The Washington times., 1908-07-31
DISTRICT MILITIA
KEEP UNDER COVER
Field ManeuverS Are Sue
cessfully Carried Out at
Both Forts.

FORT WASHINGTON. July IL
Again today. the District National
Guardsmen, in camp at Forts Wash
ington and Hunt are manning the for
tifications and protecting them from
land attacks in the rear.
Ali day the wind has been blowing
from the northeast, portending a storm.
and the weather has been threatening.
To the excursionist il would not be pro-
pitious. but TO the citizen soldiers this
IS merely incidental, and IS not regard
ed
II was spiting rain for a while this
morning, and hose left in camp closed
tent flaps and made everything snug.
and then yazed at the fleeing clouds
with nonch Slance. fearing nothing. To
the men ia ne field and at the big guns
Il was not no, iced. Their work was cut
out for them and il mattered not
whether It rained or stormed OF the
sun blazed-
Only One Topic
Interest is conferred IN the seacoast
Qualifications mounted here. and the
problems Of working these defenses
with the various strategicaI and tactical
movements IN The field have been too
I
topic. The men are happy, satisfied,
and contented working hard. and play
ing between times with rare zcst and
enjoyment.
Colonel Conn, commanding the ArtiI-
lery District Of the Potomac. has proven
himself a worGer. The success Of last
year is being repeated. The objections
that were made in some quarters 20
4 encanpment started, have all been for
gotten
officers and men are as enthusiastic
as was the Second Regiment upon its
/ return 70 washington last year, and
there viii undoubtedly be unanim!ty IN
the reports that 20 TO the War Depart
ment.
IN his distri >1tion OF work and play,
I and his arrangement OF the gun drills
and practice, Colonel Conn has shown
a rare understanding Of human nature
Reserves Work Guns.
I Today the drills by reserves and sup
/ ports at both forts were identical viii
/ those OF yesterday The reserves. unde-
| their own officers. worked the guns
/ with ever increase rBpidity ard precis
/ ION In the battle and fire command
/ stations, the militia officers worked TIT
| intricate instruments with confidence
| and tonight they will operate the Nv,
I forts as one fighting unit This will b'
the browning feature Of their Eve days
! training.
Colonel Coffin went from post to post
I this morning watching the work. and
/ he expressed himself as much gratifiec
I with the progress made The noncOm'
/ mfssiOned officers transmitting orders
q a = from
] the Instruments have also obtained con
! fdenCe n himself. Colonel UreU was
I'm the battle command station, and
/ made out wonderfully. and was not al
! all abashed when Colonel Co5sn leI1
him 20 his OWL judgment
Il IS probable that the maneu-er'
j proper when there will be real theOrec
seal ener1ias will not commence unit
next week. and the big scraps viii no
be pulled on until possibly THURSDAY
and Friday
Tomorrow, viii be a day OF rest Il
all the camps
Fort Against Fort.
/ one OF the features this year will h
tho attacks upon tho two forts by earl
ether This will probable take plac'
during the frs. OF the week They WI
be for the purpose Of demonstratint
the powers OF the forts individually q
hold out should the enemy effect
capture Of one side. In this Fort Wash
inetOn has the advantage. as Hun
/ would be untenable with an enemy Il
| Washington and the guns at le2s
would have to be abandoned
|. Colonel Coffin has lust issued al Orde'
to the effect that any enlisted man ar
. | irving at camp on any future day vii
not be paid unless he reports.
, -. " .