Forty Young Olympians Become Company A — and Veto the 'Governor's Guard'

About forty young men of Olympia were mustered into the National Guard of Washington, as Company A, First regiment, last night. Major Charles H. Ayer, bedecked in the gaily colored regalia of his military rank, administered the oath, after each man had subscribed to the rolls and answered the necessary questions. The choice of the members for officers resulted in the election of C. S. Reinhart as captain, and Mark E. Reed first lieutenant. For the office of second lieutenant there were three nominees, John M. Goar declining to serve permanently. On the first ballot the vote was distributed between Walter J. Milroy, C. T. Whitney and J. W. Willis. On the second ballot Mr. Willis withdrew, leaving Whitney and Milroy in the field, the choice of the company being Milroy.

W. J. Willis acted as first sergeant, while Captain Reinhart put the men through their primary movements of the foot drill.

During the evening a discussion arose as to the local name by which the company should be designated in addition to its National Guard title of "Co. A." Lieutenant Reed favored the idea of dispensing with all names except that of Co. A, while suggestions came from the members that such names as the "Capital Guard" or the "Governor's Guard" would be appropriate and fitting. The question was put to a vote. One member, sensitive of his reputation and that of his associates, spoke as follows:

"Gentlemen, in designating the company by some particular title, we should not be unmindful of the fact that it will remain a permanent feature of the state capital and of the national guard of Washington. Now then, should we assume the title of the governor's guard, we may have a governor who some day may misbehave himself, causing much unfavorable comment. Under these circumstances the governor's personal character would in no manner revert to the honor of the body of young soldiers who are designated throughout this glorious state as the governor's guard. For this reason I think we should ponder seriously and carefully before adopting any such title."

The force and eloquence of the young soldier's speech had magic effect and the company voted to adopt the suggestion of Lieutenant Reed, and be nameless, other than the simple title of "Company A, First regiment."

Before retiring, Major Ayer congratulated the company upon the selection of its officers, highly complimenting each of them. Of Captain Reinhart he said: "The reports in the office of the adjutant general show your captain to have been a credit to his company at Goldendale and to the National Guard of Washington, and under his instructions company A of the First regiment will undoubtedly hold similar honors."

"Your First Lieutenant Reed was an active soldier in the former military company, and a good soldier always makes a good officer. Of Second Lieut. Milroy, I know but little as a soldier, but from my personal experience with him I can assure you that he will be a credit to the guard. Gentlemen, I congratulate and thank you all."

The measurements were then taken for the uniforms, which will be received some time in January. For the present, the skating rink will be used for drill purposes, which will occur each Monday evening. The names of those who enlisted include L. M. Atkins, F. G. Blakeslee, H. F. Bilger, R. L. Blankenship, Arthur Bedford, Harry Cowles, Alex. Drysdale, Jesse F. Foultz, H. R. Franklin, John M. Goar, Edward Hamilton, C. E. James, John James, S. G. Kaufman, Kennett J. Kincaid, Robert McMahon, Alfred Martin, L. P. Ouellette, L. O. Rice, B. B. Smith, J. G. Tusten, J. W. Willis, C. T. Whitney, S. C. Woodruff, T. A. Crisman, W. K. Esling, Frank Tillotson, Mark Alway and Isidor F. Kaufman, among others.