THE BATTALION.
busy shops. The wood lathes offered much
amusement to the people and the emery
wheels created much excitement.
Nearly every one got a souvenir from the
shops to remember their pleasant days at
A. and M. One of the most attractive
features of the inspection was that of the
chemical-veterinary laboratory, with its col
lections of precious geological and zoological
specimens.
In the afternoon there was battalion
drill in extended order, being formed for
attack against the artillery squad, which
was located in the forest at the western ex
tremity of the drill ground. There was
also some volley firing, which was, on
the whole, very good.
After supper the Alumni association
gave an open meeting in Chapel, which
was enjoyed by all the faculty. The corps
of cadets are always glad to have the
Alumni with them, and it is to be hoped
that the much-talked-of “big reunion” will
actually take place during the commence
ment of 1904.
TUESDAY.
Tuesday, the final day, was introduced
to the guests of the College by the loud
sound of the artilleryman’s cannon.
After the usual assembly of the battalion
on the parade grounds, and the “hungry
veterans” had satisfied themselves with
perhaps the last breakfast Some of them
would partake of in old Mess Hall, the
program for the day was ready to be
carried out.
Company competitive drill was the first
event of the day, having been substituted
for grand guard mounting in order that the
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coolness of the day might render some pro
tection to the cadet. Lieut. Todd, U. S. A.;
Prof. Kyle and Mr. Pittuck, having been
appointed judges, arranged a series of
movements through which the company
had to be drilled. Company “B” was the
first to be moved forward by the firm voice
of Capt. Mansfield, followed by companies
“A,” “D” and “C” respectively. Com
pany “C” was the one announced b} the
judges to have, won the trophy offered for
the best drilled company, followed by
companies “A,” “D” and “B” respectively.
Company “C” did some very good drilling,
but it was a surprise to all that the beauti
ful Texas flag was not borne off by com
pany “B.”
Individual competitive drill took place on
this occasion, and those who won the
beautiful company medals worked hard for
them. Those who proudly bore off medals
as an emblem of their efficiency to handle
a gun were J. E. Wilson, company “A;”
Henry B. Farmer, company “B;” C. L.
Bernay, company “C;” Fred Simonds,
company “D.”
Just one hour had elapsed when the
bugler’s horn was heard sounding “Chapel’ ’
for its last time, and soon the battalion was
marched to Chapel. The hall was crowded
with visitors and cadets, very anxious to
hear the final graduating exercises.
The exercises were opened with prayer
by Dr. Bittle, after which the great and
popular Texas senator, Joseph W. Bailey,
delivered an appropriate address.
The valedictory address, by Richard H.
Mansfield, followed; and it was, indeed, a
sad time for those to whom diplomas were
soon to pe presented. The last “farewell”