Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-10

members of the detachment and it is but
proper that especial mention be made Of
the grit displayed by the team OF the sixth
battalion, composed OF members OF com
pany q, ana commanded by Captain J. s.
Tomlinson.
Later in the season a match shot be-
tween eight members of our brigade team
and a New Jersey state team of eight
each team firing on its own range-reS1lted
in one more victory for the District of
Columbia.
Range is Needed.
Fairly well equipped as to rife galleries,
the brigade lacks suitable and sufficiently
capacious outdoor range. For a small body
of men possessed of ample leisure the range
at the Washington barracks las it was be-
fore the butts were destroyed by the storrn)
was reasonably satisfactory; it's convenient
location is admirable, but it was almost i'm
possible to crowd even one small battalion
through during an entire day, because OF
the few and slow-working targets. If 1t be
possible, arrangements should be made
which would result in reconstruction On a
modern basis, Brinton targets being used
in place of the cumbersome and space
wasting Gushing frames and carriages. In
that way the capacity of the range would
be certainly doubled, and the efficiency OF
the troops increased in at least the same
ratio. The near approach of the time when
the new rifle will be issued to our brigade
makes necessary a search for range
where practice at from 500 to 1000 yards
will be possible, and where no insupera bic
obstacles will interfere with the skirmisn-
Ing which must surely be the principal
feature of rifle practice. Such range can,
feel sure, be found within short distance
OF the city, and l most respectfully urge
that everything possible be done to hasten
It's location and equipment.
Gallery Practice is Beneficial.
To the limit Of our means competitions
in the gallery and on the range have been
heartily encouraged, and the results were
gratifyingiy fruitful. Especially was this
so as to gallery work, and had the ed
vantages secured indoors been followed
up outdoors the apparent inetficiency of
many individuals and several companies
would be much less conspicuous than It
now is
Much difficulty is still encountered when
endeavor is made to convince employers or
National Guardsmen that liberality in the
matter of permission to attend rifle practice
during the range season is a good invest
ment; so many presumably intelligent peo-
pie yet unable to comprehend the
patriotism which is the life blood Of this
countrys citizen soldiery. This barrier Of
ignorance, or Indifference. or both. is much
less formidable. however, than 1t was a
year ago. except. perhaps, in some Of the
government departments, and there, in
OeIlance OF law anu common SellSc, II ~
occasionally annoying. 1t must soon dis
appear.
Revolver practice has been taken up in
earnest by members of light battery A, the
first separate company. and company c,
engineer corps. Practice is had in the gall
lery fitted up and maintained by the light
battery-work for which that organization
is justly entitled to more praise than 1t
target for revolver practice and the
rangement and PRONUNCIATION of a practice
schedule are matters worthy immediate at
tention. the three organizations named in
1ation Colts Many stan and infantry off,
GERS would also appreciate opportunity to
indulge in pistol practice.
Some improvements.
At the beginning of the year the depart
ment of rifle practice was organized by pro-
viding for a monthly meeting of the inspect
ors of rife practice. held generally at bril-
gade headquarters. This periodical associa-
ton has been mutually beneficial to the in
dividual inspectors and advantageous to the
entire command. Weak places are strength
ened. weary hands are upheld. the general
program is discussed. and that unanimity
of sentiment so necessary to success Is be-
ing carefully cultivated.
The board of officers which was called
into existence for the purpose of passing
upon the fitness of those who were nominat-
ed as inspectors of rife practice has rot
been idle. Several candidates We're examin-
ed as to their practical knowledge, and in
most instances were reported as qualified
for promotion. The operations of the board
nave considerable influence upon the gen.
eral efficiency, tending to notable Increase
of the average of effectiveness.
Thanks.
/ desire to hereby make ACCOMPLISHMENT
of my gratitude to the inspectors of rifle
practice for the manner in which they have
attended to duty; to the officers of the third
and fourth United States artillery, stationed
at the Washington barracks. for many
courtesies and much considerations; TO sew
eral of the officers duty at Fort Myer
for assistance cheerfully rendered: TO Gov
ernor Nerts of New Jersey, and officers of
the New Jersey National Guard for un-
bounded hospitality rendered the detach-
inent that visited sea Grit and to all who
nave IN any way contributed to the credit
apie showing in craftsmanship made by the
brigade during the season Just past"
Inc appendices giving the record of the