Evening journal., 1908-08-05
GOOD SHOWING
OF MILITIAMEN
Expect to be Called Out Un-
expeCtedIy Some Night to
RepeI Invading Fleet

The citizen soldiers who have turned
artillerymen down at Fort Dupont have
put in the last two days in the hardest
kind Of work. That the men Of the pro-
visional battalion Of the Organized Militia
of Delaware will have an opportunity to
absorb a large amount of military lore
goes without saying. The two days train
ing they have already had at the big
guns has been of a character calculated
not to be soon forgotten; and though the
boys have taken to the work with no
lack Of enthusiasm, the heat has inter
fered much with the drills and made the
days tasks doubly arduous. The militia
men say they feel the heat much more at
Delaware City than they did while at
Rehoboth. There have been no prostra-
tions, however, which is thought 70 be
rather an exceptional circumstance.
The place where the militia have Pitch
ed their tents is excelently located. Major
Doherty has his headquarters to the west
of the camp, commanding somewhat Of a
full view Of the enoampment. He was
enthusiastic yesterday to point cut the
merits Of the grounds.
''You see" he said, everything is done
right up to date here. over there that
building you observe is where all the
waste is burned that is collected in the
camp. The narrow tracks running through
the grounds are for the cars TO pass
along into which the men pitch the waste,
the tracks run all around the camp and
the cars make the trip every day which
accounts for the clean appearance Of the
grounds"
Assorted Powder.
The mflitiamen got taste yesterday Of
what It means to assert powder. So far
their work has been with the regular ar
tillerymen at the heavy guns.
According TO the instructors this KIND
Of work will continue for the week,
though there may be one or two surprises
sprung before the militia boys quit. For
instance the companies are expecting to
be called out any night at an unexpected
hour to searchlight drill. Desiring to make
an excellent showing on any such oc-
casion and prove TO the regulars that they
will be fright on the job" no matter when
the call to turn out may come, the boys
are consequently sleeping light and with
one ear open to catch the first signal that
will mean their presence at the fortih-
cations.
May Repel Invaders.
Whether there will be a practical de-
monshe ton this week Of defending the
harbor entrance from an imaginary foe
is not certain. but If such a demonstra-
ton is to be held It win come when the
men are perhaps least expecting it.
The miliuamen are speaking In high
complimentary terms of the regulars sta
toned at the fort
instruction drills will be held every day
Of the week under the supervision Of the
officers and non-commissioned officers Of
the regular service. The instruction will
occupy both morning and afternoon.
Last night the militia officers listened
to lecture by Lieutenant Putnev, u
$. A, on subject pertaining to coast ar
tillery work
Guard mount is being held every af
ternoon and dress parade in the evening
Outside of the regular drills the day wa
a quiet one yesterday so far as visitor
at the camp was concerned. Major Doh
erty had his wife and two sons to see hin
during the late afternoon, but for tn,
most part visitors were few
Captain H. ]. Watson, u. S. A, one Q
the instructors sent from Fort Adams
Newport, r. l., spoke highly Of the mill
tiamen yesterday and the way they hal
taken held of the work.