The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-07
THE RIFLE AT CREEDMOOR
Spring Meeting and Opening Matches Of
the National Association.
FOUR CONTESTS DECIDED.
Close Competition-The Winners-A Wretched
Day-An Important Match Postponed-The
Nat onsl Guard to Practise at Creedmoor.

chti0n, which took place yesterday at Creedmoor,
dspite numerous dlscouraglng surroundings was
gratifying success and could not but suggest to
tn, spectator the fact that the highest credit was
due TO the spirited and energetic gentlemen to
whose persistent efforts and unremitting labors
thu organization owed its existence. Enough has
aleady been shown to prove that 1t is destined to
cary out the important objects for which 1t was
inttuted, and there Is altogether every reason to
believe that the day will come when the commu-
mig at large will share with 1t that high
admiration now bestowed on the National Guard
RE results OF the past year far exceed even the
nDet sanguine anticipations OF Its 1ndeatigable
promoters. In the face OF apparently insuperable
dtnculties the association has grown rapidly, and,
ptsides winning the heartlest appreciation from
those for whose special benefit 1t was organized,
1t has developed a degree Of proficiency in
craftsmanship which nothing but earnestness
and practice on the part OF its men,
bGs could have brought about. While the
exhibition yesterday could not be ranked as first
class, compared with the time honored displays OF
older associations, 1t was nevertheless q praise
worthy AFFAIR, taking the surroundings into con-
sheraton. And now that the season has opened
auspiciously, bright hopes are justly entertained
that with constant attention, such as the members
propose to give to 1t. their record as marksmen
VIII not, before the fall, be unworthy the warm
commentator OF those interested in the progress
OF such an admirable association.
The programme yesterday was well calculated
to test the merits OF the contestants. owing.
however, to the wretched weather which marred
the afternoon it carried out in its entirety.
Indeed, the incessant showers and gloomy char
acter OF the day deferred many from being pres
ent who otherwise would gladly have participated
1t was arranged that the cars should leave
Hunters Point for Creedmoor shortly after eight
O'Clock, and that others should follow at
brief intervals The morning train, however,
did not bring many to the scene and
1t was not until noon that the at
tendance gave hopes TOR fair competition.
Major General Shaler, the Vice President, and
Lieutenant Colonel Gildersleeve, the Secretary OF
the association were among the first arrivals, and
proceeded with all promptness to make the pre-.
llminary arrangements for the matches. At noon
most OF the contestants had arrived and, accom-.
panied by Colonel Church, the President, and the
other ofhcers they went to the scene. No
could iail to be struck with the complete
manner in which the grounds have been
laid ouk. splendid embankment rises up
behind the targets mound OF earth
twenty-five feet high by $40 feet long and con-
tanning over $1,000 cubic yards OF earth. The
range displays a row OF twenty targets, each OF
which can be used independently up to 500 yards
ana WI PIT Few up 10 loo yap1s, ana TINS with
points which have to be provided upon almost
all other ranges. 1t Is the opinion OF many who
have examined 1t that 1t Is in no respect inferior
to any range either In England or Canada. except,
perhaps, the celebrated Wimbledon, which excelS
IT, however, only in size. Indeed, the excel
lence and adaptabihty OF the ground
trlputed not a little to induce the National
Guard to take that interest in rife practice which
OF late they have so thoroughly manifested.
Through the kindness of General Henry L. Abbot,
who, with several other officers Of the United
State Engineer Corps, was in attendance, number
OF the men under his command at Wnlett's Point,
VINO were entitled to leave of absence Tor the day,
were permitted to act as markers upon the range,
N Readiness 81 spfase as scorers Everything being
went TO their respective posts for &rilohu
THE FIRST MATCH.
The first match was open to directors and homo
rary directors OF the National Rife Association.
weapon. any military rife; rounus, fve two sight
ing Shots Entrance lee. 81. Prize, gold badge, TO
be shot Tor annually and held by the winner dur
ing the year.
For this there were nine contestants including
Colonel Wingate, Lieutenant Colonel Gldersleeve
General Shaler, General Sigel, General NJ. T.
Mcmahon, Colonel Church, General Ward,
interest seemed to be taken in this
contest, for, as will be observed, these gentlemen
were the ruling minds OF the association Nor was
the affair Invested OF considerable numor owing to
the casual comments when some OF the contest.
ants efforts provoked. At this stage the day was
nearly all that could be desired, the weather being
comparatively fine and fair. Colonel Wingate,
however seemed to make the best OF 1t, and alter
some successful shots he was finally declared TO be
the winner OF the gold badge, as the following
score VIII show
THE SCORE,