The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-03
MEETING OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE hSSO.
ClArESN.
Plans for Its Extension.

The regular monthly meeting OF the directors of
the National Rifle Association was held last evening
at the headquarters Of General Shaler, 127 Mercer
street, the Vice President, Mr.. W. Il. Church, In
the chair. Among those present were General
Shaler, Colonel shaw Major Mason, Captain Wingate
and General Woodward. The minutes OF the pre-
vious meeting were read and approved, and O dis
cussion was then entered upon relative to the pest
means OF extending the organization. Since
its formation some months ago the directors
have been untirlng in their eXertions to make
the scheme successful, and already assurances Of
assistance and cooperation have been received
from the Governor OF the State and his STAFF the
Secretary Of War; all the leading men OF the National
Guard and many other eminent citizens. In the
face OF the many improvements that have been
perfected within the past few years In
the manufacture OF arms, the objects OF the
association must commend themselves to every Cit.
Zen All recognize the tact that the Introduction Of
long range, and particularly OF breech-lOading
arms has made skill In craftsmanship one of the
most important parts of the military system.
In q government like that or the United
States the main defence and strength OF
the nation must depend mainly upon
the organized militia ana volunteers, and
it is therefore deeply important that instruction
and practice in the use OF the rife should be made
as general as possible. 1t has been fully proved
from the experience OF other nations that a
proper course or instruction Will insure pro-
ESncy in a a4s asser Of the sut rae ss
no attempts have been made In this country. No
attempts have been made to facilitate the use OF the
weapon among The National Guatds, even the
regular troops. In many instances during times
term OF his enlistment without once
using his oreech-oader or nring q shot.
In the volunteer service in Great Britain II has long
been a marked feature to encourage competition In
rife shooting, and so marked has been the success
OF the measures taken that the proficiency ed
by the volunteers equals and perhaps eXcels mat
OF the regular army. The National Rife Association
purposes to introduce u system similar to that OF
England IN this country, and. with this end In
view, have secured the cooperation of eminent mill
tary men Tor the purpose OF organizing a regular
course OF armory drill and practice among the
militia OF New York and other States, aud
for TINS purpose TO fit suitable range ranges In
the vicinity OF this city. The plans contempla-
ton to effect this object were earnestly discussed ut
the meeting last evening, and committees have
been appointed 10 fix upon suitable locality ior
practice
The association expects to accumulate sufficient
funds during the winter TO enable 1t 10 erect the
first range In the spring and to open the busl-
ness by grand rifle match, open to the
s also intended TO promote emulation In marKsman.
ship by offering series OF prlzes to be competed
for at different distances and with different arms,
and large number OF valuable articles have
purpose. AT the same time the work OF carrying
out and periectng these plans will be great invOlv
Ing the consumption OF considerable time and no
small amount Of money, and the association
important one will ct once lend their influence and
assistance by becoming members. The mutation lee
has been fixed at So and the annual dues at So pay
able to the trustees. After the discussion OF these
the directors adjourned, TO meet again the 23d Of
January.