Semi-weekly south Kentuckian., 1886-10-12
KICKING RIFLES.
The owensbOro Military Sore Over
Their Defeat at Madisonville
and Challenge Co. D.
t0wensboro Messenger.l

tOwensboro Messenger.l
The Monarch Rifles returned from
Madisonvillc Thursday evening bear
ing second money in the competitive
drill with the Hopkinsville military
company. The boys had a royal good
time, and came home much in love
with their Hopkinsville competitors
and the people of Madisonville, whom
they found courteous, hospitable and
clever. They were, however, disap-
pointed at the decision of the judges
in the contest, and believe they were
rightfully entitled to the first prize.
We understand it was the almost
unanimous opinion Of the audience
that the Owensboro company were
the best drilled, and the belief was so
general after the contest, that they
would be awarded first prize that one
of the 1Iopkinsville company made a
wager to this effect. There were
three judges. two of whom were in
favor of giving it to our boys, but the
third, who was a good talkcr, induced
them to consent to calling in two 9TH
er judges to assist in the decision of
the case. After two hours delibera-
ton, during which the Hon. Polk
LafIoon, (who is reported as having
promised the llopkinsville boys to
"do the best he could for them,'O was
with the judges with his coat off
using his influence for Hopkinsyille,
the decision was announced. 1t sur
prised and disgusted everybody, the
lIopkinsville boys themselves admit
ted they had been outdrilled by the
Owensboro company. The Monarchs
returned with anything but kind feel
ings for Mr.. Lailjoon, who, they be-
licve, really decided the matter
against them. One of the judges af-
terward frankly said that Owensboro
showed the best drilling, but Hop
kinsville wore the handsomest uni
forms, and they had 10 give this lat
ter fact consideration. Our boys felt |
considerably enlightened after re-
ceiving this intelligence.
Capt. Ford did not accompany his
company 10 Madisonville, but sent
them in charge of Lieut.. Bishop. |
When he heard the facts as related |
above, lie sent the following chal-
lenge:
OwREsBORo KY, Oct. s, 1856.
CAPT. JOHN FELASD, Co. D., Sd, REG.K s. g
HOPKINsvILLE, Ky.
My DEAR CAPTAlN-My boys are
very anxious TO meet your excellent
company ina competitive drill for
purse of $3.50 TO $500.
We wOnld like you to accept, and,
if not Objectionable, would suggest
that the drill take place near this city
next weck-fair week-but If you
prefer neutral grounds we will not
object TO any place easy of access,
about equal distance from our res
pective cities, at any time during this
month.
For the programme l would sug-
gest the one issued TO us by Col.
Crump; for judges, none but regular
and well informed military men.
The companies to be composed of
not less than twenty-seven men. each,
rank and file, and none but bona fde |
members to drill with either company.
No commissioned officer TO take posi-
ton in the ranks. Each company to
be drilled by one of the commission
ed officers belonging to the company.
l congratulate you on your SUCCESS
ful drill at Madlsonville, and extend
TO you and your company my hearty
thanks for the courteous treatment Of
my company and beg to assure you
that none but the kindest feelings ex-
ist on the part of my boys who took
part in the drill toward your COM
pany.
Hoping you will accept the above
at an early day, am, with kindest
regards TO you and your company.
Very respectfully yours,
S. II. FORD.
Can't, Co, D., 81. Reg, *, S. G..