The Washington times., 1916-10-16

BAN ANTONIO. Oct. IL (by maiD.-A
reputation In not always a good thing
to have, according to many Of the on
GERS Of the Third Regiment. This does
not mean that the officers have no repu-
tations and are envious of those who
have. but II applies to the regiment az
an outfit OF soldiers.
The reason for the officers doubt m
to whether reputation II an
asset or q liability IL that from
some unknown source the higher
officers at Camp Wilson learned
before the District militia arrived here
that II was what is. known in army CIR
cles an "a crack regiment" The offi'
GERS Of the Third say this sounds very
nice. but It also means that more will
way than would naturally be expected
u the organization had no such reputa-
ton.
Upon learning from Colonel Young
that the Third had been Thoroughly
drilled in close and extended order. out
post work, reconnaissance battle prac-
tice and hiking, Capt c. A. Lewis. In
speetor instructor for the militiamen
stated that II the nrst few days work
these branches Of soldiers duties they
would be excused from q lot OF duty.
The soldiers who left Camp Wilson just
before the District militiamen arrived
were put through q rigorous program.
winding up with an eighty-mile hike 10
Austin. The reason for the drastic pro-
gram was that the militiamen came here
soft and green and without training:
The District militiamen. however, showed
months training at Fort Myer from the
moment they reached camp.
Businesslike Soldiers.
Instead OF the disorder and confusion
which characterized the camp-making
of unframed organisations. the arrival
OF the Washingtonians was marked by
the most businesslike workmanship and
order. In fact the District soldiers had
their camp pitched SO quickly and
the iiiinoisns Snd kansa a eS%peS near
by drifted over to inquire What regi-
ment OF regulars IL this?" That 10 the
highest compliment that can be paid q
militiaman-to be mistaken for a regu-
lar.
A singular feature In connection with
the first days drilling at Camp Wilson
was the fact that Capt. G. A. Lewis,
Observation-Disclosures for the District mill
and snap shown by the men. while their
own captains were chagrined. The mill
tia captains expected q better drill. and
they heve seen better ones at Fort
As a result OF their dispieasure over
the drilling some Of the company COM
manders gave their entire organizations
extra duty. which consisted OF trench
digsins ana other linen msnia Nv work n;,,.,,
drilled has several hills and hoilows on
1t. and the entire surface Ia covered
with stones about the size OF hen eggs.
As a result Of the typographical lay of
the land and the rough surface, many
of the soldiers were out Of step and
some OF them actually stumbled.
Colonel Young Sees Drills.
Colonel Young witnessed the company
and battalion drills and. realizing that
the men could not do their best work on
such q field. rode two miles from camp
to look for a more suitable place. He
was accompanied by Captain Fullam.
| his adjutant. who chuckled with glee
| over being able TO ride a horse again
after being laid up two weeks with a
sprained ankle, received when his horse
threw him near Fort Myer while re-
turning from maneuvers
The soldiers have learned many
things since they came here and among
| the things the first sergeants learned
too. are expected to answer drill calls
The FIRST sergeants are given charge of
platoons in the maneuvers. The camp
order II that they must turn out for
| frst sergeants never drilled. Their
| work consisted of keeping the records
and assigning tho duty sergeants, cor
porals. and privates work to perform.
The District militiamen got their nrst
taste Of a "norther'' Wednesday night
when the high wind bowled over a
number of their tents and a heavy rain
drenched many of them to the skiR
| Tho Washingtonians had been warned
against the fury of the "northers" and
staked their tents unusually deep and
secure. but the pegs and ropes could
not hold the canvas upright IN the face
| of the powerful gale. The rain and
electrical storm was followed by a cold
snap which was welcomed by the mill
tiamen after a day OF sweltering on the
drill field.