Evening star., 1896-10-03

At the same time the interest in this match
has always been great. The reason Of the
few entries and poor scores Is apparent.
Few rtfemen have opportunities to prac-
t1ce at long range, and the best marksmen
Of the old days hesitate to enter the match,
although they may own long-range rifles
because they dislike to make low scores at
the distance they shot over in years past
with such brilliant results. Again, al
though the old-time long-range Creednoor
rifles are still used. they are shot side by
side with small caliber smokeless powder
rifles.
In this regard 1t is safe to say that
while smokeless powder and small calibers
may not have given such uniformly good
results, 80 far as to influence riflemen to
adopt them at other ranges in preference
to black powder big or medium cali3ers. 1t
seems that II long range rifle practice be-
comes popular again. 1t will be greatly due
to small calibers and smokeless powder
With the gradual improvements that are
going forward in both nitro powders and
small rifles. coupled with the fact that
the range and accuracy Of these rifles in
duce one to test them at longer ranges
than 200 yards. 1t seems highly probable
that long-range practice will be revived
again before many years have passed 1t
Is often said practice beyond midrange fs
not of the greatest value to the soldier or
game shooter, but 1t is noble practice
ana calls out the very best energies and
faculties OF the markSman.
Never have competitions been SO clean in
every way and friendly rivalry so great as
at the present time. When d .ea.n awaits
the decision OF an executive officcr-as Old
the Georgia team when its tie with the
team from the District Of Columbia was
being decided by Gen. Bird w. Spencer
with intense interest in that decision, born
Of long practice and training, and then
breaks forth as one man in cheers for the
opponents, 1t shows that rife comperiti ons
are clean and free from the petty spirit Of
gambling and selfish greed which, 1t Is re-
GREETED, mark SO many of our present out
door sports. 1t shows more than aught else
that the southern gentlemen Of that team
are true sportsmen in every sense of the
term.
Revolver shooting at Sea Girt called
forth some Of the best known shots in the
country. We have ever had great admira-
tion for the man who could finish high
scores with military revoivers, with fun
charges. plain sights and heavy trigger
pulls. 1t takes much training and practice
to do creditable work under these condi-
tfons and the marksman who can thus keep
up high average deserves great praise.
fer to do SO he must be a practical shot and
not one who can only do fine work with
target sights. gallery charges and light trig-
ger pulls"
The regular monthly meeting Of Company
| A, I'd Battalion, will be held Monday even
ing next
Col. Cecil Clay, commanding the I'd Regi-
ment, Is in Canada a fishing trip. He
| will be absent for two weeks longer.
First Lieutenant George c. Shaw, in
spector Of rifle practice, 9Th Battalion, who
| recently rendered his resignation, he's con-
| sented to continue in Office until the close
of the present season of rifle practice.
The president Of the National Guard Ath-
| letic Association has addressed communi.
cation to several Of the medical officers OF
| the brigade. requesting their cooperation
! by words Of advice to the members of their
respective commands, In furthering the
success Of the association and the gym
nasium.
The quarterly meeting Of Company c, %
| Battalion. will be held Tuesday evening
| next and drills are to be resumed a weeh
| later.
Brtgadier General Bird w. Spencer, the
| head of the department of rife practice OF
| the New Jersey National Guard, and the
executive officer of the Sea Girt rifle range
who Is we'll known and unusually popular
with many District National Guardsmen
| was, few days ago, reelected Iresiden
| of the New Jersey State Firemen's Associa
| ton at the annual meeting OF that orGani
| zation held at Cape May, n. J.