Evening Star Newspaper, July 10, 1897, Page 17

DETERMINED TO WIN Morton Cadets Are Confident of Carrying Off First Prize AT THE BIG INTERSTATE DRILL tional Guard particularly realize that it fe an extremely difficult matter these days to carry away the same forty men on two trips, each of a duration of a fortnight, within a period of six weeks. Preparing for the Trip. Other difficulties too numerous to men- tion have loomed up in the path of the Merton Cadets, but all have been more or lces promptly mowed down» Above all it should be borne in mind boys com- pesing the company hava. drilling about three hours each evening since the Ist of June, with the exception of the ten days spent at camp, when the marieuvering Preparations for Their Long Trip to | *a® of @ different character. Those inter- San Antonio. HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD HE GREATEST militiry encampment and interstate drill the south has ever known will be a vivid reality a week from today. For some time preceding the open- ing of Camp Culber- son, troops of caval- ry, batteries of light artillery and compa- il nies of infantry of the army of the United States, to- gether with the troops of the entire volun- teer guard of the lone star state and re- nowned companies of the National Guard from ail sections of the Unite States as far north as Minnesota, and casiward to the District of Columbia, will be pour- ing into San Antonio in great numbers. It d for the San Antonio Interstate Association to demonstrate to the outside world that the spirit of patriotism is not dead in Texes. At an enormous ex- pense the public spirited citizens of the Alamo city, aided by the officers at the head of the army post at Fort Sam Hous- ton, are going to supply a sad omission of the lesislature, in not providing for a state encampment. From July 17 to 25, so the arrangements would seem to indicate, San Antonio will be the scene, not only of the grandest encampment and drill of the south, but the most extensive in point of numbers anywhere in recent years. Gov. Culberson and staff will go into camp, and that fact promises to give the affair the broedest possible significance. San Antonio has determined to acquit her- Capt. Shilling. self creditably in all respects in this en- terprise, and the preparations for the com- fort of the visiting military and others are d to be perfect. The fullest co-opera- mon the part of all interests, including the street car companies, has been secured. The camp has been named in honor of the ernor of the state, and his adfutant general, Gen. William A. Mabry, who, by the way, is the custodian of the Galveston semi-centennial championship cup, is to be the ruler of the troops under canvas. Washington's Interest. Washington is very deeply interested in all this because a company of the District National Guard ts going to San Antonio for the purpose of winning and again bringing back the military championship title and the coveted Galveston cup. This organization is the Morton Cadets, or, as it is officially designated, Company B, * Battalion. The company now holds the championship title and is going to far-aw1y Texas to make a very strong effort to demonstrate its right to hold the title an- other year in competition with the flower of the military of the United States, and thereby add to the credit of the national capita! and the reputation of its volunteer scldiery. All Washington has every con- fidence in the company, and the company Ercmises thet the confidence will not be violated. Only those directly interested in the Mor- ten Cadets and the National Guard, per- haps, have any idea of the really prodig- icus undertaking that the youthful organ- ization has begun. Composed for the most pert of school boys, with very little in the way of financial backing, the Morton Cadets have practically completed arrange- ments to travel almost 4,000 miles in order not to allow the championship to go by default—a journey of greater magnitude than ever attempted before by a Washiag- ten military organization. The company will take possession of a special Pullman sleeping car next Wednesday evening, July 14, and glide away to Texas. The boys will travel continuously day and night until Saturday morning, when they are scheduled to reach San Antonio. The re- turn trip, of course, will be of equal dura- tion, the company reaching Washington about July 28. The journey back is ex- Bected to be one of triumph. Obstacles in the Way. Great have been the handicaps that have @onfronted Capt. Shilling and his men, but Perseverence and determination have over- come every obstacle that has presented it- self to date. The internal dissensions that manifested themselves last winter left the company in a condition of extreme financial depression. The expenses of the San An- tonio trip will fall but slightly short of 92,000. The estimate almost staggered these forty school boys when it was announced, but Capt. Shilling, with his characteristic optimistic disposition, has maintained all @long that something would turn up where- First Lieut. G. E. Tralles. by the money could be raised. and that something has at last flopped over, top side in the natural position. It is violating @ confidence to state that unless the com- 7 wins the first prize of $3,000 it is apt return to Washington somewhat in debt. The second prize of $1,000 may help out, end the third prize of $500 will be better than nothing. But the motto of the boys Js, “First place by all means.” The risk as- sumed is rather hefty, but after thinking it Over most carefully the unanimous decision ‘was that the Morton Cadets could not con- scientiously remain quiet and forfeit the championship without a hard, persistent, gasping struggle. Capt. Shilling received an intimation ior to the National Guard camp at Fort ‘ashington that unless he carried as many Men to camp as he expected to take to San Antonio the necessary permission for the company to visit Texas would not be forth- coming The Morton Cadets at camp show- @d up as one of the strongest organizations PH the brigade. fuliy forty men reporting « duty. Company commanders in the Na- Second Lieut. Chas. H. Danforth, ested may obtain some idea of the charac- ter of the practice work by watching the movements of the company any evening be- tweer 6:30 and 9 o'clock at the interscc- tion of New Jersey avenue and N street. It is possible that Capt. Shilling may order one or two drills in the early morning next week. Lack of time for practice work has been sadly felt in the preparations for the San Antonio trip. The different regard in which the local ecmpanies are held by the residents of Washington, from the organizations of other cities, is very striking to those fam- {ilar with the situation. For instance, the Thurston Rifles of Omaha, Neb., the most dange-ous rivals of the Mortons, will be sent to Texas in first-class style by the business men of Omaha. When the ccom- pany first contemplated the trip, a sub- scription was started and in a few days tre merchants had contributed more than sufficient cash to cover the expenses of the company that had the ambition to repre- sent the city in the strife for the military championship. ‘The same holds true of St. Paul, the home of Comrany D of the Ist Regiment, Min- nesota National Guard, as well as of Little Rock, Ark., whence the McCarthy Light Guard goes to Texas. Similar stories might truthfully be told perhaps of every other city, except Washington, that will send a representative to the big drill. It would seem that the Morton Cadets, who have asked absolutely no assistance and have not even appealed to the public to the extent of a benefit entertainment, are de- serving of the utmost credit for unde taking the trip alone, and should receive an approving pat on the shoulders from the local populace, even though the company— and it is a most improbable conjecture— should return to Washington without a prize. A Uniform Appearance. The Morton Cadets will travel in the regulation National Guard undress uni- form, carrying blanket bags, with woolen and rubber blankets. The boys will take with them, however, full-dress National Guard attire, with helmets, the distinctive company black fatigue uniform, and white duck trousers. The inspection and drill will be in regulation full dress. Every man will wear shoes, collars and gloves of the same pattern, and every head of hair will be trimmed in military style by the same barber. An extra set of rifles will be car- ried for the inspection, Capt. Shilling hop- ing to pass a finer inspection at San An- tonio than at any prior drill. The com- pany will conduct its own mess arrange- ments, and means to live well. Having some doubt as to the quality and effects of Texas drinking water, Capt. Shilling has decided to have sent to Texas for the use of the company several barrels of standard mineral water. In fact, no loop hole will be left open that could’ in the slightest manner detract from the condition and A Rest. work of the members of the drill team. The company will be in a sleeping car three nights on the trip to Texas, and the young soldiers will be very apt to be some- what out of condition on alighting in San Antonio. An opportunity for limbering up will be afforded, however, for the Mortona are not tc report for the drill for the prize until Thursday, July 22. That will be a gala occasion in the camp. It has been sct aside as governor's day, and immediately preceding the appearance of the Morton Cadets the famous Governor's Guard of Austin will face the judges. Preliminary Drilling. In anticipation of the San Antonio drill the Morton Cadets have been drilling con- stantly since the return from Fort Wash- ington, June 19. They weye also at work for nine days before going into camp. The drill ground of the company fs in the vi- cinity of New Jersey avenue and N street, and there interesting maneuvering may be witnessed several hours each evening. Monday last being a holiday, Capt. Shilling put in some extra work. He had the com- pany on the Scometons College campus from 9 o'clock in the morning until noon, and at 5:30 in the afternoon the boys were at it again on New Jersey avenue. They continued drilling until long after dark. The hour set for the formation of the company is 6:30 o'clock, and the members, such of them as are going down to San Antonio for the honor of the District Na- tional Guard, commence to drop in at the armory about that time. When Capt. Shil- as appears he sometimes scolds the boys right merrily because they are not ready to fall in. But the captain's scolding 1s al- ways alloyed with good nature, in which Hes an important distinction. A National Guard captain can “jaw” with a little nasty edge to his voice that soon arouses hos- tility and hate, and many a captain has been exceedingly unpopular by reason of a@ manner that is fiasty. But the Mortons know Capt. Shilling thinks of them before he does of himself. The boys laugh and chat as they discard their bicycle suits and store clothes and get into nondescript attire. But it is to be noticed that there i always ea moderation in their play, and this again makes them differ widely from the average military company. The Mor- ton Cadets never how! nor yell. At last Sergt. Taite yells “fall in.” The chatting stops. Is this the dapper com- eae of the street parade and competitive Where are ite nice clothes? A Nondescript Lot. Capt. Shilling appears in a palr of trous- ers, a black sweater and-an air of busi- ness. Lieut. Tralles is an ideal tough man about town, appearing” Collarless and in suspenders. Lieut. Danforth wears a pic- nic sweater, and has_a general raspberry look. One man falls fi with gloves and a shirt. Afiother’s attire consists prinol- pally of a green sweater. Some wear and some campaign “hats, : Ge 8 @ = aaaponi,- CCS RY. BRON a ite ready But every moe rd drilling. In marching two or three hours to the drill ground Capt. THE. EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, “JULY! 10, 1897-24 PAGES. Shilling limbers up the boys a little. They Set platoon movements in double time, the manual marching; front into line, by file, by twos, and a little of everything. Notice how handsomely the manual is done while the men are stepping off. “It looks easy until you have tried it, and then it seems very different. Remember, each rifle weighs over nine pounds, and has @ way of weighing much more In the hot sun and by virtue of much manipulation. Capt. Shilling, Grills the men with brief rests, during which they wipe the perspi- ration from their faces, and have no time for anything else. Notice how the captain swings them around in the platcon move- ments. They do not crowd at all. Each man knows his place, and knows it well. True, it’s only a few men, but they Know their business, and they ure doing all this for the honor of Washington and the glory of the District National Guard. By and by the sun retires, ard in the cooler air the drill is less fatiguing. Up and down, to and fro in the company movements the boys march and run and halt, until one wonders why some of them do not fall from weariness. The manual seems weil nigh perfect. The rifles at right shoulder all slope together, and the hands come down as one. “Tt will be better than that at San Anto- nio, mind you,” says Capt. Shilling, and he is evidently well pleased. An Elaborate Prdgram. Camp Culberson, named in honor of the governor of Texas, as planned will extend from the foot of a slope entirely around the fair grounds at Riverside Park. Most of the camp will be beautifully shaded by pecan trees and a large growth of oak. For the accommodation of the visiting troops large platforms have been erected at convenient places, where the San An- tonio river is quite deep, and where the troops can avail themselves of a river bath. In addition to the attention which the drill is attracting in the north the state of Texas may be said to be fairly alive with drill enthusiasm. The arrangements for caring for the multitude of people are prac- tically complete and are for an immense throng. The detailed program for the drill provides that during the forenoon, with the exception of Sundays, the state troops will maneuver, and it is thought that the spec- tators will find it a very interesting pastime to watch the battalion Grills, the artillery and cavalry and probably 2,000 infantry en- gaged in the evolutions incident to a camp of instruction. Elaborate programs have been arranged for the afternoons. The opening day, Sat- urday, July 17, exhibition drills will be given by the Morton Cadets and other crack companies, and after a grand review of all the troops the commissioned officers will be presented to the sponsors. Monday, July 19, the McCarthy Light Guard and the Thurston Light Rifles will drill in the Undress Uniform. championship contest, and a grand military ball will oe held at night. Company D of Minnesota's Ist Regiment and the Sealy Rifles drill Tuesday; the Belknap Rifles Wednesday, the Governor’s Guard and the Morton Cadets Thursday. The pregram will be interspersed with drills in the other classes, including zouave and artillery ex- hibitions and band concerts. The arrange- ments provide for far more in the way of entertaining features than at any interstate drill of recent years. There will be about sixty companies of the Texas Volunteer Guard alone in camp, with about eight or ten bands of music. Favorites in the Betting. The gentlemen of San Antonio seem to be “sports,” if they are anything, and the pool room quotations there on the com- panies entered in the big drill were a day or two ago as follows: Morton Cadets, 2 to 1; Thurston Rifles, 2% to 1; Belknap Rifles, 8 to 1; Company B, 1st Minnesota Regi- ment, 4 to 1; Governor's Guard of Austin, 5 to 1; McCarthy Light Guard, Sealy Rites and Company A, Ist Regiment of Texas, each 6 to 1; Fort Dodge Rifles, 10 to 1, and Shaw Rifles and Lloyd Rifles, each 20 to 1. The explanation of the figures is that it @ person visited a bookmaker and should say “I want to bet that the Morton Cadets will win the drill,” the bookmaker would reply: ooull,give you odds of 2 to 1 that they ont.” The bookmaker will give odds of 2% to 1 on the Thurston Rifles, 3 to 1 on the Belk- nap Rifles and so on, all of which goes to show that tke Morton Cadets are favorites with the bockmakers, and the bookmakers usually have a pretty good idea of the true ccndition of things. The heat of the past week or two in some of the southern cities has been unprece- dented, but what made it worse was thé insufficiency of the ice supply, the ice man- ufacturers not having anticipated the ex- treme heat which arrived so suddenly and unexpectedly. Heat prostrations, heretofore almost unknown in the soutn, have been very numerous for this first month of the summer. It may be pleasing to the Morton Cadets ard these interested in the com- pany to know that San Antonio hes not been included in the extreme heat wave. Some of the days have been warm, but all of the evenings and mcrnings have been cool. Where there are cool nights there are no heat prostrations, it is said, except in cases of unnecessary exposure to the sun’s rays and excessive Imprudence. “Come down in the tropics and get-cool” was the messege a Chicago man sent one of his friends from San Antonio a few From the Rear. days ago. “I have always been under the impression that Texas was only a few de- grees removed from his satanic majesty’s abods in the summer time. I reached San Antonio last Sunday morning, and instead of oppressive heat, I find it cooler than in Chicago when I left theré. In all my travels I have never found anything more refreshing and invigorating than the breeze that blows here constantly.” ‘The National Guardsman rgan ofthe west National Guard, and, it seems, particularly of the say: young oh ee BS 1! tok ater at wae fare. From one they have n in-, formed that Miss Emma Reed will be their mascot, while from another comes’ the neme of Miss Barnard. Mrs. J. M. George and Mrs. J, Rethiy Gordan. well-known so- ciety leaders of the” as city, will be the chaperone of the Morton Cadets. The Morton “ Cag¢ts re awarded the title of champion #ijiitary company of the United States and_the trophy, the Galves- ton semi-centennial chempionship cup, at the interstate drill feldyet Savannah, Ga., in May ja year \2Hyfor te ithat, how- ever, the company had won glory and cash or the drill field. -May-11, 185, with mis- givings natural under the circumstances, the Morton Sagem made their initial bow ai an interstate Grill, appearing on. the field at Memphis prepared to engage in friendly strife with(such famous organiza- ticns as the National Fencibles, Sealy R:fles, McCarthy Light Guard, Chickasaw Guard, Governor’s Guard and_others of equally widespread reputation. it was a struggle, and a particulariy de- termined one, that the Mortons were forced to make in order to reach Memphis. The cemmand was entirely without funds, and the members, for the most part school boys, were not in a positton to meet their own expenses, Then, again, a woeful lack of uniforms was in evidence, and the same words may be applied to the outfit gener- ally. However, perseveranee won, and Captain Shilling and his drfit team’ man- aged to get together several huhdred dol- lars and a nondescript set of uniforms. The team took the field at Métiphis in the maiden drill Monday afternoon, May 13, and after the execution of & few move ments convinced the thoueands-of. specta- tors and the members of the other com- panies that Captain Shilling and his com- mand wero entitled to more than ordinary respect and consideration, .. At Memphis and Sayaunah. The Mortons drilled in thréé classes, and when the announcement of the judges was made the boys and the multitude of spec- tators learned that the baby company of the encampment had carried off one first and two second prizes, aggregating $2,250 in cash, and had falled to secure the cham- pionship title and the cup by but two- tenths of 1 per cent in the markings of the judges. The Mortons enjoyed great popularity at Memphis, and whenever the company appeared, whether on the drill grounds or in the streets of the city, it Was greeted with almost continuous ‘ap- plause. The press of the Tennessee city spoke in highest praise of Capt. Shilling and his company, and on their return to Washington the prize winners were accord- ed a reception in which the larger portion of the local military participated. With experience, a suitable outfit and more money at its disposal than at any prior time, the company last year departed for Savannah for the purpose of winning the championship. The intention was fulfilled in its widest scope. The Mortons literally surprised the nativés of Savannah and spontaneously jumped into popular favor to as great an extent as was the case at Memphis. On the return another big re- ception was in order. The organization is in a way the pioneer of its kind. Seven years ago several mem- bers of the High School Cadets conceived the idea of forming a military company to be made. up exclusively of members and ex-members of the corps of cadets. The command was soon molded into shape, and it adopted the name Morton Cadets in honor of Levi P. Morton, at that time Vice President of the United States. For nearly three years the Morton Cadets remained what is termed an independent military organization, but in July, 1892, the mem- bers decided to become soldiers in the eyes of the law. The company was ‘mustered into the National fuaréeJuly 27, 1892, as Company B, 2d ‘ttalion, and two weeks later the youngest organization in the bri- gade went into camp at Piney Point, Md., having accomplished a remarkably large amount of work ang in an equally remark- able short time. Zhe company went into camp at Piney Powht again in August, 1893, and in June, 1895, accompanied the brigade to Fort Washingtén. During the outing it acquitted itself most creditably, being as- signed to the exterior gvard, which was considered ap honor. + A competitive drill was held in the fall of 1894 atAlexander Isfand, near the: Vir- ginia end of the i bridge. The Morton Cadets entered and weré awarded second prize, a costly stand of colors, with the Emmet Guard, thtn jJately returned from the Little Rock interstate drill, as com- petitor. The company made an excellent showing, and was highlyx complimented by the army officers who a@fed as judges The Officers. The commanding officer of the Morton Cadets, who has-made a reputation for himself and the champion military com- pany throughout the length and breadth of the United States, is Capt. Edgar A. Shilling. He began his military career as @ private in prize Compaay F, Ifigh Schobvl Cadets, during the school year 1590-91. Two years later he had risen to the cav- taincy of Company G, and easily carried off the much. coveted prize banner in com- petition with the other five companies of the battalion. Capt. Shilling, July 27, 1892, enlisted in the Morton Cadets and a few months thereafter was elec*ed first lieuten- ant of the organization. When the cap- tain resigned Lieut. Shilling was promptly promoted to the vacancy. He is highly re- garded by military men tn this city and elsewhere; is a member of the brigade board of examination of the National Guard, and, although extremely youthful in appearance, has in more ways than one convinced all who know nim that he is one of the brightest stars in the ralaxy of Na- tional Guard officers of the country. Like Capt. Shilling, First Lieut. G. E. Tralles also began soldiering in Company F, High School Cadets, ‘n the fall of 1890. After serving as corporal, ‘irst sergeant and lieutenant in the High School Regi- ment, he enlisted in the Morton Cadets; was warranted as sergeant and was soon thereafter elected second lieutenant. A few months prior to the departure of the. com- pany for Memphis he rose a peg, and was commissioned first Neutenant. Lieut. Tral- les is a capable officer, a hard worker and commands the first platoon with striking ability. He demonstrated his worth and added much to the reputation of the com- pany when, on the way to Memphis, Capt. Ehilling was left behind at a small station and it fell to the duty,of the first Meu- tenant to command the company during the trying opening ceremonies at the encamp- ment. The Second Lieutenant. The resignation of Second Lieutenant Charles M. Robinson; jr., who served with both the Memphis and Savarinah® drill teams, several months ago, left the com- pany without a chief of the second platoon. ‘To meet the emergency First Lieutenant Charles H. Danforth of the supernumerary list of the District National Guard was called upon and promptly responded. He kas been directed in special orders to report to Capt. Shilling for duty, and in all probability will remain with the Mor- ton Cadets as permanent second ieutenant. Lieutenant Danforth began his military career in the fall of 1890 as a private in the Gonzaga College Cadets. A year later he was the second lieutenant, and in 1892 was captain of Company B of the. battalion of cadets. He remained at, Gonzaga College until 1894, when he-wasjelected first. leu- tenant of Company, B, 4th Battalion, Dis- trict National Guarg, Lieutenant Danforth formed yeoman; service with the 4th sattalion company for nearly three years, and when in connection; with the recent reorganization of the: National Guard the company was dishanded. he was consid- ered too valuablejan fficer to be dis~ charged from the service; and so was re- tained on the supemumerary list. The Non-Commissioned Officers. The first sergeant of the Morton Cadets is George L. Taite, who, by the way, has successfully passed the brigade board of examination, and in general orders from Antonto will be called upon to display con- siderable “nerve” in forming the company properly under the scrutiny of the judges and thousands of tators. The second sergeant of the Morton Ca- dets, who is the ht guide of the drill team, is Alphonso W. Shilling, a brother of the captain. Like the company com- mander, Sergt. Shilling is an Eastern High School boy, serving as private, first ser- geant and second lieutenant at that school. With the Morton Cadets, he was mustered into the National Guard July 27, 1892, and has performed continuous service since. He’ was fourth sergeant in the Alexander Island drill team, and was second sergeant at both Memphis and Savannah. Military men consider Sergt. Shilling an ideal sol- dier, and as a guide there are none be:ter. The third sergeant and left guide of the drill team is Harry R. Sisson, a graduate of the Brsiness High School, and at one time a Heutenant of the company of cadets at that institution. He acted as third ser- gcant at Memphis and Savannah and in that position is perfection personified. The Roster. Another High School boy is in the line of file closers. He is LeRoy W. Herron, fourth sergeant of the team and left guide of the second platoon. Sergeant Herron cast his fortunes with the Central High School, and in the regiment of cadeis w: a corporal and a sergeant. He was a pr vete in the Savannah drill team and gave such a good account of himself that Cap- tain Shilling had no occasion to hesitate for a moment in naming him as ore of the non-commissioned officers for the San An- tenio competition. In the opinion of his comrades, Sergeant Herron is “all right, all right.” Fifth Sergt Fred W. Albert, right guide of the second platoon, for some unexplain- ed reason is always spoken of as “Pat. In this instance, however, it is not a cas of “You're Irish, you lore,” for Sergeant ‘Albert was a valuable member of the win- ning teams at Memphis and Savannah. He is a graduate of the Central High School, having been corporal, sergeant and regimental sergeant major of the cadets during his school career. He was a pri- vate at both interstate drills mentioned. ‘The men in ranks are the following: First four, front rank—Privates Meigs, Dawson, Buck and Corporal McKee; rear ronk, Privates Cassin, Mueller, Lyman and Mayer. Second four, front rank—Privates Hou- chen, Hughes, Chisholm and Corporal Jones; rear rank, Private Kimmel, Forney, Reynolds and Zurhorst. Third four, front rank—Privates Nevius, Magowan, Taylor and Corporal Gapin; r rank, Privates Franzoni, Joseph Carr, Thomas and Brewer. Fourth four, front rank—Privates Petty, Brown, McCurdy and Corporal Yount; rear rank, Privates Lacy, Heidenreich, Joshua Carr, and Albert. Several substitutes will accompany the team, to be pressed into service in case of sickness or accident. They have not yet been finally selected by Captain Shilling. ————_ OUR LEGATION IN MADRID. Men Who Have Kepresented Wash- ington in Spain’s From the New York Sun. The post of minister to Madrid has been one of the most important in the diplomatic service of the United States, and Stewart L, Wocdford is the thirty-third represen- tative of the United States to be accred- ited officially to the Madrid government. The first American minister to Spain was the Virginian, William Short, and at the time of his appointment in 1790, by Wash- ington, then Presi-ent, he was looked upon as a representative of the old school of Virginians, who, at that time, seemed to have greater qualifications for the dip- lomatic service than other Americans. Jefferson’s minister to Spain was Charles Pinckney of South Carolina, and at the conclusion of his term of service official relations between Spain and the United States were broken off for the six years from 1808 to 1814. When they were re- sumed, John Forsyth of Georgia became American minister to Spain, and during his tenure, by the treaty of 1819, Spain formally ceded to the United States after long controversy the territory of the pres- ent state of Louisiana east of the Mississ- bama and Mississippi south of the thirt first parallel and that portion of the pres- ent state of oLuisiana east of the Mississ- ippi, except what was then called the Is- land of New Orleans. The ground of dis- pute between Spain and the United States being removed, there was easy sailing for the American ministers, and the place came to be known 2s a post for novelists and antiquarians. Washington Irving was appointed to it in 1842 by President Tyler. Fierre Soule of Louisiana held it under Pierce. Buchanan appointed Gen. Preston of Kentucky, and President Lincoln ap- pointed Carl Schurz, then a resident of Wisconsin. Schurz gave place to Gustavus Koerner, afterward lieutenant governor of Illinois, and he in turn to John P. Hale of New Hampshire, whose services as the free soil pioneer are remembered by all republicans. Hale was succeeded by Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, who was succeeded by Caleb Cushing. Under Hayes James Rus- sell Lowell was minister to Spain. Presi- dent Arthur appointed Hannibal Hamlin and on his retirement John W. Foster, en- voy extraordinary for the United States in foreign lands, particularly in Asia, be- came the American minister in Madrid. Cleveland appointed Perry Belmont to the Post and Harrison had three ministers to Spain—Thomas W. Palmer of Michigan, E. Bird Grubb and A. Loudon Snowden of cieyvanizn -Gen. Woodford is no stranger to course of American politics, and in the Strained relations between ‘the Spanish monarchy and the American republic, aris- ing from the Cuban difficulties, he wiil be better qualified to represent American interests than would a minister of liter- ary tastes and achievements visiting the city o the Tagus for an outing. Stygian Gazcttings. From Harper's Bazar, “Going to celebrate our day, Socrates?” asked Jefferson. “I'd Itke®&o,” safd Socrates, “but times are hard, end I can’t afford to buy any fire- works.” “Why don’t you get your wife to help? She'll blow you up for nothing,” suggested Jefferson. “Poor old Diogenes,” sighed Doctor John- son. “He'll be laid up for at least a a ‘What's happened to him?” asked Plat: ‘Oh, he started in to look for an honest man in the American colony last night, and handled his lantern #0 carelessly that he set off a keg of powder. TI 2) come down in about ten deve rated “Why, Hancock, old oha| said ette the day after the Fourth, what ter fay- the matter with you? You look all broken up.” Signi ers at Jefferson's last night, and I’m simply a wreck today. I almos: ae gienenrs z Howlers “I’m going out for a century run on the Fourth,” said Columbus, with a wink at just to show you later Yankees that you are not the only freckles on the nose of Liberty.” “Good!” returned Washington, unsus- sly; “what wheel do you ride?” “The pin-wheel, of course, on the day we What one did you think?” roar- ed Columbus; and Washington ruefully ordered lemonade and cigars for the crowd. “George,” laughed Munchausen, “tell the truth, old that cherry tree and hatchet story wasn’t true, was it?” “No, it wasn’t,” said’ Washington. “It was grossly exaggerated. What I really did wag to cut down an oak with a paper cutter.” . And Munchausen took off his champion- hip medals and pinned them upon the breast of Washington. ——_+ e+ ____ Manx Humor. ‘The Manx people are very plain spoken. ‘Hall Caine, who is their acknowledged his- torlan, tells a good story of a NATIONAL GUARD bee A Condition. of Absolute Inactivity Prevails at Present. RIFLE. PRACTICE NEXT IN ORDER New Code That is Disturbing Illi- nois Militiamen. ASSOCIATION RIFLE MEET With the exception of Company B, 24 Battalion, the District of Columbia Na- tional Guard Is to all intents and purposes at a complete standstill. This condition of absolute inactivity is apt to continue for some weeks to come. The details and schedule for the official rifle practice on the Ordway range are being perfected, as are the arrangements for the big meet of the National Rifle Association in Septem- ber. Announcement in this regard will be matie during the next few days. A board of officers consisting of Mator Charles H. Ourand, inspector general; Capt. Richard J. Donnelly, adjutant Regiment, and Capt, Alfred P. Robbins, aid-de-camp, in obedience to special orders, met at the armory at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon to inspect and pass upon the con- dition of a large quantity of ordnance and j quartermaster property that is considered unfit for further service. This is taken to mean that the local brigade in the near future will be provided with something new in the way of equipment. All that may be forthcoming is very much needed. The prospects of at least one troop of cavairy for the guard appear very bright. Active steps in the direction of organiza- tion are being taken, and something tangi- ble is expected to appear in evidence very soon. On their own applications the following enlisted men were discharged during the week: Private Eugene K. Stewart, Com- pany A, ist Battalion; Private Geo. J. Stinzing, Company B, Ist Battalion, and Private Charles H. Boarman, Company B, Sth Battalion. Private G. Albert Taylor, Company B, Ist Battalion, has been dis- charged because of removal from the Dis- trict. The members of Company C, 5th Bat- talion, have arranged to entertain their frienas at a lawn party in Northeast Wash- ing, July 27 and 2s. Ilinois Guard Wrought Up. The National Guard of the state of Illi- nois is somewhat wrougt:t up over the new military code of the state that has just been put into effect. The matter is one of interest to the members of the local bri- gade, as well of the National Guard gen- erally. The new code is almost as strin- gent as ibe articles of war and regulations of the regular army. Indeed, it provides that in the absence of any other authority, officers shall proceed in accordance with and be governed by the regulations of the permanent establishment. This fact,, cou- pled with the greatly increased power of the officers, is making the men tn the ranks do a -leal of squirming just now. It is all right to be a member of the Na- ional Guard as long as the power of the efficers to punish is limited to dismissal from the service, it is said. But when the law provides that these same officers may céuse arrest, trial and conviction of mih- tary offenses and assess a fine of $5 or $100, it is different. This smacks alto- gether too much of the life of the follower of Uncle Sam's flag. Volunteers do not think they should be subjected to the same strictness of discipline as those who enlist and expect to place themselves wholly at the disposal of their superiors. Yet the boys say that the evident purpose of their officers is to bring about such a state of af- fairs as will render the enlisted man little better than a regular soldier. Severe penal- ties are provided in the new law for all violations of military regulations. Fines may be assessed by courts-martia? and col- lected on the warrant of the judge advo- cate thereof as they are collected under the warrants of a police magistrate or justice of the peace. This is the feature which is galling the spirits of the men. Whethef or not this law would stand ‘he test of the courts is not being discussed. The men object to being placed in a quasi- criminal position and subjected to the same degree of punishment as the $13 a month soldiers of the regular army. They reason with force that they ere socially equal io their officers, and that their duties in the guard do not require of them that absolute social ostracism which the regular soldier must submit to when he dons the regula- tion blue. They object to the apparent at- tempt to turn the volunteer guards into a body of troops who must submit to any or- der issued by a superior, regardless of the effect on their business interests or social standing. Here is the rub. Provisions of the Code. Among other things, the new code pro- vides: “The commanding officer of each regi- ment, battalion, company, troop or battery may order weekly evening drills. “The commander-in-chief may order a teur of camp duty of not less than six nor more than ten days annually. “The commanding officer of any camp or parade may cause those under his com- mand to perform any camp or field duty he shall require, and may put under arrest, during such encampment or patade, any member of his command who shall disobey @ superior officer or be guilty of disorderly or _unmilitary conduct.” These sections are said to open a wide field for the-exercise of the authority of the officers. They make them autocrats in the armory, field or on the streets during parades or ceremonies. Every act which under the*regulations of the regular army might be construed as prejudicial to good order and discipline, although the result of boyish indiscretion, puts the offender un- der the ban, provided his officer sees fit to call him to account. While none of the members of any of the regiments objects to the maintenance of proper discipline and efficiency, none is willing to become the teol of the man he helped to elect to office. But here is the portion of the law which grinds: Fines and Imprifonment. Following are a few of the new things the Illinois guardsman is called upon to face: “General courts-martial for the triul of commissioned officers shall ordered by the commander-in-chief and consist of thirteen officers. “General courts-martial for the trial of enlisted men shall be ordered by the bri- gade commander, and shall consist of five officers. “The commanding officer of any no volunteer organization in the wor'd. From their record they willingly submit to all proper orders. and have shown in times past that they conduct themse in critical situations. Yet theirs is a volun organization, and while they do not orders, they are bitterly opposed attempts, as they denominate it, of cert: officers of rank to force them into the } tion of enlisted men of the regular army. They complain of a too strict applicat of the old law. They say they forece much trouble as the outgrowth of the new code, SUBMARINE EARTHQUAKES. Beneath Ocean's §: Are Similar to Those on From the London Standard. Earthquakes formed an imporiant in the interesting lecturé which Prof. Jolin Milne delivered to the Royal Geographical Society last night, though he ling: with the wider subject of the chane:s which gc on beneath the sea. There was thus a melancholy appositeness in his + marks, for each successive telegram India brings worse and worse « the recent seigmic disturbance there. 1. districts have suffered more or less sey ly about Calcutta, Madras and but the devastation in Assam Stated to be on a far greater scalt is probable that the worst known. But Prof. Milne, as we have said, discussing a more comprehensty —the movements that take pls silence of the central sei Ww been aware that even here the earth is not absolutely at rest. Tiny organisms fall, lke a perpetual drizzle, on the ocean floor! earth dust, yet more minute, sinks erad- ually down through the water, but this ooze accumulates with extreme slowness. Besides this, the floor ftself may be up- lifted or depressed, but these movements aiso had been supposed to be very gra —so much so that they could not be ¢ tected, could hardly be inferred direct from any observations made by man Milne, however, shows that t sionally very significant hints ¢ going on, and that now and then nature moves more abruptly than some of us sup- pose. Submarine cables indicate pected disturbances; now the gutta perc is melted, as if by heat; now the cable Ince They Land. was d fre Bom is now and it is not yet sti in the have long is broken, as though by a strain; now it ap- Pears to have been buried by a mud slip. There are, it seems, two sets of causes which produce movements beneath the surface of the sea. The one is the slow foldings, fractures and crushings of the crust—causes on land which have produc mountain chains, and are conspicuously recorded on their rocks. The other ix the effects of erosion and sedimentation removel of material from one plac from a seaworn coast, and the deposit it In another, produce exactly the s result as the piling up of materials cl: where would do—namely, unstable ce tours, which may ultimately cause mov: ments of various kinds. In other words, there may be landslips below the water just as much as there may be above it and from not dissimilar causes. Both the kinds of influence probably affect areas. There is a third, but mo ized, modifier of the sea bed—th marine volcano. All three may produce earthquakes, the first especially. Bent rocks may at last break under the strain one or both parts of the divided mass may start forward, as it were, with a jump: myriads of tons of rocks are set in motion, and a shudder is propagated through the earth's crust, which, when it originates beneath the ocean, may shatter cities on reaching the land, huge waves, that come the coast, bringing death and destruction to the lowlands. The first Jerk may not be the only one; again and again, if the crum- bling process continues, new slips may occur along the line of fracture, and fresh shocks be propagated through the crust One special object of Prof. Milne’s lec Was to point out the circumstan 5 ” which these disturbances are most likely to oceur. An earthquake and movement of some kind stand in the relation of effect and cause. Sometiines this movement ts of an explosive character, and the shock is directly connected with’ volcanic action, but —perhaps more often—the latter also stands rather in the relation of conse- quence to movements tending to wrinkle the earth's crust. Prof: Milne, during his residence in Japan—a veritable land of earthquakes—took some pains to ascertain whether the shocks were started in the mountain region or beneath the sea, and found that out of 419 shocks less than one- sixth had originated inlahd, more than half beneath the ocean, and the rest near the coast, and ¢ven of these « good many had come from the sea. Besides this, he has observed that wherever the land de- scends rapidly beneath the surface of the water, whether from the coast line or into an ocean basin, there earthquakes are like- ly to originate, while gentle slopes are rare- ly the sites of disturbance. Slipping of materials also occurs much more easily in the former case, so that here disturbances of all kinds become more probable. In the northern part of the Indian ocean there is, ‘we may remark, a rapid deepening of the sea bed, and on either side much accumu- lation of material. Whether the recent earthquake has any connection with the “swatch of no ground,” cannot be known till more precise details have been received and compared, but Prof. Milne’s remarks on the general question show that this is not impossible. Sb Se, ELECTRICITY. The ft are PLOWING BY rman Bect Suga hoy German ¢ Sugar Farmers Emp! Up-to-Date Methods, Frem the Rural New Yorker. ‘Various and many have been the unfound- ed rumors regarding the use of electric power for agricultural purposes and for plowing, but it appears that at last a prac- tical apparatus has been put to use ‘n many parts of Germany. Electric plowing is particularly adapted to the needs of the extensive beet-roct estates in Germany which are devoted to the manufacture of sugar, as these are of large extent and rep- resent capital large enough to warrant the use of labor-saving appliances. Furthe more, on such estates there is usual large steam central station plant and elec- tric power for lighting purposes, and this plant. is usually idle at the period of the year when plowing is done. From this it is evident that with the addition of a sys- tem of overhead conductors in the fields electric plowing can be economically adopt- ed over these large areas. In the system followed the overhead con- ductors do not extend into all the fields, but are tapped by temporary wires laid on the ground where required. The plowing outfit comprises a motor wagon, an anchor wagon and a plow, which is drawn back- ward and forward between them and which cuts five furrows at a time. On the motor wagon is fixed a forty horse power motor with the necessary switches and driving gear both for hauling the plow and travel- ing about from field to field. The anchor wagon carries an anchor and around which the hauling cable runs. It is ible, with a conductor of about 1.f40 feet and a plow rope of 1,000 feet, to plow 222 acres from cne center of operations. Mr. Borsig of Berlin, the manufacturer of the here described, claims