The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-08-06
GUARDSMEN help
TO PUT OUT fire
Second Regiment Members
Extinguish Blaze IN
Dry Bush.
CAMP LIFE Is ENJOYED
Actual Drill Work Begins, and Soldier
Boys Are Shown How to Pitch
Shelter Tents.
(Frum a STAT CorrespondenceD

Camp Ordway, Harpers Ferry, W. Va,
Aug. 5.-Members Of the Second Regi-
nent of the District National Guards.
encamped at Bolivar Heights. near Har-
pers Ferry, w. Va, today were pressed
into active service when fire which, Tor
a time, threatened to sweep Camp Ord
way, was discovered shortly before
o'clock.
The fire was discovered in huge pile
of dry brush and refuse on the side of
a little hill directly in the rear OF the
tents of the Second Regiment Only
quick work on the part Of the Second
Regiment prevented the flames from
spreading to the tents. The flames
rapidly gained Roadway, and it required
twenty minutes Of the hardest kind or
work to prevent them from reaching
the camp. Members OF the Second Regi-
ment formed a bucket brigade and
passed water from a well more than a
hundred yards away.
Gen. Harries was present and wit
messed the work of the members Of the
Second Regiment After the flames had
been extinguished he complimented the
officers and men for their prompt action
and the systematic way in which they
went about fighting the fire.
Ready for Hard work.
The second day at Camp Ordway found
most of the District guardsmen thor
oughly hardened to camp life and ready
for the strenuous weeks work that lays
before them. The car.p was thoroughly
policed, that is, cleaned up. yesterday
afternoon, and the District boys Will
devote the remainder Of their time at
Bolivar Heights to perfectins a smooth
fighting machine.
Squads of the guardsmen, In charge
of corporals armed with rakes, pitch
forks, and brooms, went over every inch
of ground in the camp limits, removing
all rocks and debris. When they had
finished the parade ground was as
smooth as a dance floor.
The officers today got down to the ac-
tive work OF the school OF instruction
and during the afternoon they went on
tactical walks" and made careful plans
for the skirmishes that are TO follow
later this week. The rank and file, too,
began actual drill work. The men were
put through a course OF sprouts in squad
and company drills. They also received
first aid instructions and were shown
how to pitch the shelter tents carried
in active service.
Following the various drills and the
evening parade those who had any de-
sire for big party" hiked to Harpers
Ferry. where they made merry in true
soldierly manner. The band concerts
given every evening in front of the brig
ade headquarters are attracting num-
hers of visitors to the camp. The light
airs played by the band have soothing
effect upon the men, worn out by their
long days work in the broiling sun.
Call ON Ger. Harrics.
Immediately after the evening meal the
officers meet at the brigade headquarters,
where they receive instructions for the
following day. After this detail they
are called to Gen. Harries' tent, where
he discusses with them the mistakes
made during the day and goes over with
them the next days work.
The field hospitals reported that there
had been no casualties or heat prostra-
tions during the day. They are, how
ever. amply prepared for any emergen-
cies that might arise. No untoward in
Cidents have merred the first two days
and Gen. Harries is loud in his praise
of the District boys.