Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-27
MAJOR ]. c. WISE HEADS
RICHMOND BOYS At CAMP
Former v. NJ. I. Commandant and
Experienced Military Officer Takes
Command of Battalion.
MEN ENJOY HALF-HOLDAY
Spend Afternoon at Baseball, Foot
ball and Other Athletics-Mem.
bers Of Companies E, /, f and G
Make Good Showing.
MEN ENJOY HALF-HoLDAY
tFrom a STAR Correspondent ]


CAMP LEE. VA, September 25-
Richmond boys ard those of the eact-
ern section of Virginia. who are serv-
ing in the Third Battalion Of the Three
Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment OF
Infantry. have been lucky in the ap-
pointment of Major Jennings C. Wise,
of Richmond to command the battalion.
This officer has arrived at the canton
ment from Camp Travis. Texas, where
he was on duty with the Nineteent n
Division OF the National Army, having
secured his transfer from the Texas
camp. He IS one OF the foremost mill
tary men in this section. and will bring
to his command the benefit Of his
trained and seasoned military know
ledge.
Whom seen to-day in his quarters,
Major Wise. who was formerly COM
mandant OF the Virginia Military In
stitute. was plainly pleased at the OPP
portunity he will have to serve in the
war with Yirginians. and particularly
those from the Tidcwater section OF
the State. He is equally delighted ut
the prospects of the American army,
and is entirely in accord with the
opinion expressed by army men of long
experience and those who have seen
the fighting forces Of other countries.
that the National Army Will be a
marvellous military body.
After the Roosevelt division was
abandoned, in which Major Wise had
been appointed by the ex-President.
he went to the Southeastern Depart
ment. where he served for some time.
RE later went to Fort Afyer. as in
structor. and later was assigned to
Fort Travis. from which place he came
to Camp Lee. There are many Rich
mond boys in his command and also
In the battalion commanded by Major
Charles Sweeny, the officer who served
in the French Foreign Legion, receIv-
Ing many decorations for bravery. and
who returned 10 the United States at
the instance of the government
MIDWEEI< HALF-HoLIDAY
is THOROUGHLY ENJOYED
To-day. the midweek half-hoIiday
found the men primed for recreation Of
all kinds, after the regular morning
drill. Following the noon-day meal,
the thousands of men In the canton
ment turned out into company streets
and parade grounds, and athletics of
about every variety were held. Some
few of the men got away early and
made flying trips to their homes in
nearby towns, but the greater ma
Jority remained on tho ground for the
many attractions that were offered.
And they were not found lacking in
number, nor were the men slow to get
into them. Athletics is boirg fostered
by the camp officials in every way
possible, and each company command
er Is seeing to 1t that his IL en- are
given every opportunity to get into
the game. Physical exercise at Camp
Lee Will not be participated in by a
few, with the majority as spectators,
but all Of the men will take part in
some form or another.
Football and baseball held the stage
to-day. Warmingup exercises were
held in the company streets for about
an hour after mess, and about O'clock
the men won't te the parade grounds.
which had been apportioned OF TOR
the various companies. In one section
of the field about twelve ball games
were In progress at the same time, and
in another big football game was
staged. In other portions Of the camp
similar activities were held.
The games to-day were ali prelim-
mary exhibitions. none of the regular
ranged. From their performances
however, the men will be gagged as
to their value in the big regimental
teams to be formed, and much good ma
terial was in evidence to-day. The
company athletic directors are keeping
an eye on all men who are making a
good showing. and they will be put on
the mines and elevens that are ex-
pected to bring home the bacon"
Companies e, I, and G Of the
Three Hundred and Eighteenth Reg
iment. all OF which have some Rich
mond boys. played two OF the pret-
tiest games Of baseball in the camp
The men were taken at random for
tryout. and some real baseball play
Ing was done. Sitterding. Of Company
F, got his men together. and he will
play large part in getting athletic
Continued on Third Page.)