Evening star., 1918-07-05
D. c. MEN ARE KEPT
i TOGETHER IN CAMP
Hopeful That National Cap.
itaI Unit May Be Organized
at Meade.
CELEBRATION OF FOURTH

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
CAMP MEADE, MD. July 5.-Dis-
trict Of Columbia men sent here a rev
weeks ago are being kept together,
much to their own pleasure, and may
form part of District unit. They are
waiting eagerly for the arrival OF
more from Washington. the latter part
Of this month.
Washington girls came down again
yesterday to enjoy the dances at the
knights of Columbus buildings.
Yesterday was the day Of all days at
this camp. more glorious celebra-
tion of the birth of the nation could
not be imagined. Men here. those OF
the division soon to go to France as
part Of the second million" new men
likely to go in hurry. too. joined
eayly in a program Of activities that
would almost fill book to tell about.
In every part of the camp there was
something going on. One band after
another, over a dozen in all made
music swell the breeze from reveille
to taps
Like a Thousand Picnics.
It was like a Thousand little picnics.
In a dozen places at once there were
formal exercises with features enough
to make the old eagle scream. From
end to end and over an area OF miles
I the scene was one to thrill the oo-
server with pride. Impressive mo-
ments occurred in one place after an
other as the Star Spangied banner
was played and hats were taken on
to show reverent heads by the count
less thousands. Singing of the anthem
occurred in several parts OF camp ana
helped to spread the music farther
than the blare, of the horns. ihere
was base ball IN abundance.
Representatives of the commission
on training camp activities were pres.
ant from Washington to see the great
big feature Of the day. the presenta-
ton Of swe bp gags s s1sh Il shs the
more boys, and one by the s1Sth.. a
Philadeiphia regiment. The commits
sion sent w. F.. Rochester. a play
wright and coach, here to put on
these shows chiefly for the benent OF
treat, however. for the visitors to see
them. Many of the players were stars
in vaudeville and on the concert stage
before getting into this Army. Cos
tunes were provided by Baltimore
women.
Senator vardaman Speaks.
There was oratory. too. as part of
the diversified program offered in the
big open-air theater up in the hills,
where the greater part Of the depot
brigade is quartered. Senator James
X. vardaman of Mississippi spoke
about the bravery and fine heroic
spirit of the American soldier in this
and other wars. About 1000 men
heard him, the big shell down in the
low pit throwing his voice perfectly
far up the hill. where the solid mass
Of soldiers was packed In under the
bright sun. This was possibly the
biggest crowd at any one place for
the greater part Of the afternoon. The
speakers words were often applaud
ed. Seated on the stage with him
were Gen. CASTOR, new commander Of
the brigade; Col. E. e. Hatch. E. C.
Baldwin. chief Of the Y. NJ. c. A.. in
the camp, who arranged for the rally
and q number of other Army officers
of high rank.
In the Hebrew welfare building
there was an interesting patriotic
program. This pretty little building
IL almost complete, and will be for
r1@y a. al In Hov