The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-24
SUPERIORITY or FIRE
OBJECT OF INSTRUCTION

How TO obtain superiority OF fire
was the principal detail OF the instruc-
tion given to-day to the companies of
the state militia. Each battalion was
formed into a provisional company OF
war strength, and attacks on an inn
aginary enemy entrcnchcd on a hill TO
the west OF the camp size were made
by each of the companies.
Each company. followed by the bat
talon officers, other than those actual
ly in command, and under the observa-
ton OF regular officers detailed FOR
Instruction. went into action bn the
Identical way they would have To do
IN warfare. The crest OF the hill the
objective point, was nearly 4 mile from
me position occupied by the attacking
party. Thc distance was covered
through short rushes as skirmishers.
until, when within fifty yards of the
supposed enemy. bayonets We're fixed
ana the troops Went up TO the top of
famous rebel yell as tl:ey reached
the highest point.
'rhe whole drill period was mapped
out by the officer instructors, who con
irollcd the action OF the troops in re-
gard TO the tactical points. When Il
tohipahy reached a point over which
il had advantage OF the enemy" it
was permitted To go forward. When il
struck dangerous positions. flags on
the hill crest announced the facts and
the advance ha&ed until the command
ton.
The afternoon drill period was much
similar, but where the attacking force
composed Of a full battalion in the
afternoon. The army officers. while
criticizing the troops in many respects.
said that the work was much better
than had been expected.
The weather to-day was the best
since the ehcampment hogan. The
sun sun was intense. but cooling breezes
rounding country, and. while the work
mas neen severe for green troops, the
men men are holding up well under the
STRAIN, ana are improving rapidSy un-
der the rigid discipline such as has
been the rule ri this camp. The pres
ence OF SO many regular officers has
utmost TO conform with the army regu-
iations, and the discipline is the best
ever seen at a State encampmcnt.
GOOD RESULTS OBTAINED
BY HONOR SYSTEM
The honor system Of freedom after
the work is finished continues TO pre-
vail. The men realize the advantage
OF this, and no disorder has yet been
brought to the attention of the authori-
ueS. The provost guard has been
called<ou but once, and that proved
to be false alarm. An urgent call was
received from Gordonsvillo late on
which was rushed to town, found that
civilians had been the cause of the
trouble. and that none. OF the volun-
tecrs had been involved.
The camp has been especially mark cd
by the absence of Incidents worth
mentioning The routine work has So
far kept everybody busy except Dt
night, and then lawn parties and a
carnival, as we'll as the regular camp
recreations,. have kept the men and
officers well entertained. Visitors con-
tinue to invade the camp. and as the
soldier boys become acquainted with
the townspeople there are more and
more each day. y huge excursion will
bring the whole countryside here on
sunday, and. with a big camp meet
ing in progress, the town of Gordons-
willie Will have u temporary popula-
tion Of more than 10000 souls.
TiN're is still 10 serious sickness in
camp. The hospital corps has the sit :
uation we'll in hand. and the officers
are seeing that the sanitary laws are
riGidly complied with There have
been no accidents OF serious nature,
and the only illness ha3 been from
sore feet or such minor complaints
Beans made their first appearance
day, with the arrival of the first
Issue OF government rations For
dinner there was great variety. con
sisting Of baked beans. boiled beans
and bean soup. PRAYERS have been Of
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