The semi-weekly messenger., 1908-02-14

De Arranged.
The Wilmington Light Infantry will
take part in the proposed sea-coast de-
tense exercises which will he held at
Fort Caswell next May. the exer-
cises having been arranged by order
of the war department at Washington.
The matter of taking part in the ex-
ercises was left discretionary with
the company and at it's meeting on
Tuesday night it was decided by
unanimous vote to join in these ex-
ercises, which will undoubtedly be or
great benefit to all the members of
the Guard.
The participation in these man
euvres will not cut of the company
from any other encampment work that
may be arranged later during the
year.
Major Schumm, the commanding Of
dcer at Fort Caswell recently in con-
versation with Capt. w. F. Robert
son, of the w. l.. l., expressed the
hope that the Wilmington company
would be one of those selected to take
part in the maneuvres there; that he
was desirous of arousing the main
tanning the interest Of the citizen
soldiers in the coast defense work, and
that he wants Fort Caswell regarded
by Wilmington citizens. generally as
their fort, to be visited by them when
ever they so desire and for an interest
to be felt in this city looking to the
adornment and beautifying, no appro-
priations ever being made by the gov
ernment for the planting of trees, lay
ing out of grounds, ETC., at the fort
reservations.
Major Schumm is most gracious and
cordial in his attitude toward Will
mington and appreciation for his in
vitation and solicitation of interest
and support should be manifested
The question of the proposed man
uevres was called to the attention of
Capt. Robertson in a communication
from Adjutant General Robertson, OF
the North Carolina National Guard.
under date of Feb. 5th, in which it
said:
cat the suggestion of the governor
I have the honor to bring to your at
tention the proposed sea-coast defense
exercises contemplated by the war de-
partment at Fort Caswell next May.
The Washington authorities are ex
ceedingly anxious for the state Of
ko1v Hf in, fhn,
exercises and the governor would like
to have about four companies of our
state troops to participate in them.
The Importance of making proper pro-
vision for defending our long line OF
coast in the event of war cannot be
overestimated and it would seem to be
he part of wisdom for us now to do
our duty toward supplementing the eff
| forts of the national government in
| this respect. The governor does not
| want to exercise any arbitrary power
in sending any portion of our Guard
| to Fort Caswell for the purpose indi-
Gated, but It would crafty him very
much if the companies nearest the
!
est in the matter to look with favor
upon the proposition. Wilmington and
; its surroundings are vitality concerned
! in the matter of sea-coast defense and
! her citizen soldiers ought to be willing
to take advantage Of any offer that
would increase their efficiency for home
defense.
Please advise me at your earlies;
convenience if you think it would be
practicable for your company to parti-
cipate in the proposed maneuvres al
Fort Caswell Of course this would no,
cut off your company from any Other
encampment work that might be ar
ranged such for later on, for instance as
army maneuvres at Chickamauga mex,
September or target practice at Camp
Glenn in August"