Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-30

~ @pA the pleasing vitality of
IN Na4 the New Jersey rendez-
T&9t M NV vous. In future Creed
-Il<&e| moor will simply be the
S7x} practice ground Of the
New York militia-only that and nothing more
while the Jersey range will fill the place which
was once possessed solely by Creedmoor. To
discuss the character Of the dead Is ghoulish
business, so 1t will be enough to remind National
Guardsmen that Creedmoor owes Its failure
largely to the severe truths which were made
public In The STAR. Unfair practices were shown
up to such an extent that the best element Of
the National Rifle Association felt compelled to
come TO the front last year to save what little
was left OF the associations reputation. Then
the machinery got into better hands, Gen. Win
gate himself taking more interest in its opera
ton than he had for some time previous There
was fair promise Of a respectable future if some
OF the uInilitary and anti-military features Of
the regulations were only removed, but right
at that point there came on the scene ''snother
king who knew not Joseph" This monarch
was Gen. Whitlock, who succeeded Robbins as
general inspector Of rifle practice. He was not
In sympathy with some Of those who had done
so much to spoil the once fair fame of Creed
moor, so he arranged his rifle practice schedule
In such way Is to upset the n. r. A. program.
Finding that Creedmoor was no longer avail
able (although the association had donated it
to the state with the understanding that the
associations right to hold its meeting should
not be abridged( the N. R. A. turned its eyes
toward Jersey. The sand Spaniards were will
ing to receive the orphans, but not uncondi-
tionally. Precisely what amendments in regu-
lations will be made cannot now be stated, but it
Ia certain-Gen. Spencer has 90 written-that all
Objectionable features will be eliminated. This
opens up broader field than was locally looked
Tor. 1t means, II the terms satisfactory,
that the District brigade team will once more
compete for the Hilton and interstate trop HES,
now held by New York, and will strive to retain
the bronze trophy won last year by the first
regiment team. New York, New Jersey and
Pennsylvania are expected to be around to
make things interesting for the Washingtouians
Gen. Wingate. president Of the n. r. A.,
favors shifting the scene Of competition an
nually, and in accordance with that idea will
endeavor to have next years struggle take
place in Massachusetts. and the year following
transport everything to one Of the excellent
ranges in the northwest.
PLOTTING FOR HONORABLE POSITIONS.
Preliminary practice for places on the brigade
team of 1892 is at an end. 1t closed Thursday
afternoon. Next Thursday the contest will be
within narrower limits and must in every wav
be much more keen. In some respects Thurs
days work was good. Due allowance must
necessarily be made for the intense heat which
prevailed. and when that has been considered
the results were really encouraging Espe-
cially good was the work Of the first regiment
contingent. There are greater number
three to one-of qualified sharpshooters in the
second regiment, but when the annual hustle
for team positions sets in the first proceeds to
tread right on the heels Of the band. On Thurs
day last the second regiment competitors were
however. considerably handicapped by the in
disposition Of Capt. Bell, while the first regi-
ment boys were possessed Of all the advantages
to be derived from the satisfactory condition in
which Capt. Cash found himself Thirty-six
men fired twenty rounds each during the after
noon. ten Of the shots being at 500 yards and
ten at 500.
When the scores were completed 1t was found
that the following named had survived:
First regiment-Capt. W. L. Cash, regimental
inspector OF rifle practice; Lieut.. Geo. H.
Harries, /. r. P, second battalion; Lieut.
James N. Stewart, L R. p, third battalion;
Private Himebaugh, company c, first battalion;
Private Hill, company A. first battalion; sergt
Russell, company d, third battalion: Corp. Ap-
pleby, company b, third battalion; Corp.
Rollins, company d, third battalion; Private
Walter Cash, company c, third battalion.
Engineer corps-Lieut. +. L. Graham, Sergt
Hutterly, Corp. Dickey, Corp. Smythe, Private
Wetherald; Private Gordon, Private Steward,
Private Hecox and Private Scott
Capt Bell has not completed his final selec-
ton, 30 the names OF second regiment survivors
for the final half of 'the struggle cannot now be
given.
From the two dozen or 80 Of shsrpshoot ers
now in the field there will finally be selec ted
the twelve men who are to do battle for the
District OF Columbia at Sea Girt in September
or on any other range where there is oppor-
tunlty for square military competition. In adj
dition to the team there will be six alternates.
commencing with next Thursday practice
will be by men in uniform and the shooting will
proceed under match conditions. Umbrellas
no doubt serve to defect the often uncomfort-
ably heated rays Of sunshine, bu. men who use
the shades when there is only little at stake are
ing ls made interesting by decorative or hon.
orary rewards.
TALK WITH MAJ. POLLARD.
1.-The rifle practice at the arsenal range"
says Maj. Pollard, inspector general Of rifle
practice, "has been far better attended,
especially as to the voluntary practice, than at
my former period in the history Of the brigade.
and constant and gratifying improvement is
shown in all, or nearly all, commands The
1act ID, however, overlooked by many that the
range will be closed on the last of August. and
there Will be this year no extension Of the
time.
Each Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
Is set apart for voluntary practice on the part of
any national guardsman OF the District OF Col
nmbia, and the range is open from 1:30 pm. to
the first call for retreat at the barracks. There
are markers and an officer in attendance, and
scores are officially credited to participants SO
as to constitute the seasons record.
"Guardsmen are warned that toward the close
OF the season there will be rush, probably in
excess Of the capacity Of the range. and that 1t
will be far more pleasant and safe TO get records
completed by or before the middle Of August
A large number Of men habitually practice once
OF twice per week, and these men are encouraged
to do 80. The skill they acquire In this manner
reflects credit upon their organizations and upon
the brigade, and their sclf-sacrifice Of time and
money entities them to all facilities or favors
that can be legitimately extended.
4" At the same time inspectors Of rife practice
on duty at the range are instructed to take into
account the tact that there are many guardsmen
when there, and to favor such whenever
practicable without injustice to other par
ticipants. To those Of limited experience the
temptation to buy and use too much ammuni-
tion in one day is added to BY the fact that they
ind 1t difficult to get to the range, and once
there wish to make the most of the time. An
such are advised to use only ten to fifteen
ROUNDS at each range, or total Of twenty to
rounds, then to take short rest and study Of