Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 July 1905 — A UNIQUE ORGANIZATION. [ARTICLE]

A UNIQUE ORGANIZATION.

Mr. Charles G. Wiltshire has returned to Chicago after a three weeks’ stay in Rensselaer. His guests, Miss Nilda Manfroi and Mr. J. I. Menkin, have likewise returned, having spent a very pleasaut time here. Mr. Wiltshire is at the head of a unique organization in Chicago, namely a military organization composed entirely of young ladies, who have been drilled according to the United States army regulations, and have attained such a degree of the organization ranks among the first in Illinois. The cpmpany was first organized by Mr. Wiltshire who became their drill-master and captain, and he is still bolding that position. He is assisted by Mr. J. I. Menkin, as first lieutenant, and Miss Nilda Manfroi as first sergeant. The young ladies were formerly members of the Sunday school class which Mr. Wiltshire taught and he conceived the idea of organizing them into a permanent organization primarily to increase the interest in the school, and to attract other young women to the church. Almost from the first these undisciplined recruits began to display a remarkable aptitude for military tactics, and it was not very long until the entire company was out of the “awkward squad” stage and were executing commands like trained soldiers, having become proficient in the regulation manual of arms. Captain Wiltshire taught them a fancy drill composed of many pretty and intricate movements, and they execute these with such dexterity and such grace that they can compare only with the once famous Aurora Zouaves. These girl zouaves are attired in natty uniforms composed of a red blouse, a short skirt, both trimmed with white braid, white leggings and a blue military cap. When they are lined up for drill these fair soldiers present a very striking appearance. The have appeared many times in public, both in Chicago and its suburbs, and at each appearance they have been greeted with immeasurable applause. At present they drill with wands, but these are soon to be replaced by a specially constructed rifle patterned after the U. 8. Springfield rifle. The name of this organization is “Chicago Ladies* Infantry.” Capt. Wiltshire is also Lieut. Col. of the Ist Illinois Regiment U. R. K. P. The Ladies’ Infantry is the attraction of the coming K. P. picnic to be held at Fox River Grove, 111., in August.