Evening star., 1914-03-22

and love of the Stars and Stripes were
among the old things which the men
should cling to, regardless Of any new
ideas which came to them.
Vice President Marshall left the armory
shortly after he delivered his address.
Then moving pictures of the activities of
the battalion during the year were shown.
and dancing followed until nearly mid
night, the sailor boys fishwalkng to the
music furnished by the United States
Musician Philip Meyers, the members of
which had volunteered their services to
make the affair d success.
Everything went off smoothly and En-
sign Frank w. Sigourrrey, commanding
the third division, and the enlisted men
of that division, who We're Instrumental
i'll proposing the affair and who handled
1t principally, were the recipients of con-
gratulations from the other officers and
members of the command.
With this inspection by the Vice Prcsi-
dent now past, the officers and enlisted
men of the battalion are making prepara-
tons for the annual inspection by Mai
lie Roy Heron, inspector general. Ma
1t Is proposed to give "a dance also on
this occasion, which Is scheduled to be
held April 8.
i. 4, * <
Ensign William r. Hoefer, ordance off
Ger of the Naval Battalion, had the honor
of being the first officer of the local naval
militia to participate in the benefits of
last February. Upon the receipt of in
formation from the Navy Department
that ten naval militia officers from varl-
Gus parts of the country would be select
ed to join the Atlantic fleet to observe
the target practice to be held OH the
southern drill grounds during the next
two weeks, sever;4 officers of the Naval
Battalion promptly applied for the desig-
nation: Ensign Hoefer's name, however,
was the only one picked to be sent to the
department. He received his orders
Wednesday and left Washington Thurs
day evening and Joined the Atlantic fleet
at Hampton roads yesterday. While ON
this duty Ensign Hoefer will receive the
pay and allowances of an officer Of equal
rank in the regular service.
This officer, one Of the youngest in the
battalion. was very much elated over his
selection to represent the local naval
militia at the target practice. He is
thoroughly familiar with ordnance and
gunnery. but was particularly anxious
to get out on the big ships and get some
first-hand information on the big gun
practice of the fleet Before he left he
said that while on this trip he would OBJ
which would assist him materially in
mapping out courses of study for the
men of the naval militia,
He is expected to return to Washing
ton about April 5.
X * = (:
The annual convention OF the Naval
Militia Association of the United States
was held in this city at the New Willard
Hotel last Monday, closing with the an
nual banquet that night The banquet
was attended by Secretary Daniels and
officers of the regular navy and naval
militia and members of Congress.
Plans for improving the efficiency Of
the naval militia of the country were
tentatively outlined. Commander T. b.
Bassett, head Of the division os militia
affairs Of the Navy Department gave to
the members of the association a COM
prehensive talk on the provisions of the
new naval militia law. He particularly