Major Brett 20
recruit their companies rs fully as pos
s!ble before July 1. None but young
men of the required physical and moral
qualifications viii be enlisted 1t is be-
heved by Major Brett and the company
commanders that a sufficient number Of
such men will sign their names to the
oath TO bring the total number Of
milltiamen up to 1904 Each man Will
ne furnished with transportation to the
camp site. a fun uniform provided. with
good, substantial rations throughout the
stay in camp.
Major NeumeyeT's Promise.
Mai Edward Neumeyer. the compe-
tent and experienced commissary gen.
cral and acting uuartermaster Of the
guard. says the soldiers viii receive
much better treatment than they did at
Mt Grena, Pa, last year. This is a
promise. and Major $eumeyer expects
10 be held 10 it,
At Mt. Gretna last year the District
miliuamcn had all work and no play.
small rations. little recreation. and COM
paratively no liberty. This year things
will be different. While headquarters
officers do not want TO encourage the
soldiers in going of on a picnic. they
are strenuously opposed to removing
all elements Of recreation or pleasure
from the encampment. Passes from the
camp grounds 10 the CITY will be more
literally distributed, and naturally the
officers viii expect better vc5k from
the men. At Mt Gretna the soldiers
were given no passes whatever, and
there was no town within nine miles
Of the camp ground. The town. Leba-
non. Pa. afforded but little diversion,
and general dissatisfaction was heard
from all the soldiers.
So Different From Mt. Gretna.
The identity Of the District militia
was likewise lost. There were no dress
parades or general gatherings. Each
time tho militlamen went upon the field
the columns were broken up. Some
militiamen were under their own com
manders and others were not The only
time the full regiments were together
was when they returned from the drill
field and messed under one canvas.
At Mt. Gretna the soldiers were COM
PEELED TO march five miles to the drill
field. This viii not he necessary at
Harpers Ferry, as the guard has leased
two or three spacious farms at Bolivar
Heights, and ample ground for drilling
and extended order maneuvers is avail
able. Dress parades can also be held
and. all in all, the encampments here
have been and will be better than those
held anywhere else as yet selected By
General Harries.