The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-06-21
REGIMENT WATTS
F0RM0v|NG ORDER.
Ecvcntieth Preparing for Hard
Life at Chickamaugua Eli
campmcnt.
ROUNDING INTO GOOD FORM
Great Increase in Enlistments.
Slow Fine Work at Weekly
Drills.

In anticipation of the part they arc
to take In the great national military
event of the yenr-the encampment at
Chickamaugua the last two weeks in
July--there has been a revival of in
tercst In the Richmond companies OF
the Seventeen Virginia Regiment, not
only on the part of officers and men
AZ individuals. but by the regiment
MS n whole. In order to increase in.
terest and to work UP the profcien-
cy OF the officers to the highest stand
ard, Major Hunsdon Cary, OF the First
Battalion, which consists entirely OF
the Richmond companies holds week
~ classes of instructions in military
tactics for the commissioned and nom
commissioned Vfficers. The percen-
tage OF attendance is really surpris-
ing. Indeed, man is seldom absent,
and the enthusiasm indicates that vir-
gnia's regiment Will male showing
which Will reflect credit upon the SOL
diers OF the Old Dominion.
Not only are the officers attending
the special classes with regularity,
but the percentage of attendance ut
the company's drills mas increased
largely OF late. With an eminently
good chance OF having regular army
as Major Cary has already made APP
plication to the Adjutant- General OF
the United States Army for the de-
tail-thcre seems TO be no reason why
the First Battalion should not make
a showing second to no volunteer
organization. Mt the encampment.
- II the officer is sent he will arrive
here some weeks previous to the start
for Chickamaugua. and with his in
structions. assisted by Major Cary. the
Richmond companies can be worked UP
to the highest standard OF military ef-
ne!ency.
2 Showed Grndnnl Improvement.
In Justice to the members and officer.
or the Richmond Battalion. 1t must be
stated that the revival OF interest is not
altogether due to the encampment. For
long time the Seventeen has been
picking up. the personnel OF recruits
being greatly above what 1t has been
heretofore. Many old members who
became dissatisfied at conditions and re-
signed some time ago. are coming back
and altogether there is new life in
the ranks and among the officers.
Major Cary and the officers in COM
mand OF the various companies are
giving much Of their time to the bat
talon, and never before in It's history
dition. Not alone is interest being
shown in the military department, but
those in charge are doing all in their
power to make the armory at Seventh
and Marshall as attractive as possible
Each of the company rooms is at pres
ent fitted out in the most approved
style, and shortly the interior of the
drill and assembly halls will be papered
and painted.
Taking everything into consideration,
there has been most decided improve
ment In the conditions governing the
battalion. and the officers feel much
encouraged at what has already been
accomplished and at the prospects for
future improvement.
Other companies located in the dif-
fcrent towns and cities are making
preparations. and one versed in milf
tary affairs said yesterday that nearly
every company would be fully repre-
scented at Chickamauga. Only recent
~ Captain Daniel Porter. OF stanton,
inspector OF small firing arms. who
passed through this section on BUSH
ness. Informally inspected the equip