The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-31
ID ORGANIZE LOCAL ARMY SIGNAL CORPS Important Step 10 Be Taken In
 Birmingham INSPECTION OF MILITIA Prominent Military Officers Visited Rifle Range At BoyIes Yesterday.
 Informal Banquet Rendered
 Visitors Last Night.
INSPECTION OF MILITIA

Jefferson county military circles were present time. The regular annual in spection of the various companies com- bined with certain important announce ments, the practical completion of the rifle range near Boyles and the presence of several prominent army officers has aroused considerable interest locally.
 It was announced yesterday that Ad- jutant General Bibb Graves would call a meeting of all members of the mil- tary who are interested In the organza- tion of an army signal corps here for the purpose of forming such a branch of the army service in Birmingham. Officers will be elected tonight, it is understood, and the corps will be mustered in by the adjutant general tomorrow. The signal corps is one of the highest branches of the army service. The organization will call for the services of electricians, tele- phone operators and engineers and the move is quite an important one for the local military.
 Adjutant General Bibb Graves, Maj. ". A. Thurston and Captain Taylor of the recruiting service, accompanied by several of the local military officers, have visited the rifle range near Boyles and report matters to be in good shape as far as the work has gone. While the range Is in shape to be used now, 1t has been de- cided to blow up the ground and SOW grass on the tract in order to keep it from washing. The completion of the range will possibly be marked by the assembly here of a number of the best marksmen in the state militia and it is probable that the next military shoot will be held in Birmingham.
 Major Thurston and General Graves have inspected Company A of Woodlawn and Companies G and B and Battery D were inspected last night.
 Banquet Last Night.
 The banquet complimentary to Adjt. Gen. Bibb Graves and Maj. w. A. Thurs ton of Montgomery and Col. w. H. Me- Kleroy of Anniston, rendered by the off cers' club of the Jefferson County Ma tional Guard, at the New Morris last night, was one Of the largest and most brilliant assemblies of officers of the Alabama National Guard, held since the formation of that organization. There were forty-two officers of the National Guard in attendance.
 Teh banquet was held In the private din- ing-room of the hotel and was splendid affair. An elaborate dinner of eight courses was served, and the occasion was marked by rare wit and very clever speeches.
 Maj. J. Quincy Smith acted as toast master, and he offieiated with his custo- mary grace, wit and pointed remarks. The guests of honor were called upon for speeches and all made excellent talks. Adjutant General Graves spoke on "The National Guard" Major Thurstons speech was on 'The National Guard Viewed from the Army Standpoint Strike Duty was Mckleroy's subject.
 The other speakers were Dr. Wyatt lief lin, First Aid to the Injured;' Capt. D.. J. McCrossin 'Duties of the Grand Mar shall" Capt. Mel Smith, By the Sad Sea Waves" Maj Charles Gregory, "The Ladies'" Dr. J. E. Dedman, 'The Med ical Staff;" Capt. Bob Mabry, Military and Politics. Lieut.. c. H. Mandy, Greater Ensley," and Dr. w. D. Fon- vile, "The Woes of Bachelor