Arizona republican., 1913-07-28
(By James G. Simpson.)


 CAMP HUNT, Whpple Barracks. July 27.-The greatest encampment of the National Guard ever held in Arizo- ma became history this morning when the nine companies represented here for the past eleven days, struck their tents boarded a special train for the south or took the regular train for the north. Where at reVeille this morning stood canvas city of upwards of sev- enty tents, there remained three hours later not more than half a dozen brown tops of the men who will try for the team to represent Arizona at the na- tional rifle and revolver match at Camp Perry beginning August 9.
 With precision that would have done credit to regulars, the guardsmen took down their tents, prepared their bed rolls and camp equipment, placed the heavier articles in the baggage coaches standing on the Whipple siding and then in company formations marched to the long train and took their places for the long ride to Phoenix Some of the troops, were destined to all night rides particularly those from Yuma and Tucson.
 Before the mess ranges had been taken down, the company cooks pre- pared the days rations so that when the noon hour arrived there need be no inconvenience because of lack of food. Barrels of ice water were placed at the end of each car and there were facili- ties for preparing hot coffee when it was needed And so the men of the National Guard of Arizona, Drowned by the sun and breezes of Yavapai county, deserted the historic post and started for their respective home stations.
 Just before the train departed, First Lieutenant R. D. La Garde, United States Army. detailed to Arizona as nspector-instructor of the militia, issued the foregoing statement and added that the encampment was a complete surprise to him as he had never before thought it possible for such improvement to be achieved in the short time the men were in camp.
 The exercises held late yesterday af- ternoon in connection with the pre- sentation of eight long service medals to that number of the members of the guard, were especially impressive. Governor Hunt presided over this func- ton. After the usual parade, led by the popular Industrial School Band. the governors own. the men who were to receive the medals in honor of ten or more years service, were called before the executive. Before personally pin ming the insignia upon the breasts the octette. Governor Hunt in part said: Fellow Members of the National
 Guard:
 'It is a genuine pleasure for me to- day to be called here for the purpose of conferring upon each one of you medal symbolic of years of service giv- en to the National Guard Of America
 There are no insignia nob1er, or marks of honor more exalted, than those conferred in reward for duties faithfully discharged in behalf of state and nation. Until that universal peace which all desire, is forever assured, it behooves every commonwealth to be prepared for war. History has taught us that we cannot, with any certainty foreten when home and church and state, our three great national institu- tions. will be assailed by foreign foe. and perchance laid waste by alien hand. It is not the part of prudence or pat riotism, therefore. to decry the perfec- tion of military organization. And, per sonally. have no hesitation in pro- claiming that the efficiency and spirit exhibited by Arizona's National Guard during this annual encampment calls forth my gratitude and coinmendation.
 'In the dual capacity of governor of Arizona and officer of the National Guard. therefore, I feel that I am sharing very distinctive honor in the privilege of handing to you, who have given long years of service to our state militia, these emblems expressive of work we'll done"