The record-union., 1893-12-18
NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTING.
Yesterdays Sharpshootng Match in
Sacramento.
Two San Francisco Companies Out
shoot MarysviIle and Oroville
Companies-AIl Did Well.

Probably the most interesting rifle
shooting match that ever took place in
the State was held at the Twelfth-street
range yesterday, in which Companies 3
and Of the First Infantry, \. q. c., OF
San Francisco and Companies C anG f OF
the Eighth Infantry, located at Marys-
vile and Oroville, respectively, were the
participants.
The contest was under the supervision
of Lieutenant Faison, I. ). A., ana
Captain Thaxter of the Nevada National
Guard, who offered their services as In
spectors of Rife Practice for the occasion.
The officers examined each markSman'S
rifle with unexampled scrutiny before
shot was allowed to be fired. Each rifle
was tested with a six-pOund trigger
weight and but one gun was found to be
in such condition that it was ruled out.
Six targets were in use continually
from the beginning until the end OF the
contest, and a large staff of markers and
scorers was necessarily employed in re-
cording the result Of each mans effort TO
hit the bulPs-eye.
The condition of the atmosphere and
almost total absence of wind had taVor-
able effect on the shooting qualities OF the
rifiemen.
The contest began at IL o'clock A. NJ,
and was concluded at about quarter to
in the afternoon.
Tents were provided by Colonel Guth-
rie of the Second Infantry for the accom-
mediation OF the visiting soldiers, and III
two large tents to the left OF the hrlng
point hot coffee and light edibles were
dispensed with a lavish hand to all who
desired to partake of the hospitality OF
the officers Of the local regiment. The
committee having charge Of the entertain
ment OF the visitors was composed Of
Major a. NJ. Seymour, Lieutenant L. q.
Smith and Lieutenant j. Zlttinger.
at the commencement OF the nrlng the
men of the competing forces were paired,
two men. one from each company, hrlng
at one target, making twelve men firing
at one time at the six targets.
Among the san Francisco men, acting
as alternate. was the longest enlisted
guardsman in the State, Corporal l.. Il.
Townsend Of Company 3 City Guard.
Mr.. Townsend enlisted with Company
B in 1854, and except he has been sick or
out of the State he has not since missed
company meeting or drill. He might
time and again have risen to the COM
missioned rank, but he has steadily re-
fused and preferred to remain in the
company ranks, as a private or nOn-com-
missioned officer. He is the patriarch of
the National Guard in San Francisco, in
service, but there is not in the State IA
livelier, better-iked guardsman, or one
of more youthful or buoyant spirit. The
breast OF bis uniform coat is covered
with medals and decorations, until
scarcely square inch of cloth can be
seen. Corporal Townsend is one of the
most original wits of the National Guard
it was he who. anticipating victory for
Company B had ready for distribution
the printed cards with the rooster crow
ing and the sentence, I'VE are in it,
Corporal Townsend is a crack shot
withal and yesterday in an individual
match scored u.
The conditions of the contest were in
accordance with army regulations, six
pound pull, on hand.
The Marysville and Oroville companies
arrived in the city on the IO:l5 o'clock
train Yesterday morning, and were re-
ceived by the San Francisco companies,
who escorted them to their stopping
place.
Tie following are the scores in detail
OF the four companies: