The 101st Edmonton Fusiliers

There was no doubt about it that in the spring of 1908 Edmonton showed signs of the growth which has since so rapidly developed. This was borne in on the minds of four of her citizens, to wit: Lt. Col. E. B. Edwards, Major (now Lt. Col) W. F. W. Carstairs, Capt. (now Major) F. A. Osborne, and Capt. (now Major) W. S. Weeks, who foregathered and considered the advisability of raising a Western Infantry Regiment. Their councils completed, overtures were made to the proper authorities with the result that on October 5, 1908, one of those very laconic general orders was issued by the Militia Council of Canada which resulted in the birth of the "101st Regiment of Infantry with headquarters at Edmonton, Alberta."

This was not the first unit of Canadian Militia in its present form to make its headquarters in the Alberta capital. A cavalry regiment, now known as the 19th Alberta Dragoons, was even then in a flourishing condition, while in the stirring times of '85 many were the men of the then sparsely populated district of Edmonton who took up arms to defend their homes and the ones they loved from the terrible dangers which then threatened.

Fortunately since that time no need has arisen for men to go out and fight in this wonderful country of ours, but at the time of the South African war there were many men who went from this district in one or other of the Canadian regiments which participated in that campaign, thereby serving their country and their sovereign.

October 5, 1908, therefore, saw the birth of the 101st Regiment, shortly afterwards known as the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers and now affiliated with the 101st Royal Munster Fusiliers, which regiment has one of the longest fighting records of any in the Imperial Army.

Lt. Col Elihu Burritt Edwards, formerly brigadier of the 7th Infantry Brigade, with headquarters at Peterborough, in accordance with the request of those who had worked with him, accepted the first command. With him was Major W.F.W. Carstairs, Reserve of Officers, second in command. The other officers on organization were: Captains, F. A. Osborne, W. S. Weeks, R. de L. Harwood, P. Anderson, F. T. Fisher, W. H. Ketchum, J. V. E. Carpenter, and O. F. Strong. As lieutenants: G. B. McLeod, H. F. Whit taker, H. B. Spratt, A. G. C. de L. Harwood, V. C. Mulvey, C. K. Flint, C. P. A. Keffer, K. B. McKenzie, A. E. Hutton, A. H. Meneely, W. E. Lines, F. L. Bradburn, R. H. Stewart, H. W. Moffat, J. W. Morris, E. L. Crumb, R. J. Macdonald. The quartermaster was G. A. Reid, Esq., with the honorary rank of captain. The paymaster was H. B. Round, Esq., with similar rank, while the chaplain was and is still the Rev. Dr. D. G. McQueen, also an honorary captain. Attached to the Regiment for medical duties was Provisional Lieutenant J. D. Maclean, who was shortly succeeded by Lieutenant J. L. Biggar.

Once the organization was set in order and the officers and staff appointed it was not long before things began to show signs of life in the neighborhood of the McKay Avenue and Separate school houses, which were secured as temporary armouries. In the winter months which followed there was held the first provisional school for the qualification of officers and non-commissioned officers. This was held under the command of Captain E. F. Mackie, D.S.O. of Strathcona Horse, and commenced January, 1909.

Early in February quite a few men had joined and many of them were qualifying for promotion, with the result that by the middle of that month 26 had qualified and held non-commissioned rank. These formed the nucleus around which the regiment was to be built, so that by the opening of the training season of 1909, on April 6, some 150 men had been enrolled and attached to one or other of the eight companies into which the regiment was divided. It was at this time also that the name Edmonton Fusiliers was first authorized, and the Regiment obtained the use of the present temporary armoury.

On April 21 the first "duties" were detailed. Capt. F. A. Osborne was Orderly Officer, Col. Sgt. Howland (now lieutenant) was Orderly Sergeant, while Bugler E. Baty shared the duties of the week.

Then came the work of instructing all in the various duties pertaining to their respective ranks. Stretcher bearer sections, signaling sections and the like had to be formed and all the time the regiment was growing. Changes too took place among the officers and it was soon found that though men might be enlisted the habit of life in the west was as yet too unsettled for a man to remain very long in town. The percentage who have stayed, however, and who are still with the regiment is very good and really surprisingly large and so those in command were well pleased with the results at the end of the first year of their regiment's existence.

On the 24th June, 1909, the Regiment underwent its first inspection at the hands of Brigadier General Otter, C.B., C.V.O., when they acquitted themselves entirely to the satisfaction of the General, the inspection being held in the armoury. A few days previous to this the Regiment had attended its first church parade, when it marched out to the camp of the 19th Mounted Rifles on the Groat Estate, where a Divine service was held, another church parade followed on July 6, when the regiment marched to the First Presbyterian Church. This was the last function before the drill season was brought to a close after the first annual inspection by the District Officer Commanding, Lt. Col Cruikshanks, which took place in the last week of July.

During the following few months only bare routine work was done, until His Excellency Earl Grey, Governor General of Canada, visited the Provincial Capital to lay the corner stone of the new Legislative buildings. The Regiment on this occasion provided a Guard of Honor to meet His Excellency on the arrival of the Vice Regal train at Strathcona, and again on the following day, Friday, 1st October, 1909, at the place which had been selected as the site of the buildings, the corner stone of which was to be laid. As a result of the way in which the men turned out, came a letter, very shortly afterwards, from His Excellency complimenting Col. Edwards on the appearance of his men and thanking him for the Guard of Honor which had so well performed its duties.

The season of 1910 opened as usual in the month of April after very slight touch had been maintained through the winter months. Many men had left town and others had dropped out for one reason or another so that it was found necessary to push forward with the recruiting as speedily as possible.

The sadder side of military garrison duty was touched even before the season started by the death of Lieut. James W. Morris, as the result of a shooting accident. This officer had always been a great favorite with those who had the honor of his friendship and his loss to the regiment was keenly felt by all who composed it. On the 17th of March his body was laid to rest with full military honors, his fellow officers acting as pall bearers, while other members of the Regiment formed the escort and firing party.

Another loss the Regiment suffered was that of Sergeant Major William Baty, whose zeal and willingness to help others had made him invaluable in the days of the Regiment's infancy. This N. C. O. was discharged from the corps at his own request to take up other duties in another branch of the militia service of the Dominion.

Then came the bereavement of the year which was felt not only by the Regiment but by all the Empire and in a lesser degree by the whole world, in the death of our beloved Sovereign King Edward VII. In conjunction with all the rest of the Empire the funeral services were held in Edmonton, the 101st Regiment bearing out its part in the sorrowful memorials.

After this the work of the season went on in its regular manner. On June 8 the Regiment took part in attack and defense practise in which the local Mounted Corps also took their share. In July the annual inspection by the District Officer Commanding Military District 13 took place.

The drill season being closed it was thought that a little outing which would combine instruction and amusement would be welcome and after some cogitation on the part of the authorities it was decided that the outing would take place at Cooking Lake. Only a day or two could be spared as at that time no regular arrangements had been made for annual training camps in this part of the country, but these few days were to be full of work, which from its very departure from the regular thing would be calculated to afford much real interest and amusement. All the expenses of this and the succeeding year's camp at Tofield were borne by the officers of the corps, no outside help being asked or accepted. Accordingly on July 16 the Regiment paraded at the Armouries and went by train to the place selected, which has since become known as Military Point. There camp was pitched and under service conditions the members of the 101st enjoyed themselves. Outposts, scouting and sham battles took up all the spare time on week days, while on Sunday a church parade took place, which many of Edmonton's citizens attended.

Shortly after there occurred a thing which stands very much to the credit of the Regiment's marching ability. It was the occasion of the visit of Lord Strathcona, and arrangements had been made for the transport of the Regiment, who were to provide a Guard of Honor, by means of street cars. Some one blundered, as on a more fatal occasion in the history of the British Army, and the result was that the boys had to "hoof" their way to meet the High Commissioner. The march from the armoury to the Strathcona station, a good three miles, was covered in less than 30 minutes, and the Guard was on parade in time for the arrival of the train.

On the occasion of the opening of the Edmonton Exhibition by the Lieutenant-Governor, the Regiment again did duty with a Guard of Honor and on Thanksgiving Day a sham battle took place in the North Edmonton country, in which both mounted men and infantry took their part. Later in the fall a provisional school was held, together with a garrison school of signaling which many members of both local corps attended.

The first thing of interest in the regimental new year was the selection of three men for the Canadian contingent to the Coronation of His Majesty, King George V. The men selected were: Sergt. A. H. Elliot, now Regimental Sergeant Major; Sergeant Smalien. and Corporal P. H. Kenwood. The latter was promoted sergeant before the detachment left for the East, where they were attached to the main body of the contingent and given a preliminary training previous to leaving for England on board the Empress of Ireland on June 2nd.

In May the Regiment received a new non-commissioned officer in the person of Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor J. H. C. Bingham of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry. This was an innovation on the part of the Militia Department and one which did more to help forward the corps in which we are interested than any other change that could have been made. This N. C. O. was attached to the Regiment for the purpose of instructing those who held positions as officers or non-commissioned officers and to attend to such matters as might be calculated to add to the efficiency of any unit in the field of war.

Victoria Day was celebrated by a trip to Fort Saskatchewan, whither the Regimental Band had been asked to go. Taking advantage of this the officer commanding thought it would be a good thing for the Regiment, and so arrangements were made and when at the Fort a march past was arranged, the Inspecting Officer being Lt. Col S. Maynard Rogers of the 43rd Ottawa Rifles. This march past was a revelation to those who had flouted the idea of the success of an infantry regiment in the West. The men were smart in their appearance and marched over the rough ground with a steadiness worthy of those much better trained. Col. Rogers expressed his delight at the manner in which the men had acquitted themselves and the whole party came back that night filled with pleasure at the day's outing.

Early in June a child was lost on the Hudson's Bay Reserve. Word was brought to the city that he had been missing for more than twenty-four hours and calling out the Regiment, Col. Edwards scoured the whole of the area on the east by extending the Regiment and the volunteers as far as they would go. A march north disclosed no sign of the poor little lad, but when the men had moved west and were preparing for a sweep south over new ground he was soon found. Glad was no word to describe the feelings of the boy's father and the men who had given up their own time to this work of kindness shared his happiness. This was the second occasion on which the regiment did similar work, a boy having been lost in a similar way the previous fall.

The next celebration of this year was that of the Coronation of His Majesty King George V. This was a red letter day not only for the whole Empire, but also for the 101st, for after the regular celebration parade and "feu-de-joie" were over the Regiment received from the hands of its Fairy Godmothers, in the persons of the West ward Ho Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire a beautiful set of regimental colors. The colors were placed in the custody of Col Carstairs and Capt. Harwood, next senior officers present and were consecrated by the Venerable Archdeacon Gray, Chaplain and Honorary Captain of the 19th Alberta Dragoons, then passed to the Grand Regent of the Grand Chapter of Alberta Daughters of the Empire from whom they were received by the two senior Lieutenants of the Regiment, Mulvey and Kiefer. After this beautiful ceremony the regiment trooped the colors, stacked arms and mixed with the gay throng enjoying the exhibition.

Another outing was arranged at the close of the season and on June 29 in spite of pouring rain the Regiment went to camp at Beaver Lake, Tofield, for three days. The rain was almost incessant but this did not damp the ardor of the men whose laughter and cheerfulness finally convinced the clerk of the weather that they could not be disappointed and he relented, sending on the last day several hours of magnificent sunshine in which the men fought a glorious sham battle against the volunteer defenders of the town of Tofield. The off season had arrived once more. Early in the slack months those non-commissioned officers who had been to the coronation returned and at a smoking concert given in their honor delighted all their hearers with an account of their doings and seeings. The rest of the winter was taken up with schools of instruction and the usual round of smokers and dances which do so much to keep the men together. At the close of the year the Regiment lost by a revolution of the wheel of seniority the services of its first Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Edwards had seen the Regiment started, had seen it commence to flourish, and at the close of its third year of existence he placed the care of its well-being in the hands of his senior Major, W. F. W. Carstairs, who had also been one of those who joined it in the beginning of things and helped to make it a success. Lt. Col Carstairs issued his first regimental orders on December 27, 1911.

Long before the regular commencement of the drill season of 1912 signs of life were to be noticed, several of the more energetic company officers calling their men together and getting them into shape for the coming season which was to be a record breaker. The season proper opened on the 2nd April, by which time Sgt. Major Bingham already had a good number of the season's recruits in shape for parading. The work was taken up by all with spirit and a big improvement in the appearance of the members of the Regiment was noticeable.

On May 17 a farewell smoking concert was given in honor of the departure of Sgt. W. Regan who was going as one of the Can adian Bisley team of the year to England.

A garrison parade was held on the evening of June 3 to celebrate the King's birthday. The troops were inspected by His Honor Lieutenant Governor Bulyea, the inspection being followed by the firing of a "feu de joie" and a march past. On this occasion the crowds of people who turned out to witness the parade showed their approval in a more hearty manner than ever before and it was the opinion of men who might be supposed to know that the Ed monton troops looked smarter and performed their manoeuvres more efficiently than on any previous occasion. The consequence of the rising popularity of the Regiment was shown by the increase in the recruiting which was heavier than in any previous year.

As if to cap the successes of the year, orders were issued for a camp of instruction to be held at Calgary in the last week of June. All arrangements were made and the orders for entraining on the evening of June 23 were issued and in all some three hundred and fifty men paraded to take advantage of the camp. The night was hot and stormy with the result that little rest was obtained on the road down to Calgary, and on arrival there some delay was experienced in getting the regiment any breakfast. The sun beat down unmercifully and camp was five miles away. Still all these odds notwithstanding the regiment marched that five miles at the quick and with the colors flying went into camp with a step like trained soldiers of long experience. Those units already in camp gave a welcome of hearty cheers which spoke volumes for the impression which the smart appearance of the men created.

Throughout the week the Regiment gave evidence of the quality of the men and of the work expected of them. From medical and military authorities alike praise as to stamina and physique was won.

During this camp a sham battle was fought on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 26. The Regiment was in the defending force with the 103rd Calgary Rifles. In the course of events these two regiments had to march nearly 12 miles in the full sun over dusty ground. Barely a shot was fired before the umpires gave decision that the honors lay with the defenders and the men completed the march home to the accompaniment of singing and laughter. In all two men fell out from the effects of heat and yet the men were not trained soldiers accustomed to marching under such arduous conditions. Last day twenty miles.

Friday, June 28, was the day which put the crown on all the successes the Regiment had taken proud possession of. Before breakfast company drill was gone through with and immediately after wards the Regiment turned out with the rest of brigade of Cavalry, Infantry and Artillery to march past Major General Sir Colin Mac kenzie, the Inspector General of the Canadian forces. This officer was supported at the saluting base by Lieut. Governor Bulyea and several others who were accompanied by ladies. The first march past was gone through successfully, and while the cavalry continued on a large sweep previous to coming round again at the trot the two infantry regiments returning marched past in equal columns. the Edmonton 101st and the Calgary 103rd marched back thereby completing their share of the pageant. Suddenly those in command became aware that a large enough sweep had not been made by the cavalry and that unless the infantry were rapidly moved out of the way a catastrophe would take place. It was an emergency move to clear the road and the order was given by Col Carstairs to change direction left. It was possibly the weakest point in the Regiment's manoeuvres, as it is with even regulars. Judge of everybody's delight when the Edmonton Regiment wheeled as if held in place by a ruled line. They drew forth commendation from everyone who saw it and most important of all from the inspecting officer, Major General Sir Colin Mackenzie, in addition to personally expressing his appreciation to Col Carstairs and the Regiment, issued a Brigade Order that defined the 101st Regiment, Edmonton Fusiliers, as the finest body of men, the largest regiment under camp for the season and the best drilled of any of the regiments it had been General Mackenzie's pleasure to review in all the camps of Eastern and Central Canada.

Barely had the Regiment got back to camp when it was ordered out again. This time it was a sham battle. Quick was the word and sharp the action for in three hours they were back in camp, having in that time marched nearly twenty miles and again completely routed the enemy, who had thought to take our camp. Dinner was then served and the men changed into their regimentals once more after a happy five days in the khaki of the camp life. Arrangements had been made with the Calgary car service to carry the Regiment to the rifle range for target practice, but like a car service nearer their home the Calgary cars proved they were not infallible. Result: after a march past, a sham battle including twenty miles over rough ground in sultry weather, the Regiment had to march through the city of Calgary for a distance of seven miles to the ranges and they did it with colors flying and band playing and the men smiling. Night came and the men were ready for bed, but no, Col Carstairs packed off one or two officers and men whose health would not permit of a night out, but he with the major portion of the Regiment camped out under the skies, which as if to add to the reality of the "active service" touch, wept. It rained a fine Calgary sort of Scotch mist for the whole night.

The next day was spent in visiting the Calgary exhibition and attending a vaudeville performance, the latter being an expression of appreciation of the Regiment's work from Major Weeks.

This closed the regular season, but in order that the strings might not be entirely lost, drills were carried on for some time after the return from camp.

On the occasion of the Edmonton Exhibition. Col. Carstairs gave permission for the men to take part in a Military Tattoo. The Regiment and band took part every evening and it is no exaggeration to say that the effect of this performance was not only creditable to the Regiment but increased the gate receipts of the Exhibition considerably.

Shortly after this a concert was given in honor of the Westward Ho Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire, the members of which have always shown more than a passing interest in the welfare of the Regiment. To it they have stood as Fairy Godmothers, for to them the Regiment owes many things great and small which have added to the interest of militia life. On the occasion of this concert a silver challenge shield was presented to "B" company as having been the smartest and largest company at an inspection held at Tofield during the 1911 camp at that place. This shield had been presented to the Regiment for competition by this Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire, and was seconded by a bronze shield presented by Col. Carstairs, which was won by "H" company for being the neatest in the matter of camp arrangements on the same occasion. These shields are being competed for annually, the company winning them three times in succession owning them.

During the first week of September, His Royal Highness Field Marshall the Duke of Connaught, Governor General of Canada, accompanied by H. R. H. the Duchess and the Princess Patricia, visited Edmonton for the purpose of opening the new Legislative buildings. On this occasion the 101st. Regiment provided a guard of honor and during the other affairs which Their Royal Highnesses attended during their stay, members of the Regiment performed many duties in many different places.

Some time in the winter of 1911 the affiliation of the 10lst Regiment, Edmonton Fusiliers, with the 1st Royal Munster Fusiliers, formerly the "101st of the Line," was accomplished. Shortly after this Lieut. General John Winburn Laurie, Honorary Colonel of the Munster Regiment was pleased to confer upon the local corps the honor of becoming its honorary colonel. Unfortunately the Edmonton corps did not long enjoy this honor, for General Laurie passed away in the spring of 1912 after a life of most honorable and distinguished military service.

Feeling that the regiment would gain by having the position of Honorary Colonel filled as well as that of honorary lieutenant colonel. Lieut. Col. Carstairs took such steps that in the fall of 1912 Major Thomas C. Lazier, formerly of the 15th Argyll Light Infantry and commander of No.1 Company of the Midland Battalion in the '85 rebellion, and Major B. J. Saunders, once of the Montreal Engineer Corps and late major 19th A. D. and later of the Dominion Land Surveyors Intelligence Corps in the rebellion, accepted the positions respectively, much to the gratification of the officers and men of the Regiment. These gentlemen have both been long and honorably known in the militia service of the Dominion, besides which they have both proved themselves good citizens in the home of the Regiment, Edmonton.

During the past year there has been a marked increase in the interest taken in military matters in Edmonton and the next few months should see even greater activity in military circles, not only in this city, but throughout the whole of western Canada. The Dominion government has been hampered by lack of funds in their efforts to raise military units in the west. They have done good work in this respect in the past and are every year making many, much-needed improvements. This is a new country, however, and a pretty extensive one and it takes time to introduce all the modern conveniences and equipment so necessary to the maintenance of an ideal volunteer military system in the west. Officers and men who have been connected with military organizations in eastern Canada and in the old country realize to the fullest extant the difficulties under which they are laboring in the west and it speaks volumes for their patriotism and deep interest in the work of establishing a creditable volunteer system that they almost invariably take hold in a whole-hearted manner and endeavor to surmount the obstacles. There are dozens of examples of this right here in Edmonton, and it is due largely to the efforts of such men that Edmonton is now the centre for two first class military units.

The outstanding feature in the military world of Edmonton during the past year has been the organization of a new infantry regiment known as the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers. Lt. Colonel Edwards is in command of this new regiment and is very enthusiastic over the way the organization work has been carried forward. He has associated with him an excellent staff of officers with considerable knowledge of military affairs. They are all very enthusiastic and are energetically carrying forward the work.

Shortly after the organization of the 101st had been authorized classes were opened in the city for officers and non-commissioned officers. These were continued for six weeks and were well attended. Thirty three officers and twenty-six non-coms. qualified and obtained certificates. They were assigned to the eight companies of the regiment as follows:--

A Co.-- Captain Osborne, Lieutenants Flint, Meneeley and Brown, Sergeants Gillespie, Ritchie, LeBlanc and Mohr.

B Co.-- Captain Weeks, Lieutenants Mulvey and Morris, Sergeants Gregory, Brunlees, Sherwood and Dredge.

C Co.-- Captain Harwood, Lieutenants Keefer, Delevault and Powley, Sergeants McRae, Hodson and Berry.

D Co.-- Captain Anderson, Lieutenants Crumb and McDonald, Sergeant Adams.

E Co.-- Captain Fisher, Lieutenants Bradburn, Stewart and Rix, Sergeants Balfour, Davies and Wilson.

F Co.-- Captain Carpenter, Lieutenants Stark, Higman, Spratt and Chadwick, Sergeants Weaver, Campbell and McDonald.

G Co.-- Captain Strong, Lieutenants McKenzie, Bellamy and Gorman, Sergeants Howland, Hawkins and Claassen.

H Co.-- Captain McLeod, Lieutenants Gillespie, Whittaker and Kelly, Sergeants Baty, E. J. Hazard, Porter and B. Hassard.

No attempt was made until very recently to enroll the rank and file of the regiment. Recruiting has been carried forward during the past month however and fully one half of the total strength of the regiment has been enrolled.

The total strength of the regiment will be 405, of whom 33 are officers and 372 non-commissioned officers and men. The formation of a regimental band with a total strength of 25 has been authorized. It is probable that arrangements will be made for the Citizens' band to become the regimental band. A signal corps will be formed consisting of two men from each company. A supernumerary lieutenant of each company has been appointed to fill any vacancies which might occur.

In the first 150 enrolled in the 101st it is interesting to note that over one-third have been members of military organizations in eastern Canada or the old country, and a number have seen active service in South Africa.

A splendid class of men are being enrolled. A large number of these still retain the accent of bonny Scotland. There are a number from Ireland, several having been members of the famous Royal Irish Constabulary. England and Eastern Canada furnish a large number. There are a few Americans and French and two or three Ruthenians. The minimum height of the men enrolled in the 101st has been fixed at 5 feet, 7 inches. The standard minimum height for militiamen in England and elsewhere is 5 feet, 4 inches. In Canada the minimum height of the Governor General's Foot Guards has also been placed at 5 feet, 7 inches. The number of men enrolled in the 101st who are 5 feet, 10 and 11 inches, and even 6 feet high, is surprisingly large.

D Company is being recruited in Strathcona, and drill is held there. Regular drill is being held in the city twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday evenings. A number of the companies are also holding extra drills. Drill is being held at the Separate school hall at the present time, but as soon as the evenings lengthen open air drill will be commenced possibly on the exhibition grounds or Hudson's Bay flats.

A bugle band is being organized in connection with the regiment. Allowance in age and height is being made for buglers. A number of young fellows who have a taste for this are required to complete the bugle band.

Although there are now two strong military organizations in the city there is still no armory. The militia department planned to erect a large armory here this summer, but up to the present the appropriation required for this purpose has not been authorized.

The 101st Fusiliers are endeavoring to secure temporary quarters in the curling rink and the waiting room is being used at the present time for the quartermaster's stores. If the rink is secured, as is expected, it will mean that a number of rooms will be built along the west side of the building on the space occupied in the past by the No. 4 loe(?). Eight rooms for the companies in the regiment will be built and also a band room, quarter master's store room, buglers' room and a sergeants' room. The officers will use the present waiting room and the room above it.

A large quantity of equipment for the new regiment has been received. Sixteen large cases of clothing have arrived and are being issued. Three hundred and seventy-two Ross rifles have also arrived, which with the 75 used in the training school will be used for drill. The clothing received included serge jacket and trousers, a set of blue linen for fatigue dress, a full dress tunic, peak caps of a naval pattern, helmets for ceremonial drill and warm weather work, and chevrons and badges for the staff sergeants, sergeants, corporals, bandsmen and buglers.

Rifle practice at the ranges is going to prove a very attractive part of the drill this summer. The ranges are located on the south bank of the river and some little distance east. They will be put in proper condition at the earliest possible moment. A ferry will be installed on the river opposite the ranges as soon as the ice on the river goes out and rifle shooting should become very popular this year. In the 101st there are already a large number of expert shots, and they will not only be able to make a good showing for themselves, but will be able to instruct new men.

The 101st is the first Canadian regiment to be armed throughout with the mark 2 Ross rifle. These rifles have been declared by experts to be far superior to the old rifles used. One of the great advantages is the low trajectory of the rifle. With the old Snyder-Enfield rifle a man on a load of hay could drive midway between the marksman and a 500 yard target, provided his head was not more than 26 feet from the ground, and be uninjured. With the Ross rifle, however, a man 5 feet 6 inches in height, crossing between the marksman and target at the 500 yard range would be in danger of being shot through the neck. The muzzle velocity of the mark 2 Ross rifle is 200 feet per second greater than any other rifle. The variations in elevation are not so great and the bullet as a consequence, is less affected by the wind.

There was a large attendance at drill last night, some of the companies taking their first out-of-door drill. The following regimental orders by Lieut. Col. E. B. Edwards, commanding the 101st regiment, with headquarters at Edmonton, were read:

1-- To be orderly officer for the week ending, April 24th, Captain F. A. Osborne; next for duty, Captain W. S. Weeks.

2-- To be battalion orderly sergeant for the week ending April 24th, Color Sergeant Howland; next for duty, Color Sergeant Weaver.

3-- To be orderly bugler, E. Baty.

The names of the men enrolled up to the present were read.

The coming summer promises to be an active one also for the 19th Alberta Mounted Rifles with headquarters at Edmonton. This regiment will be stronger than ever this year. In Edmonton, which is the headquarters for A squadron, many new men are being enrolled. They are a better class than formerly and are picking up the drill very rapidly.

A few months ago arrangements were made whereby A squadron would commence drill. All Saints school room was secured for this purpose and every Tuesday evening rifle and bayonet drill was held. A large number of new men joined the squadron and entered enthusiastically into the work of reorganization. Interesting lectures were delivered on military topics throughout the winter and it is the intention to hold a number of smokers and social functions in order to keep the men together. New uniforms have been ordered for the men and are expected to arrive at an early date.

The 19th is laboring under the same difficulties as the 101st through lack of a suitable armory or proper equipment. A squadron armory is located on Eighth street, but the officers and men will all gladly welcome the erection of a new and up-to-date armory in the city.

The mounted regiments in the west go into camp every year for two weeks during the summer. This year camp opens on June 29th, two weeks later than in former years. In this way it is hoped to escape much of the wet weather. The place of the camp has not yet been definitely decided. It is possible that brigade camp for military district No. 13 will be held in Calgary again this year. The 19th A. M. R., however, may hold regimental camp at Edmonton. An effort is being made to hold brigade camp here in the future. It is now three years since a training camp was held in Edmonton. Six weeks training school will be held at Edmonton prior to camp.

Army signalling will likely be pushed forward briskly in the city this year as both the 101st and the 19th are planning to raise signal corps. Sergeant Major Hopkins, of A squadron, 19th A. M. R., has been appointed supernumerary lieutenant and will have charge of the signal corps. Recruits for the 19th signal corps are now being called for and active drill will start shortly. The 101st are also planning to form a signal corps, although their signal officer has not yet been appointed. Sergeant Major Baty is a qualified signaller and will doubtless assist in the instruction of the corps.

The Fusiliers have organized a strong athletic club in connection with the regiment and sports of all kinds will flourish this year. It is the intention to organize amateur baseball, football and cricket teams this year and to enter men from this organization in almost every line of athletics. The following are the officers of the 101st Athletic club:--

Hon. president-- Col. E. B. Edwards.

Hon. vice-president-- Major Carstairs.

Hon. chaplain-- Rev. Dr. McQueen.

President-- Capt. Dr. Strong.

Vice-president-- Capt. Geo. B. McLeod.

Secretary-treasurer-- Lieut. A. C. Gillespie.

Executive committee-- Sergt. Major Baty, Color Sergt. Howland, Color Sergt. Adams, Sergt. Hodson and Pte Mahoney.

Efforts are now being made to form an infantry regiment among the Ruthenians of the city and district. A petition for this is being circulated among the Ruthenians and is being largely signed. It will be forwarded to the militia department at Ottawa. It is the intention at the outset to have the new regiment in charge of English officers, to be gradually replaced by qualified Ruthenians. The majority of the Ruthenians in this district have had military training in Austria and Russia and a Ruthenian regiment should be decided success.

It is also proposed to organize field companies of Canadian engineers at Edmonton. This will consist of three companies of 50 men each with 13 or 14 officers. The work of the engineers will be the erection of pontoon bridges, building redoubts, shel-proof trenches, fortifications etc. It is very interesting work and little difficulty should be experienced in raising an engineers' corps.

A despatch was received from Ottawa yesterday announcing the appointment of Lieut. Colonel E. A. Cruikshank, of the Niagara military district, to command military district No. 13, with headquarters at Calgary. Colonel Cruikshank has been in command of the 5th infantry brigade, with headquarters at Niagara Falls, since October 13th, 1906. He was formerly lieutenant colonel of the 44th Lincoln and Welland regiment. Col. Steele who formerly commanded military district No. 13, has been appointed to the permanent command of military district No. 10, with headquarters at Winnipeg. Military district No. 10 was commanded by the late Colonel Evans, of Winnipeg. After his death Col. Steele was put of districts 10 and 13 temporarily.

The 90th regiment with headquarters at Winnipeg, held their annual dinner on Thursday night, and memories of '85, Cut Knife Creek, Fish Creek and Batoche were revived. Col. Steele responded for the active militia. Col. Bilman presided. The statement was made that 175 officers and 4,500 men had been trained in that regiment.