The morning call., 1890-06-23
FIRST REGIMENT.
Preliminary Shoot for State
Decorations.
1t Refscts Credit Upon the Militia Of the State.
Summary of the Scores-Brilliant
Record of Company C.

The First Regiment was out in force at
Shell NJ ound Park yesterday, the occasion
being the preliminary shoot for State deco
ratiOns.
From early morning until nearly six
o'clock in the evening nothing but the in
cessant crack of the musket could be heard.
At times the wind blew strong and varied
somewhat the result Of the scores, but
taken as whole the practice at the butts
of the First Regiment reflects credit upon
the militia of the State.
The excitement on occasions ran high
and competition in many instances was
very close. Lieutenant A. j. Ruddick of
Company G, although he started his string
with 5, made the excellent score OF 40.
He remained top man for some time and
many ventured the assertion that his score
would not be beaten during the remainder
of the day.
AT length, when F. o. Young of Company
G took his position in the box and led off
with four bulPS-eyeS, it was generally con-
coded that he would carry off the h0nors Of
the day. The friends OF both men gathered
about where Young was shooting, aud
when he closed his string with the good
score of as a hearty cheer was given for
the winner.
A MOOT QUESTION.
Considerable difference of opinion exists
among the company commanders, and also
among the different militiamen of the Ma
tional Guard as to whether the result of
the individual scores in this preliminary
score will count as far as State decorations
are concerned. At the officers meeting of
the regiment, at which the general orders
1icnusca6 II Two fbo ODiDiOp nf u
all present that the preliminary shoot did
nothing more than qualify all militiamen
who made so per cent or over to enter in the
final shoot in September next. OF course it
was understood the man making the high
est score in his company in the preliminary
shoot would, according to orders. receive a
silver medal.
BOTH SHOOTS COUNT.
In order that this difference of opinion
might be settled THE CALL reporter waited
upon Adiutant- General Orion for correct
Interpretation of the orders. The General
stated that the result of both shoots would
count precisely the same as last year. the
only difference being that militiamen vino
do not make the required so per cent on the
preliminary shoot will not be allowed to
enter on the final. For instance, it is neces-
sary in order TO obtain silver bar TO make
50 per cent. Now, if man makes ~ on the
preliminary and IS on the final shoot, he has
made so points or 50 per cent and will be
entitled to silver bar.
The shooting range was under charge of
Lieutenant George Ii. Strong. Rifle In
Speet0r, whose courteous manner and I'M
partial decisions gave great satisfaction to
the members of the regiment. Although
the Rife Inspector was badly handicapped
by the absence of the Orderly Sergeant, he
| obtained active workers and assistance
| from members of the different companies,
| Sergeant PendletOn of Company F per
| formed the duties of Orderly in a manner
pleasing to all.
SUMMARY.
Below is given a summary of some OF the
best scores of the different companies par
tcipating in the days event:
Adiutant-General orton "A . 3 8 5 4-3s
Mai A. f. Klose (retired) 4 4 4-S7
REGrIENTAL STAFF.
Colonel Dickinson. ........4 ia
Lieutenant Geo. II. Strong..4 4 5-43
Lieut. euant Colonel Taylor A 4 3 4 As
1t is very evident from the above scores
that the staff of the First Regiment are
experts with the rifle, as they are in other
military attainmentS: