New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-26
HONORS FOR THERIFLE TEAM
GUESTS OF THE BRITISH VOLUNTEERS.
SPEECHES AND GOOD -FELLosHIP - SIR HENRY
HALFoRD's COMPLIMENTS.

GUESTS OF THE BRITISH VOLUNTEERS.
SPEECHES AND GOOD FELLosHIp - SIR HENRY
HALFoRD's COMPLIMENTS.
LONDON. July 25-The banquet given by British
volunteers in honor Of the American rifle team took
place at the Criterion tonight. The American and
British rifle teams were present in full uniform
There were about 100 persons at the tables includ-
ing Earl Wadegrave. Lieutenant Colonel Otter
the captain Of the Canadian team, and several
| other Canadians.
Sir Henry Halford the captain Of
the British team. who presided, proposed
toast to the Queen, which was drunk by all
standing. A toast to President Arthur's health was
received with three cheers General Sir William
McMurdo. responding to toast to the Army, dwet
upon the similarity of organization of the
British Volunteers and American National Guard.
SIR HENRY HALFoRD's SPEECH.
Sir Henry Halford. in proposing the health Of
Colonel Howard and the American team, said the
team were well worthy of the country they repre-
sented. They were led by man than whom none
was better qualified to lead. When tho shooting at
500 yards flushed he (HalfordD felt very funny.
But Wimbledon weather had not deserted the old
country. II it had been as favorable in tho last
two ranges II had previously, he might have had
a different tale to tell. The defeat was no dishonor
to the Americans as the British victory
was very hardly won. 1t must be remembered
said the speaker, that although the Americans had
facilities for practice, the British ridemen were
veterans who had been at Wimbledon many years
In the match at Croedmoor, also. the Americans had
little chance, owing to the previous experience of
the British team with military rifles. Therefore it
did not follow that although the British had won two
victories the American rilemen were inferior. The
whole of America must feel that the team had done
all in their power, and he hoped they would soon
have chance OF retrieving their fortunes He
thanked Colonel Howard for his straightforward
conduct during the whole meeting.
The toast was received with three hearty cheers,
oil standing
COLONEL BowARD's RESPONSE.
Colonel Howard rising TO respond, was greeted
with enthusiastic cheers He said he could hardly
find words with which to express his thanks for
the honors OF the occasion. He hoped that
the feeling Of friendly brotherhood stirred
up by the toast would spread among the
American people so that this FIRST American military
visit might mark a new era leading to "a time when
the American National Guard and the British Vol
uuteer5 might claim TO De one, aud that both
forces would reach tho perfection desirable
IN constitutional country, where every citizen
should DO able TO support the Constitution with
arms. lie heartily thanked the British National
American team and for the facilities afforded the
team for practice.
Lieutenant Colonel Otter responding for Canada,
protested the LOYALTY of the Dominion to Great
Britain. Mr.. Mitchell, the United States Vice
Consul. responded to toast to commerce.