Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-15

and the trip back to Washington was
started. the vessel arriving here about
3 o'clock.
Much practice work was obtained during
the voyage. Despite the fact that it was
bitter cold on the water the crew
thoroughly enjoyed the trip. There was
a fire drill. collision drill and gun drill.
The men We're kept going most of the
time. and although the trip was short
as necessarily the Sunday cruises must
he-much valuable practice work was
crowded into the short space Of time by
Commander Dempf.
The annual inspection of the Naval Bat
TALON will be held Thursday. April .. at
pm. according to orders issued by the
National Guard. headquarters Maj Lee
roy Heron. inspector general OF the
National Guard of the District of Column
bra. Will inspect the local jackies to see
that they comply with all Of the service
requirements.
Plans are being formulated by the Off
GERS and enlisted men of the battalion
to give an entertainment and dance on
the nlSht set for the Inspections.
= i ! ::
Now that the steam launch assigned 10
the Naval Battalion has been thoroughly
overhauled. Commander Dernpf is send
ing out parties for instruction purposes
The little vessel is used to train the en-
listed men of the battalion before they
L. s s Sylvia. On the launch the men
are taught how to steer. how to comply
with the rules of the road how to APP
proach dock. how to moor the vessel.
as Well as the methods of leaving the
dock with a power-propelled vessel. The
members of the engineers force taught
the workings of naval machinery with the
small engine which is installed on this
vessel. When the men have received
thorough training on the little vessel.
they are ready to do their duty not only
on the Sylvia. but on the battleship
when they go on their annual cruises.
With the number of enliStments in the
Naval Battalion increasing rapidly the
steam launch is being called upon 10
make many trips around the harbor to
give the new men instruction. When
spring arrives the launch Will take parties
of recruits out on practice cruises while
the Sylvia makes the longer trips down
the river.
Preparations have been practically COM
pleted for the L. s. $. Sylvia to leave
the Naval Battalion dock next Saturday
evening for three-daN cruise down the
river which will terminate with the par
ticipation by the Naval Battalion in the
parade next Monday AT Alexandria.
Under the plans far formulated by
Commander Dernpf. the sylvia viii leave
her dock at :, o'clock Saturday evening
ard Will steam down faI as Marshall
Hall. where the anchor Will he dropped
for the night. The vessel viii get under
Way again at daybreall and steam down
the river. putting about in time To get
back to Marshall Hall shortly after night
fall. where it will again anchor until
Monday morning. when II will steam for
its dock AT the foot of Water and o
streets southwest. arriving at II o'clock.
The entire battalion will then be EN-
barked. under arms. and the vessel will
leave at l O'Clock for Alexandria, where
the command will be disembarked for
participation In the parade. after which
the vessel will again take aboard the
sailormen for the return trip to Wash
ington. When the Sylvia docks and puts
its landing party ashore at Alexandria
il is tne plan of Commander Dempf to
have the vessel steam to anchorage off
the docks at Alexandria. where the signal
flags will he broken out and the ship
will he dressed in gala attire for the
occasion,