Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-05-15

tines considerable interest was mani
fest, but at others there has been lie
thargy.
The utility Of the organization al
critical times in Alexandria's his
tory has occasionally been apparent.
There are times when the police are
unable to cope with certain situa-
ltions; and the fact that the Light
Infantry has always been ready for
emergencies has caused the flight OF
anxiety. This was especially notice
able nineteen years ago, when one
Saturday night an army OF vicious
and drunken negroes, all armed, were
about to march from Alexandria
county to this city to avenge the
death of negro who had been lynch
ed for rape. The Light Infantry on
that occasion repaired to the cor,
fines Of the city on the Washington
Turnpike, and the would-be invaders
having been informed of the "com-
mittee of reception" awaiting them,
ibid not venture within several miles
of Alexandria.
During the same year the company
was put under arms on three differ
ent occasions, which was great re-
lief to the many who were apprehen-
sive of trouble. 1t will therefore be
seen that there is such a thing as
local as well as national preparedness.
This honorable institution is now
in the process of reorganization, and
meeting of the command will be
held at their armory tonight. Present
conditions are not satisfactory and
the newly elected officers are en-
leavoring TO remedy them. Of course
they need the cooperation of all
AleXandrians in their commendabie
work.
The preparedness campaign which
lis now sweeping the country is caus-
ing enthusiasm in this city, and the
efforts of the officers of the AieXan-
dria Light Infantry is to pace
that command in condition to meet
the exigencies of the occasion. We 90
not believe we are to have war, but
the sudden interest which is being
taken in our city in military tactics
shows that our spirit of patriotism
is as manifest as it was in the days
of '76 and the critical periods which.
have followed at intervals.
It is the earnest wish of the new
ly elected officers to bring the Alex
andria Light Infantry up to the high
est efficiency-an efficiency it enjoyed
years ago when the command almost
invariably returned home with tror
2hies from state encampmeMs which
had been awarded them for the best
drills and Workmanship.
Those interested in restoring these
conditions, call attention to the fact
that aside from military training, the
members annually attend training
camps, lasting from week to ten
days, the men receiving free trans
portation, equipment and fell uni
form, as we'll as free subsistence. In
addition they receive pay for the
time they are in attendance at the
camp.
The new officers are making every
effort to make the Alexandria. Light
Infantry model company, but the
cordial cooperation and support of
all .Alexandrians, officials and privates
is needed to bring about this 1eside-
ratum. There is an opportunity for
every one to help in this worl: Tho
officers make an earnest appeal TO
the young men of the community to
turn their attention to What is
clearly their duty to stand in readi-
ness in case their services are needed.
They may rest upon their arms for
years, but in these days there is no
telling what may occur.
N