The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-11-06

Workmanship is a form of sport that
appeals 10 nearly every one. whether or
not he himself is an expert with gun
or rifle.
There are some very expert marks
men i'm the United states, but marks
manship in this country is chiefly linn
tied TO the military and militia. Con-
sequently there is not much OF field
here for the exploitation of the sure
and deadly aim that there is in some
European countries.
1t is a fact Well known i'm military
circles that the Swiss are witout supe-
riors as sharpshooters the world over.
The champion marksman OF Europe is
a native of Switzerland. His name is
Frank Julien. and he has a record of Sc
bullseyes out of 100 at distance of 300
yards.
In some European countries marks
manship is a more popular sport than
baseball Is in this country. and every
body is more or less of an expert in
handling the musket. In Switzerland
shooting contests are common affairs
every Sunday and the Swiss militia
are required to fire at targets certain
number of bullets every year
The shooting festivals held in Eu-
rope during the summer by the french
teacher are big affairs, the like or which
are never held in this country Ihey
assume international Importance, the
leading marksmen of all Europe being
in attendance for the dual purpose or
winning fame and awards. The Swiss
government is the leading patron of the
contests, contributing literally both
morally and financially. Then all the
country round about is aroused over
the annual events and the merchants
and local town governments SEND In
their checks. so that the committee In
charge is abundantly supplied with the
wherewithal to make the occasion a
grand success. The magnitude OF the
festivals may be comprehended from
the fact that the population of small
town in which the event is TO take
place Is more than trebled during the
DAYS of the carnival, the extra resi-
dents being in the main active contest
ants.
Jules Ruerat. a professor OF French
residing i'm Providence is probably the
best marksman in Rhode Island, and
IL is doubtful Is he has many peers in
the United States. The professor is
naturalized American citizen, and he
was born in Switzerland. in the town OF
Corcelles. 20 miles from Geneva. His
birth i'm the little European republic ac-
counts for his natural skill as marks
man.
Professor Ruerat spent tho summer
vacation this year abroad visiting his
old home and acquaintances and in
cidentally entering the famous interna-
tional shooting carnivals which were
being held in various parts of the re-
public. His success may properly he
considered phenomenal. Here is a list
of the prizes he won. list calculated
-te make mare than one Enrnpean- sharp
, shooter envious;
At the Often carnival, one large silver
cup; at Berne, a beautiful chased large
silver cup; at Bex. a small wine cup,
suitably inscribed: at Berne, one valua-
BILE Swiss movement silver watch; at
Often, Berne and Leichensteig, silver
medals; at Often and Berne. bronze
medals.
These are the prizes which the Provi-
dence man brought with him when he
returned to America a few weeks ago.
Not included i'm the list above given are
various awards. articles of brio a brac.
a mirror. a pendulum clock etc, which
the successful contestant was obliged to
leave behind. As a result of his con-
summate skill the professor also won
upward of 800 in cash prizes. OF all
his valuable winnings perhaps the most
priced by the Providence man were
three wreaths Of metal work which were
presented TO him az the carnivals on the
occasion of his carrying off the mann
moth cups. These wreaths he was en-
titled TO wear as victor
The first festival which Professor
Ruerat attended was at Often, begin
ming July 10. The actual number of
contestants. the professor says, was
trifle i'm excess of 1900. The marksmen I