Vermont Watchman And State Journal

June Training, Alas! for the days of olden time, when June training, next to muster day and 'lection, used to be the greatest holiday in the calendar. What an awful din of preparation preceded it; what scouring of buttons, breast-plates, swords, and guns, and bayonets; what searchings after canteens, priming wires, knapsacks, cartridge boxes and spare flints; what nightly drills of men and boys in marches and counter marches; what a popping of musketry, pistols, squibs, and mayhap what a roaring of cannon to usher in the long wished for day, and perhaps in special compliment to officers, who were to strut their brief time dressed in flashing regimentals and omnipotent authority; what a rush to the "common" of citizens and military and pedlers' carts; what piles of ginger-bread in the shanties, set off with jugs of brandy and new rum; what manœuvres by the soldiery, what sham fights—and sometimes what real rows and fights among refractory soldiers or rummy spectators. Such like was June training long time ago, and blest was the man accounted who held an office, from captain down to fourth corporal, or the boy who had nine-pence and full swing to enjoy the holiday.

But the times are changed sadly, as to pomp and noise—happily, for temperance, quietness and good order. Last Tuesday was tame, compared with old fashioned training days, though it was marked by an unusual bustle. The military companies were only two, when we formerly had three, with a fourth composed of boys. Capt. Marston's militia, being the oldest, is entitled to first notice. Not long since its name was legion, and it wore various soubriquets, suggested by the rows and scrapes which sometimes distinguished it; now, however, its size is reduced to manageable dimensions, and on Tuesday a degree of order and propriety was observed, highly creditable to both officers and men. The other company is the "Capital Riflemen," of two years' standing; its appearance is good, and it ranks high among the military. Nothing is wanting but a few more men, and thorough drilling, to make it as perfect and effective a company as is to be found out of the regular service.

We pass now to the Fire Department. While the number of the militia has been diminished, the people of our village have gained the largest and most effective fire department which can be produced by any village of Vermont. For the first time, there was a general meeting and inspection of this department, and it proved by far the most attractive part of the performances of the day. At four o'clock the companies met, and were marshalled as follows, under the direction of Daniel Baldwin, Esq. Chief Engineer:

1. Wardens.
...
7. Hook and Ladder Company, with the implements of their department.

In this order, led by the Amateur Brass Band, and with appropriate banners, the procession passed through the several streets of the village, at different points playing the engines, and going through all the performances of an actual fire—except the fire. Arrived at the corner of State and Main streets, a brief address was made by O. H. Smith, Esq. after which the companies concluded the performances by a glorious sham fight, in which the water got an easy victory, and not a few of the men got the water. There was more than novelty and sport in this affair, as it has shown that we have firemen of the best kind—good engines—and hose enough to reach any exposed spot within the limits of the village. Our young men have enlisted in this Department, and every thing goes on with spirit and energy. They are justly proud, each of his own company; and the village should be proud of them all, and liberally sustain them. We hope never to hear another grumble about taxes for the fire department; at least until the enlargement of our village demands an increase of this department. Now, we are amply supplied with engines, hose and hooks and ladders—and with men to use them with skill and hearty good will.

2. Property Saving Company.