The Washington herald., 1915-08-29
wilson REVIEWS
militia in rain
President Finds Guardsmen,
Though Drenched, Make
Fine Showing.
100 TROOPS IN PARADE
Naval Militia and Battery A. Field
Artillery, Also in
Line.
100 TROOPS IN PARADE

encampment of the National Guard yes
terday afternoon when the 1900 khaki
clad District militiamen. drenched to the
skin and in heavy marching order, passed
in review before President Wilson on the
White House Ellipse.
The President arrived promptly at 1:3o,
the time set for the review. although the
troops had been drawn up awaiting his
arrival fully twenty minutes before. He
was accompanied by Col. w. w. Harris,
Mai. J. c. Cashier. and Louis Brownlow.
District Commissioner
The President attired in a long rain
coat. black soft felt hat and rubbers.
stood in the rain for fully fifteen min
utes upon a hastily erected stand and
watched the troops swing by in company
formation.
Brig Gen. William Harvey took up n
position Immediately to the Presidents
right
President Wilson. at the conclusion of
the review, commented favorably upon
the excellent showing of the troops under
such discoura~ conditions.
100 Troops in Line.
Besides the Third Infantry and the Ma
chine Gun Company. the Sanitary Corps.
Signal Corps. and First Separate Battal-
ion. all of which have been at Camp Ord
way for the past two weeks. the naval
militia and Battery 4. Field Artillery.
were in line. swelling the number Of
troops to LOO The Naval Battalion re-
Gently had its annual cruise aboard the
battleship Kearsarge. while. the artillery
has been in camp at Tpbyhanna, Pa
Owing to the heavy downpour only a
crowd of about 800 witnessed the review
and on his return the President hurried
into the Executive Mansion by way of the
street entrances to the executive offices,
using that door for the first time since
he has heen an occupant Of the White
House.
After night spent in dog tents with
a steady rainfall and a cold wind sweep
ing through the camp. the guardsmen
were aroused from their slumbers at
four a. m. this morning, to prepare for
the return to Washington. Hot coffee
and ham sandwiches were served break
fast. after which tents We're rolled. kits
were packed and at 6:i5. headed by the
Third Regiment hand. the soldiers start
ed for the wharf. A few early risers
waved a farewell as the troops marched
by. while at the boat landing a few
hundred others waved a goodbye as the
st. Johns. promptly at seven o'clock,
turned its nose toward Washington.
For two hours after leaving Colonial
Beach the rain continued to fall and the
First Separate Battalion, which had been
given the top deck. was forced to SILVER
in the cold and rain with no protection
from the elements except their ponchos.
The rain ceased about o'clock, and
everybody's spirits rose, Gully to be dis
appointed when the storm set in with
greater fury as the st. Johns neared
Washington.
Although wet and cold. the District
milftiamen Were a happy lot at the pros
pect of seeing the home folks again.
Capt Lewis c. Wilson. payma ster,
commenced to disburse the District pay,
about $e0,One, shortly after the boat left.
Face Tomb of Warrington.
Privates received SIS each for the
thirteen days In camp. provided no de-
auctions were made for bad behavior
while the officers were compensated in ,
proportion. After turning in their equip |
ment. the soldiers will receive their Fed
eral pay at the arnory. amounting to 30
cents per day additional for the thirteen |
days for privates
AS the st. Johns near Mount Vernon.
Bugler Benny Levy sounded attention,
and the soldiers stood erect facing the
tomb Of Washington while the band
played Sweet Hour of PRAYER
Passing Indian Head, the ruardsmen |
were startled by loud report as shell |
shrieked through the air. fired from the
naval proving grounds. a mile or so dis |
tant. |
The five-hour ride to Washington was
spent in eayety. groups of soldiers gath |
ering in odd corners of the boat to sing
snatches of popular songs and tell stories |
OF the life at Camp Ordway.
The soldiers were paid by companies
Sergt. II. c. Blackman. of Company A
after a tussle with alI-comers to hold his
position In line. being the first man to
get his envelope. He immediately moved
70 one side. counted his money. and made
a dive for the lunch counter, which was
soon doing a thriving business.
Only one hospital case was brought to
Washington. member of Company 1 re-
turning with a slight fever. due to ex-
posture.
Four prisoners were returned in GUS
tody OF the guard. and they were taken
to the armory. where their eauipment
was turned in. after which they were
turned loose. Lieut.. Col. Anton STEPHAN.
summary court officer for the Third
Regiment. stated that they would be
given q discharge without honor in a few
days.
Capt Will H. Chase and Capt. Ed
Nevills remained at Colonial Beach with
a detail to look after the government
which could not be brought
back this morning on the St Johns.