Evening journal., 1889-07-22
N. c. o. RIFLE PRACTICE.
a Department That is Now Being Better
Recognized by the State.

Recognized by the State.
In June last, Howard Simpson of VIII.
mington, Del, was appointed assistant
inspector of rife practice with the rank
OF sergeant on General Kenney staff.
Rife practice is the most important por.
tion of o soldiers drill A man may be able
to make good showing on dress parade,
zsay be good guard, but without skill
In the use of the rife he is not com.
plete soldier.
practice had never been given much at
tention until few years ago Then the
Importance of the matter became appar-
ent and following the lead of the
United States Regular Army, the
National Guard Of Delaware began to
take action An attempt TO bring out
rife practice was made last year with
little success This year the general
officers gave their energy to the move
ment and by organized effort rifle prac-
tice has at last become an important part
of camp instructions. Lieutenant
Colonel Hart is inspector Of rifle prac-
tice, and labors for the success of the
system. Brigadier- General Richard r.
Kenny is heartily in its favor and is
w az ctCBuUr0 b1 &blVuEAt AQAAnAAnu-
ing George w. Marshall
All the time possible is being devoted
to rife practice during the encampment.
Some Of the men, and officers, as well,
think tha, it Is merely voluntary, but
they are mistaken Ii is obligatory each
man must attend unless really detained
1t is remarkable fact that at least 80
per cent. Of the Wilmington companies
ossA "a L. .4I.
have never fired a military rifle before in
their lives. The drill in rifle practice has
been systematized and by this means
more and better work Is accomplished.
The men gladly receive instruction In
the details Of rife practice, and gener.
ally evince great deal of interest. In
the course OF rife inspection several cases
have been found where the guardsmen in
taking the rifle in hand to shoot were
shaking from head TO foot In abject fear
of the discharge of the rife Careful
coaching made the men less nervous and
more confident.
The company officers are doing their
share In forwarding the drill by their
presence and efforts to get their men out
for the practice
The standard Of qualifications as
xuhfhomeu IN TINS StaLe OF 10 points at
100 yards and 15 at 300 yards, is higher
than the qualifications IN other states,
which are lS at 100 and l2 at 200. The
standard was placed so high because the
department Of rifle practice in this
state regards 100yards shooting
as the school Of the beginner
and involving the FIRST principles in
craftsmanship and do not ap.
prove Of advancing them to the
longer aud more difficult ranges
until they have become well grounded in
the hrst principles Of rifle practice, at.
tested by the standard established. These
reasons were explained to Captain J. r.
Myrick, U. 5. A., who was officially visit.
ing the ranges on Saturday. He warmly
approved Of the whole system.
Saturday was a busy day at the ranges
Companies 9, D, and were drilled in
rifle practice Companies A and B prac.
ticed on Thursday. The former had the
most men to qualify. Companies G, H,
and Troop B will take practice this
week
Those in charge Of rifle practice ar,
gratitied at the assistance received anc
for the interest shown In this important
branch Of military discipline.