The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-07-01

A mere military organization, although it
may represent the arm Of the sovereign au-
thority of a State, is not now able to exc
cute the laws when called on to do so un-
less it has attained the highest degree OF
efficiency in the use Of arms of precision.
The rife, as weapon is available for the
purposes of disturbing the peace as we'll as
for preserving it, and it is only by constant
and careful training under competent in
structors that military force can hope to
cope successfully with on equally we'll
armed mob or the bands of savages who
raid our frontier settlements. The Ma
tional Rifle Association, by affording the
means for practice and by the series
Of matches held under its auspices
has accomplished for the National Guard
Of certain Of the Eastern States what has
brought these forces to point Of efficiency
in craftsmanship which we would like to-
see reached by the regular army. Indeed,
we are satisfied that the militia of the State
Of New York can turn out more skilled
marksmen than the whole of the regular
forces. It therefore becomes a matter of
the gravest solicitude that our national
troops, who may be called on ut short no.
tice to meet rioters and redskins, should
constitute an army Of marksmen, rs well as
one trained in all the intricate field man
nuvres laid down in the tactics. Unfortu-
nately there seems to be difficulty in
bringing this about, and though both the
officers and men Of the army are eager to
train and excel in Workmanship their OPP
portunities are limited to those laid down
in the army regulations, which are in turn
governed by the petty economical schemes
of Congressional majorities.
Military matches open to international
teams representing the regular armies and
volunteer organizations of all nations, have
during the present season. Our volunteer
regiments from many States will be repre-
scented. Canadian teams will be present to
compete. 1t is even possible that British
and other foreign military teams may cross
the ocean to take part in these useful and
highly important contests. Yet owing to
the want of few dollars and the stupid
economy of Congress the regular army
cannot afford from. its appropriations even
the railroad fares of teams from it's three
divisions. DESTROYS of aiding as far az pos
sible in bringing the regulars to Creed
moor the National Rifle Association has
agreed to pay the transportation expenses
of the teams OF the United States
Army. Now, is not this poor
exhibit to make to the world, an
organization of private citizens paying from
their funds expenses which should be freely
appropriated for an important purpose by
the national government If the exigencies
of party politics demand the exclusion of
the army from share in the most essential
military exercises what limit can be placed
to the dangers created by party politics
Army appropriations should include an
ample provision for rifle practice. Skill in
Workmanship is more important than drill
and pipe clay, because drill counts for little
and pipe clay for nothing when the breech-
loader Of the soldier is turned on the
foreign or domestic enemy and everything
depends on his ability to use it with effect.
An estimate of the cost should be published
and our citizens should aid the National
Rifle Association with liberal subscriptions,
to be devoted only to the special purpose
OF bringing the teams of the regular army
to Crcedmoor for the international military
matches in September.