The Oskaloosa herald., 1911-02-23
THE 0fHeIit #.
INSPECTION Co. /
Work Of Inspection Began at Three
O'clock In the Afternoon - Drill
Is Watched With keenest In
terest by the q. A. r.


An event Of the first magnitude
took place in oskaloosa Monday even
ing the annual official inspection Of
Compay F. SAITH Reg. Iowa National
Guard. The work was nader the di
rectioa OF Captain II. W. Wescott, OF
Fort n. A. Russell. Wyoming. reg
ular army officer, and was as thor.
ough and severe as that TO which q
company about TO enter actual ser.
vice is subjected. Never before has
the company collectively, individually
and seyerally been put to such a test
as that experienced Monday evening.
The statement also goes unchalleng-
ed that, never before in the history
of the company has such interest
been shown in Inspection on the part
of the public and by the townspeople.
The spectators and visitors to the
armory crowded every available inch
of space in the armory. They stood
on all sides of the large room and at
the ends the spectators we're several
rows deep. The work of the men
was repeatedly cheered. The large
gallery" present had beneficial eff
feet on the men under examination.
The COMPANY has been under in.
struction and drill for a week or
more by a special officer, Sergeant
William Wiscombe, of Vancouver
Barracks, Washington, who has been
natiring in his efforts 10 bring the
men up to standard. The men them
selves have been equally solieitous
fer the excellence of the company IN
all ways and Captain A. 7. Drinkle,
Jr., is gratified at the showing his
corupafly made last evening. 81
The work OF inspection began at
three O'Clock in the afternoon The
company IL required 10 be in condf
,ion to be called into active service
upon few honrs notice, property,
arms and equipment mnst be in read
mess AT all times for movement and
service and the inspector has day
WIN CNVig t"uApoHy
ed. The afternoon was spent with
the property of the company, cloth;
ing, equipment. etc, and the evening
IN inspection the men appear before
the inspector, ready for field service,
and unle5s orders from headquarters
had not been received 10. the con.
trary, one huIdred rounds of ammu.
nitfdn and three days field rations
would have been issued 10 every col
der Fifty.seFen men answered TO
roll call in Captain Drinkle's com
mand when the inspector was ready
for the examination and each bore
full field equipment, carrying in all
between fifty and sixty pounds. They
had. beside arms, their pup tents.
half tent to the man, blankets,
towel, pair socks, tooth brush, comb
and soap, meat can, canteen filled
with water, knife. fork, plate, spoon,
entrenching hooks, shovel, plck-ax,
Ratchet, etc. The department and
mien OF the company was excellent,
Judged by the standards OF the Off.
GERS and few criticisms could be OF.
fered by those in command OF the
conduct and bearing of the company
as whole. Captain Wescott was
rapid in his work, but THOROUGH and
searching. He gave the company Q
surprise in an unlocked for and I'm.
expected inquiry. and was, in turn,
himself surprised by the manner In
which the company came back az
him. 1t was demonstration that
brought a sparkle of pleasure to the
eyes of the trained officer and a shout
of pride, approval and applause from
the spectators. In fact, the old G.
A. r. men present fairly danced with
joy. Captain Wescott addressed the
company TO ask question. He de-
sired 10 know how many of the men
would enlist for regular service on
the morrow if the country required
their services. Without hesitation
or without dissent OF single mem
Der the ranks stepped forward 10
place as though to the command
'FOrwdf0, marCn. ne reply was
so spontaneous that il was little less
than sensational. The face OF the
trained soldier seldom, If ever, shows
emotion. but Captain Wescott is 10
be pardoned if the response brought
TO his countenance momentary
flush OF pleasure. a
The company officers have no
means OF knowing the grading given
by, an lhspectig officer. They dc
know. however, whether or not theii
men have done well or poorly. They
can see error as readily as the in
spectiag officer. Captain Drink,
and his officers are of the opinion
that Company r did fairly well Mon
day evening. The Captain says b.
has fine lot OF men aud they hav'
worked well. II a service call cam
today he could have the company II
the field, ready for attack or defels'
within FIVE hours time. Captain Drin
kle has worked hard 10 bring his com
rnand up 10 It's presen, degree OF 2,
cellence aad he Is TO be commende
for the showing he has made.
Notice.
The Trustees OF Black Oak TwI
win hold a speeial meeting on MOI
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