Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/238

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of the country. At Plattsburg announcement of the opportunity was made and French-speaking volunteers were given the privilege of going. In order camps, volunteers, whether French-speaking or not, were sent. At Sheridan the men to go were chosen by the instructors. An average of ten men from each company, battery and troop were selected —half of them first lieutenants and half second lieutenants. Needless to say, these men were the envy of their comrades.

The day following the announcement of commissions, a grand review was held on the large parade ground opposite the permanent barracks. Present in the reviewing stand were Gov. Frank O. Lowden of Illinois, Gov. Woodbridge N. Ferris of Michigan, Gov. E. M. Philipp of Wisconsin, Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Barry and Col. William J. Nicholson. The troops, in command of Col. James A. Ryan, formed at 2:15 P. M. in line of masses opposite the reviewing stand; the 11th Regiment, Maj. James S. Parker commanding, on the right; the 10th Regiment, Maj. R. B. Parrott commanding, on the left. The mass of 4,000 candidates presented a thrilling spectacle to those in the stand and the hundreds of visitors. Addresses were made by each of the Governors and General Barry. Following the speeches, the men were called to attention and swung proudly and happily in review, in column of platoons, past the admiring group of distinguished guests.

Prospect of scattered training companies within less than a week's time, after which many of the men would never see each other again, prompted