Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-08

the schools conducted by the divisional
| is allowed to go on the rifle range at
| Congress Heights during the regular tar
| get practice season.
The schools i'll the division rooms were
in session during nearly the entire two
hours of the drill period last Thursday
night In the rooms assigned to the deck
divisions the men were taught signaling,
given preliminary instruction III naviga-
, ton, the rules of the road and various
matters which the men above decks
are supposed to familarize themselves
with.
In the room assigned to the engineering
division small steam engine and several
different kinds of pumps have been con-
structed on stands where they are in full
view of those attending the classes. Last
Thursday night the men In this division
were instructed in the workings Of the
steam engine and the methods OF using
pumps and the purposes for which they
are to be used on board ships Of the
navy. The need of keeping the mind alert
while in the engine room, and while the
the members. and the danger of turning
away for an instant while running ma
rine engines was explained. The neces-
sity of complying instantly and proper
ly with orders from the bridge was told
to the men. and some Of the dangers
which were likely to befall the vessel II
the orders were not obeyed by those be-
low decks, and unable to see the Inn
pending trouble, was brought to their
minds.
Commander Dempf said last Thursday
night that the examinations to fill vac
ancies in the commissioned grade of en-
sign at the battalion soon will be held.
Several applications for permission to
take the examination have been present
ed. Commander Dempf explained that
the examination will be competitive.
There are three vacancies in this grade
to be filled.
In granting permission for men to take
the examination for the grade Of en-
sign, Commander Dempf said that 1t was
! matter in which he must be careful
In addition to being familiar with the
duties which they are to perform. Com
mander Dempf pointed out that the men
must have a soldierly bearing. be able
under them, be strict disciplinarians and
at the same time must be kind to the
enlisted personnel. Above all, he said,
they must not be domineering. They
of the men under them, and at the same
time not leave with the men the feeling
! that they have been driven.
The grade of ensign, Commander Dempf
said he looks upon. more or less. as
corresponding with that of a cadet. While
the officers must be familiar with GER
tain duties and be able to enforce dis
cipline. at the same time he will be put
in a position where he can obtain much
valuable information and training to
fit him for the higher grades in the
naval militia. The ensign is looked upon.
so to speak, as the student officer of the
battalion, he says.
Commander Dempf last Thursday: night
presented marksmen, sharpshooter and
expert rif1emen medals to the members of
w
their fine shooting on the rife range at
the regular target practice last year.
1T gives me great pleasure to present
to you men these medals" he said. 1t
indicates that you are becoming proficient
in the handling of the rifle, the implement
| which the soldier or the sailor needs to
know how to use when his country is en-
gagged in war. After all. it is the man
| who can shoot and shoot true to his mark
and can kill the enemy who is wanted in
time of war. 1t was this fact which was
pointed out by Assistant Secretary Brock
inridge of the War Department when he
presented the medals to the National
Guardsmen at their arnory recently. He
said that everything that soldier or sail
or does in the way of sanitary work. In
fantry drill regulations, etc, is subordi-
nate to proficiency in handling the rife.
"In conclusion / wish to express the
hope that next year l will be able to pre-
sent to every member of this command
some one of the medals designed to show
the proficiency of the men in shooting to
kill"
Ensigns Harold w. Crawford Paul v.
Thompson and William r. Hoefer have
been appointed board of survey to as
certain what property is in the posses
sion of the battalion, and what Of it is
| in need of renewing. These officers
worked last Sunday, and their report is
now being prepared.
( Chief Clerk Meecham of the division Of
militia affairs of the Navy Department
| had conference with Commander Dempf
| last Thursday night The provisions of
| the new naval militia act were discussed,
and Commander Dempf declared that the
department could depend on him to CO.
| operate in every way possible to carry
! out the requirements of the law. II was
explained to Mr.. Meecham by Com
| mander Dempf that he could expect CO.
operation from the local organization in
any way that was needed to increase the
efficiency of the naval militia of the
country.
Fresh. Fragrant ViOlets.
GUIDES homegrown violets are plucked
hourly at this time of the year. 1914 F.