Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-09-26

to be the very best report ever re-
revived by the organization for its work
on an annual cruise aboard battle
ship is that given by Commander H. II.
Christy, U. S. Navy. who commanded
the battleship Kearsarge while the Dis
trict militiamen were taking their an
nual practice cruise last July.
This organization" said the Christy
report which was received at the bat
talon headquarters during the week.
reported aboard at Hampton Roads I
am. July 3, having arrived by Wash
ington steamer. Ships boats met them
at the dock and transported them to
the ship. They came aboard in very
orderly manner; the officers and men
were in proper uniform and the bags
and hammocks presented a very neat
appearance. They were assembled into
the ships organization with reason
able promptness.
THE general discipline is very good.
The commanding officer is exacting In
this feature of the training and he
makes 1t a point to keep in appropri-
ately close touch with the individual
members. The general average of rank
of the officers is not high compared
with other militia organizations. The
organization Is well rounded out in
the sense that nearly all features of a
ships company in regard to variety of
rates are provided for, and the distri-
button of rates is fairly well balanced.
Further, the men holding rates in spe-
cial branches are fairly well qualified.
showed a keen interest to learn and
improve their opportunities.
ION the whole this organization made
a very favorable impression on me and
I consider that 1t would be very
valuable asset to the naval establish
ment in case of war. The officers, gem
orally speaking. are deficient in tech
nical knowledge. but have the service
spirit and some training and could be
soon made a useful ,I part OF a snip
complishments. The men compare ia
yorably with regular recruits received
from the training stations
The officers and men as whole are
given by Commander Christy. Com
mander Dempf, in addressing the men
following the drill period Thursday
night, complimented them ON the re-
port they had received from the COM
handing officer of the Kearsarge.
Commander Dempf has issued orders
to have all boats Of the naval militia.
including the two steam launches. Two
motor boats and two whalehoats. t.
make regular trips to the feet which
will be anchored in the Georgetown
channel during this week. Visitors
will not be allowed on the vessels at
night, but the naval militia boats will
make trips to the Georgetown channel
and cruise around the vessels. giving
the friends Of the officers and men a
chance to see these fighting vessels.
All boats will be in charge of officers.
Ensign Wilbert E. Locklin has been
designated as boat officer.
Odicers and men Of the Naval Bat
TALON have been instructed to report
at the armory at o'clock Wednesday
morning to participate in the parade
Of the Grand Army Of the Republic.
The naval militiamen will turn out in
blue uniforms, with white hats and
leggings. the regulation marching uni
form of the navy.
Commander Dempf has urged all of
the mon to make an effort to partici-
pate In this parade as a tribute to the
citizen soldiery who answered the call
to arms in the Cos. telling them that
this 10 probably the last time they viii
have q chance to honor these mon.