Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-27

was formed February 22, 1883; mustered
into the National Guard of the District of
Columbia June u, 1857, and Incorporated
May 10. 1890. The company was named
after the philanthropist William w. Cor
coran. The average age of the members
at that time was fifteen years. They
drilled with wooden rifles until the fall OF
1888, when a fair was given which netted
sufficient funds with which to purchase
forty condemned United States Army
rifles. The next question of Importance
that arose was uniforms. In April, 1881,
another fair was given, and money there
by realized TO buy the first uniforms.
cadet cut, a sample CT which is still pre-
served as an exhibit in the armory.
~.
The company made its first public APP
pearance in connection with the dedica-
ton OF the Washington Monument, Feb
ruary y, 1855 In March OF the same
year the company participated III tie
President Cleveland inaugural parade.
The company was still using the old army
rifles, but Mr.. Corcoran, who was an in
innate friend of President Cleveland
urged him TO assist them in securing new
arms. Application was made 20 the Sec
rotary OF War, and Maj. FarnsWorth,
assistant inspector general. U.S.A., was
directed by the chief OF ordnance to IL
spect and muster the company Mi.
Farnsworth submitted his report Noven-
Der II. 1856, speaking in the highest terms
OF the company. The rifles were issued
December l. 1886
The next public appearance of the COM
pany was at the unveiling of the statue
of Gen. James a. Garfield, May l2 1897
When Gen. Albert Ordway was commits
stoned commanding general of the militia
of the District OF Columbia, in the spring
OF 1897, he immediately took steps To
muster the Independent companies of the
District into the National Guard The
Corcoran Cadet Corps was mustered in
June 2l, 1857. being the first company TO
enter, and was assigned as ConDanv A.
4th Battalion. On the reorga niZatiou of
regiments IL was assigned as Company \
I'd Battalion, 1st Regiment
In May, 1887, when the average age Of
the company members was only sixteen
years, big interstate competitive drill
was held here. The Corcorans made entry
under the ''caoet" class, but by a ruling
OF the committee in charge the company
was not allowed 10 appear III that class.
ne next important parade and first in
ahother city in which the Corcorans par
tlclpated was in Philadelphia. on the oc-
casion OF the constitutional celebration i'll
Septehlper' 1851 AT that time the com
pahy with It's picturesque uniform was
the ruling fayorite among the oreaniza-
tons that participated
x =
The first encampment Of tie cadets WAS
Al Atlantic city. y. j.. in August 1ssS
where. at the request OF the citizens they
gave an exhibition drill every afternoon
before crowd numbering from 5000 to
10000 persons. On their return home they
were received at the Pennsylvania rail-
road depot by all the District companies
and their stay-athome members and es-
corted up Pennsylvania avenue to the
armOry in a blaze of colored lights and
fireworks, IL being one OF the most elabo-
rate receptions ever given a company in
the District of Columbia The following
year. In April. 1889. the company visited
New York city and participated in the
Washington inaugural centennial, when
general praise was bestowed upon the or
ganiZation. both by the press and cti-
gems. On that occasion President Cleve-
land and Gen. Sheridan. reviewing the
parade from the grand stand paid the
in view the President and general smiled
and moved 10 the front of the stand with
the remark. Here come our boys" The
company passed. forty front. in perfect
alignment and the reviewing party APP
plauded.
The cadets had entered the National
Guard with the idea of being one of its
best companies, and when ordered TO
camp in July, 1889. had the largest al
tendance This was their first real duty
as District soldier body The camp was
~ Fort Washington, Md. The company