Capt. Wilson McK. Spann,

Infantry, D. O. L, of Bismarck, N.D., Inspecting Officer.

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54 MEN REPORT IN CO. A,

40 IN REGT. BAND

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Each Man Draws $7 from State for Unit Funds for Attendance. Service Co. Spreads Banquet.

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Capt. Wilson McK. Spann, Infantry, D. O. L., of Bismarck, N. D., was in New Ulm Monday afternoon and evening for the purpose of directing the annual inspection of Co. A, and the band, 205th Infantry, stationed here, as well as giving the property and accouterments the once over.

In Excellent Trim.

The property and accouterments of the two units were inspected during the afternoon and the personnel of the organizations was present at the Armory that evening for the annual federal inspection.

The band and members of the local infantry unit were out in uniform and presented an imposing appearance. Following inspection Capt. Spann, who is a regular army officer, stated both units were of a high order and the property and accouterments were in excellent shape. Co. A has always ranked high at inspection, being among the topnotch units in the regiment. The band, which passed its second annual inspection, was given a glowing tribute for improvement in marching and military tactics by Col. M. W. Welty, commanding officer of the regiment.

Spectators Present.

A large number of spectators were present to witness the annual event, which shows that the general public takes an interest in events of this kind.

Basis of State Aid.

State aid is based on the number of those in attendance at federal inspection. The sum is $7 per member. Capt. B. Groebner, commanding officer of Co. A, is pleased that 54 men were in attendance at the annual inspection. This is some eighteen less than belong to the unit, but a number are attending the State University, St. Thomas college and various other educational institutions. There were 40 members of the Regiment band present for inspection. Warrant Officer A. P. Boock stated that the maximum permitted is 52. At present the band musters 48 members. Capt. A. C. Amann, regimental dental corps officer, was also mus-tered and inspected.

A number of officers from Mankato were present at the annual inspection, among whom were: Col. and Mrs. M. W. Welty, Major R. W. Bates, Capt. and Mrs. F. M. Otto, Lieut. Harold Flagg, Lieut. Ray. Wolter, Sgt. Alf. Yarwood and Sgt. Wm. Nelson.

Following inspection the Service Co. of Mankato invited the out-of-city officers, together with the personnel of the two local units to a spread arranged in the banquet room at the armory. The service Co. did themselves proud on this occasion for the “feed” was a regular banquet. Following the eats Lieut. Flagg of the Service Co. called upon several of those present for a few words. Col. Welty paid a glowing tribute to the band and the improvement made by it in marching tactics during the past year. He stated it was a great pleasure to be present at an annual inspection of a military-musical organization of this high class. He also praised Co. A for its general appearance during the annual inspection. Other speakers called upon by Lieut. Flagg were Capt. Spann, inspecting officer, Major Bates, Capt. Otto, Lieut. Wolter, Lieut. Ed. J. Berg, Warrant Officer Boock, Sgt. Yarwood, Sgt. Ben. Rolwes and Corp. Wm. Lieb.

Several members of the band, formed a “little German band” and rendered musical numbers during the evening, which were given rounds of applause.

At the close of the evening’s festivities, the ladies, who had prepared and served the banquet, were given a rising vote of thanks.

Brown County Journal,

April 3, 1925

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