Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-24
LOOKING FOR AN ARMoRY.


THE RECORDS OF THE GUARD BEFORE THE TAR
oEr-ISsPEcroR BELL MAKES REPoRT-A
BIFLE RANGE ron THE MILrrIAMEN TO BE Sc
CURED-coMISa MATCH AMONG STAFF OFFICERS.
Gen. Ordway has about completed the work
Of accounting for the property drawn for use in
the encampment of the national guard held
last month, and is now turning his attention to
other matters relating to the militia, which,
though they have never been quite out Of his
mind, have yet been put aside ard held in
allegiance on account of the more important
event. For instance, he is once more thinking
over thesubject of new armories, Of which the
guard stands so much in need. He has sufficient
funds appropriated for this purpose. but he is
unable to find buildings that are suitable or
adaptable for the purpose, cheap in their
rentals and conveniently located. At one time
he thought strongly of securing the K-street
market, to be foored over for the purpose, and
the trustees of the building had the matter un-
der serious consideration for some time. 1t
was found, however, that the cost would be too
heavy, and the plan Is now finally abandoned.
BUILDINGS UNDER CONSIDERATION.
Among other quarters the old Globe building,
on Pennsylvania avenue, now used as a print
to be strong. but some Of the floors would need
repairing. This is by no means yet out of the
range OF possibilities, although it is not likely
to be selected. Then the Cyclorama building
corner Of 10Th street and Ohio avenue, was pro-
posed, and certain offers we're made by the
owners, who said they would alter it into a
drill room, with every convenience for the ac-
commodation of an entire battalion. That
scheme hss been laid finally on the shelf, and
now the general has in mind the renting of the
9th street wing Of the Center market, which
was foored over about a year ago. This would
afford magnificent drill room, well located
and with many conveniences.
Thus the question rests, while the matter Of
securing an armory for the cavalry and artii-
lery companies has been almost lost sight OF.
There are several parties who are willing to
build suitable structure and rent it to the
guard, but as rule their figures are too high.
THE RIFLE PRACTICE.
During the past week the general has re-
ceived the report of Lieut.. James Z. Bell, act
ing inspector general of rifle practice, upon the
work Of the guard in that line during the en-
campment which lasted from July "a to July
80. He says:
while they (the scores made) are not very
large as an average, am satisfied that the
work OF breaking the men in and making
them familiar with their pieces will have
beneficial and lasting results. OF the 45O men
who availed themselves of the privilege of the
range fully one-third had never previously
fired gun, and not more than sixty Of them
had ever fired a Springfield rifle. In view of
these facts feel encouraged to believe that in
another year the fruits of this first instruction
will show a marked improvement on the score
card, especially 30 If the inspectors of rife
practice will instruct the men in aiming drill
and encourage armory practice during the
coming winter.
THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED.
"In considering the small averages of the
scores il is important to take into consideration
the location of the target, and the improved
self-registering target which was used In the
hurried preparation for the encampment it
was found impracticable to obtain a range
entirely suitable and located SO as to secure
the best results. As an expedient the one
which was selected necessarily placed the
target about Is feet above the plain, and was
SO surrounded as to be almost continually in
an uncertain light.
electric annunciator, and worked in a satisfac-
tory manner, although it was not in favor with
the few marksmen who ia. I'd it. The desire of
all marksmen is to make the highest possible
score, and whether 1t is made by scratch or
by close shooting is matter of indifference to
many OF them. The objection urged against
this target il that it is difficult to make a
large score on it. A shot which breaks the
outer edge of the bulls eye will not count five.
as is the case with the regulation target 1t
requires closer shooting to make the same
score; consequently when brought in competi-
ton with the oid-styie or regulation target it
will not be popular.
Notwithstanding this fact unhesitatingly
recommend Its use on account of its being alb
solutely fair to every marksman. 1t does not
admit OF tempered score nor the suspicion of
one, as is frequently the case where marker
h.rr
of the contestant. The other points in its
favor, 50 far as l observed, were safety and the
ability to score rapidly. There ia no danger to
the marker, none being required at the target
The scores are registered on the annunciator at
the point of firing. / am satisfied that with a
single target of the Laidley or Wingate pattern
1t would not have been possible to have made
so many scores as are here presented within the
time devoted to target firing at Camp Ordway
THE TIME FOR PRACTICE.
"The amount of time and care devoted to
rifle practice in the army are strong arguments
as to the utility and necessity of this branch of
the service. The national guardsmen of the
states are also carefully trained in the art of rifle
firing, and prizes and other incentives are Of
fered as an inducement for them to become ex-
pert marksmen. The militia of the District Of
Columbia should not be behind these organiza-
tions in this matter; consequently every proper
range practice for the officers and men. l
would recommend in this connection the
establishment OF a permanent range near the
camp grounds at Fort Washington. to include
regulation distances from 200 to l. OO0y ards, and
that marksmen's badges be provided for those
who make qualifying scores during the annual
encampment."
The scores submitted by the inspector with
his report range from to 90 the highest pos
sibie being 70. There were only three men
who made 20-Iieut. Bell, First Sergt. john
son, company A, first battalion, and Private
Doyle, company A, fifth battalion. The COM
pany averages were low, that of company A.
first battalion. beng the highest.
THE RIFLE RANGE
at the arsenal has just been put in order, the
old butts replaced by new ones, and every
thing placed in first-class condition. 1t is
probable that during the fall the guardsmen
will be given considerable shooting at the
range, although it will be difficult for the men,
perhaps. to get of from their work in the day
time. The trouble lies in the fact that all such
shooting should be systematic in order to be
profitable, and IL any men go down to the bar
racks they should be sent by companies or
squads, under the charge of an inspector and
this Is where the working-hour problem comes
in. But Gen. 0rdway hopes to be able to ar
men may avail themselves of the opportunities
afforded by these targets before next spring.
SHOOTING GALLERY.
He has decided to keep his eyes open for a
suitable room near the center Of the city that
may be fitted up as shooting gallery for the
use Of the officers and men. He feels confident