Marble Hill press. (Marbel [sic] Hill, Mo.) 1881-1923, 1896-03-12
He Puzzles the Professional Hunter a.
Much as He Perplexes Politicians

From the st. Louis Republic)
President Cleveland is scarcely less or
an enigma to sportsmen than he is to
some politicians. Many of his pecu-
Iiarities are entirely reconcilable with
that disposition which makes man
fond of outdoor sports, especially shoot
ing and fishing. Very different per-
sonal qualities from those he displays
are looked for generally in man who
is fond of mis- rod and gun. This leads
many, who have never accompanied
him In one of his trips, to believe that
he really does not care for great deal
Of the sport when he gets out, and fhal
the ducks or the fish merely furnish
convenient excuse for getting away.
Those who have seen him with gun or
rod do not share in this impression. 1t
is evident to them that ne truly enjoys
killing game. Moreover, he is quick 10
avail himself Of an opportunity to par
take Of the homely fare of the country
people. and he shows liking Tor
"roughing it.
Mr.. Harrison, when he was in the
white house, was quite as fond as IS MI.
Cleveland of shooting and fishing, but
he did not devote as much time to that
sort of enjoyment. There is a great
difference between the habits Of the two
men when in the field. the boat, or the
blind. Their difference in tempera-
ment is very conspicuously shown IN
the manner of handling q gun and TAX
ing a shot. Harrison has more Of the
recognized traits of sportsman. lie
is quick shot and takes chances. tie
is ready to risk an almost Impossible
shot rather than let it so without the
trial, and often gets his game on 9us'
slch a slim chance. He does not wall
for a sure thing. Consequently, Wher
he has been duck footing, he has made
more misses, but at the same time
Ragged more game than has CleVeland
! Cleveland seems to be more ANXIOUS
not to miss than he is to get the shot
He will permit any number OF chances
to pass without pulling the trlggel
which Harrison would take, hit O.
miss. He will wait for hours, posslbl.
half the day, for a sure thing, and lie
fair chance opportunities go by, IL
shows neither Impotence nor tatlgu
in waiting. He brings his gun tirml
TO his shoulder, gets a deliberate sign
along the barrel and when he is pei
% fectlv sure of his aim pulls the trlsge
5 IF he fails to get the duck covered jus
to his liking he will lower his gun witt
ont firing and wait for other ducks
come. He wants an absolute assn
ID ance with each shot, and otten alloN
the bird to go by when most any otnt
ID man on earth would take the shot. III
in result is that very seldom he wastes
n charge of shot, but he does not get
1e large number of birds. To miss one
r. to spoil his sport. He does not MIL
ge the game getting away without Dell
Id shot at.
y. Harrison would take quick sn
w without waiting to get the gun TO n
H. shoulder and would get the game
i'd there was any sort of a show for NIL
ne Rut if he failed he was ready for u
We next and thought no more about II.
ed the end of the day he would regret te
ed shots lost through hesitation. CleV
tie. lands gun is sure death to what &c
en- in its way. Harrison's gun is l1af
lie to reach that which seems to be at
dy safe distance. Cleveland wants sl'
ed and unsuspecting game. Harris
he takes his chances with the wary. INC
he who have hunted ducks with the t
m, presidents have been greatly impress
r;+1, tho difference between them.