The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-25
BLOODLESS BATTLE
WAGED BY MILITIA
At CAMP ORDNAY
General HarrieS Highly
Pleased by Conduct of
District Soldiers.
Conflict Lasts All Morn
ing, and Has All Ear
marks of Real One.

CAMP ORDWAY. W. Va. July g.
A fearful conflict between 1.4OO militia
men and cavalrymen ragged near Hall
town from early morn until noon to-
day No decision was given, but it ap-
peared as though Major Dickman's gal
liant troopers wiped out the advance
guard Of the theoretical army stationed
at Harpers Ferry. For the purpose Of
saving the militia expense for the ruin
OF cultivated farms, cornhelds were de-
clared by Colonel Brett TO be impassa-
bic rivers.
The militiamen commanded by Col.
Charles Ourand and Lieutenant Colonel
Reichelderfer. deployed well, covered
wide area, kept themselves we'll hidden,
and Unanswered as real warriors, but
when they arrived at an impossible
river about the width of q city block
the ccvalrymen showered volley after
voiley OF make believe lead at them and
annihilated the whole front Of the
army No dead. however. were found
in the river. The three troops Of cav
airy left camp more than an hour be-
fore the infantrymen.
Batteries Used As Supports.
The Third United States Battery Of
lunbia Battery constituted the support
OF the troopers. When Halltown was
reached. the cavalrymen mounted a
steep hill commanding a view OF all
territory over which the militiamen
would have to traverse. Dismounting.
and leaving their steeds behind the hill,
the cavalrymen hid behind uneven ridges
and lay In wait for the militamen.
Shots were exchanged between the out
posts long before the battle began. and
the cavalry was REINFORCED by the re-
naming troops which guarded the road
General Harries was well satisfied
with the fighting and says II was COM
plete success, the main object being to
ascertain whether or not the officers
knew what to do in the field The sig
nal corps under Captain Chandler and
Lieutenant Putnam. did some excellent
work A wireless station was erected
near the battlefield and many messages
were flashed to camp. In addition TO
this the nag waEEing was of much ser
vice to Colonel Ourand and his officers
The new buzzer was best of all. how
ever, and by means of 1t Colonel Our
ana kept in close touch with al his
Heutenants on the field.
Second Lieut.. John Bean. OF Captain
Forsythe's command, Company NJ, First
Regiment, left camp last night I'm dis
grace" having been ordered to Wash
ington by General Harries. Lieutenant
Bean was accused by Mai Alfred Rob
bins with having neglected his duty at
the guard tent to play poker in his own
quarters II is alleged that Major Rob
rtlg
game. after previously instrUcting him
70 remain at the guard tent, where he
belonged. Lieutenant Bean was under
arrest from early morning until he was
commanded to return TO the city.
Lieutenant Beams commission has not
been revoked. That can only be done in
case Of court-martial or disarmament OF
his command. neither Of which has oc-
CURED. II is likely, however. that his
resignation will be rendered. Lieutenant
Bean is said 10 have taken two days
leave from camp. and IL is also averred
that he used his shoulder straps as n
means to procure an introduction to a
young lady who came 20 camp 10 visit
one Of the non-commissioned officers
on General Harries stan. Lieutenant
Bean, who was promoted not many
months ago, is a popular officer. and his
many friends in camp We're sorry to
hear Of his return to Washington be-
fore camp was struck.
Deserters Decorate GuardhOuse.
When the First Regiment had march
ed about a mile out Of camp yesterday
and was passing through a dense woods.
a score or more soldiers dropped out
OF line and hid behind trees until their
companies got out Of sight. They then
returned 10 camp and enjoyed them
selves, thinking the joke was on the
boys who remained in line and fought
three hours in the hot sun. When their
company commanders returned to camp
each deserter was placed unceT arrest
and thrown in the guardhouse. They