The Washington times., 1916-07-24
First and Third Battalions Fight
With Blank Cartridges for
Three Hours.
RESULT STILL IS IN DOUBT
Like German and British Ad-
miraIties, Both Claim VIC
tory Was Theirs.

Another hard-fought but bloodless
battle was waged at the mobilization
camp today by 500 District militia
men.
The conflict was staged in the vi
entity Of the Potomac river. about
hve miles from the mobilization
camp. and the crack or rifles was
heard for three hours.
Major Joseph Hodgson, command
ing the First Battalion. entrenched
his forces on a salient overlooking
the river. while Major Alexander
summers, commanding the Third
Battalion. augmented by Companies
~ and H. OF the Second Battalion.
Col. Giend!e Is. Young. Lieut.. Col. An
ton Stephan. and Capt. E. w. Fullam.
regime ntal adjutant who acted as UNI
pires. censored the result of the battle.
Both sides claimed the victory.
Firing in Volleys.
Each soldier was provided with num-
Der Of rounds of blank ammunition, and
firing was done in volleys and IN skirm-
ish formation.
Major Summers concluded the attack
with his entire six companies charging
tayonets and shouting like wild men.
The officers said today's defense and
attack was one Of the most successful
yet worked out by the n-litia officers
and men.
All OF the companies except z and F
which were on the rifle range at Con-
gress Heights. participated in today's
encounter.
Announcement was made at regi-
mental headquarters today that from
now until the Third regiment leaves for
the border the two hour afternoon drill
will be discontinued. This was decided
upon. Captain Fullam said. because OF
the severity of the morning msneuvers
and also to allow the men more leisure.
Beginning this afternoon a school
for non-commissioned officers will be
held each day. Col. Glendie B. Young
and Lieut.. Col. Anton stephan will al
ternate in delivering lectures to the
will be similar to those given the COM
manding officers of the companies so
~ to make the Instructions uniform.
Recruits Wanted.
Every effort will be made to I'LL up
the gaps in the regiment.
The scores of militiamen who were
given leave OF absence yesterday and
spent the day In Washington reported
prospective recruits and all indications
today that they had talked with many
were that a large number Of new men
would be added to the Third before the
end of this week.
Capt. Horace p. Hobbs said today
Third Regiment to the border as soon
as each company has sixty-five or more
men.
He said the reports from the com.
panies showed that none of them need
ed more than fourteen men. while three
commands needed only two. Four com.
mands. he said. are up to strength
These are Companies i, L and NJ anC
the Sanitary troop.
Captain Hobbs indicated today that II
would be advisable to pay the militia
men for their july services before they
leave for the border. On August l.
will be paid for the month Of July. The
miltiamen. who did not receive on July
full pay for every day they served In
June, will receive the June pay on Aug
ust /. according to Captain Hobbs.
May Leave Soon.
II the recruiting hopes of the officer:
OF the Third regiment are realized ant
a sufficient number OF men are obtained
by the end of this week, the prospects
seem bright for the soldiers to receive
their pay the day before or on the da'
;ney leave for the border.
Major Charles r. Luce and Matol
John c. Whitaker were busy today com
plotting the details for big banquet Z
Be sysn BY the S ofssrs Of the o,t m xs
wednesday, night. The feast will b.
served In the large Y. NJ. C. A. tent.
Major Whitaker has arranged with ,
caterer to provide the feast, while MaJo
Luce 10 gathering vaudeville talent I,
participate In cabaret show, which
will enliven the occasion. There ais,
will be rhetorical pyrotechnics.
Joseph H. Mcintyre. formerly frs
sergeant In Company /, Of the Thirt
Battalion, was commissioned a secont
lieutenant. His commission. bearing
the Presidents signature. was received
at headquarters today and presented I,
Mcintyre 1t 10 understood the new
officer will remain with COMPANY I.