Evening star., 1897-08-07
THE NATIONAL GUARD
Preparations for the Annual Rife
Matches at 0rdway.
Big PRIZES 10 ENCOURAGE PRACTICE
Financial Success Of the Efficiency
Competition is Assured.


DISHONORABLE DISCHARGES
In view of all the circumstances, it be-
hooves the members of the District Ma
ticnal Guard to lose no time in proceeding
to the outdoor range at Ordway and in
dClge in as much practice work as possi-
BILE, for prizes of a most substantial and
attractive character are to reward the
winners and many other participants in
the coming matches to be held under the
auspices of the guard and the National
Rifle Association.
1t has been definitely decided, as was
predicted III The Star nearly a year ago,
that the District will not be represented
next month by brigade team at the an
nual meet of the New Jersey State Rifle
Association at Sea Girt. The brigade
team, in the past, has done good work,
ard the effect of its example has been seen.
1t seems to be quite generally agreed, how
ever. that the time has come to put in
more work on the brigade as a whole and
less on special portions of it, But little
doubt exists that men who have not been
members of the brigade team and those
who stood little chance of being included
in its personnel were growing discouraged,
without cause, in many instances but
nevertheless there were apparent evidences
of unconcern on the part of officers and en-
listed men of the brigade. No excuse for
unconcern can possibly exist from This
time forth
The program of the meet of the National
Rifle Association to be held the week be-
ginning October 4, now in course of prep
aration, will provide. in addition to the old
oc
extremely attractive character. 1t Is con-
sidered that three of these new matches
ought, In themselves, to be sufficient to
arouse great deal of enthusiasm. Should
deeply interested in the rifle practice of
the brigade are going to be soreIy disap-
pointed.
Terms of New Matches
The terms of the new matches cannot be
officially announced as yet, but they will
probably read along the lines hereafter in
dicated.
Match No. 1-Open to enlisted men who
have never been either principals or alter
mates on any brigade, regimental or bat
talon teams. Ten shots each will be fired
at 200 and 500 yards. If there are less than
fifty entries the prize list will be reduced
No prize will be awarded o.any competi-
tor whose score is less than 30 per cent of
the possible. The prizes will be: First, $40;
second, $1o; three of SO and ten of 50.
Total, $115.
Match No. 2-Open to enlisted men who
have never been principals or alternates on
any brigade team or who have never en-
gagged In any national or international COM
petition. either as individuals or team
members. Ten shots each must be fired AT
200 and 500 yards. If there are less than
hfty entries the prize list will be reduced
The prizes will be: First, $50; second, $40:
third, SIS; three of SO and ten of s.. Total
$145.
Match No. 3-Open to officers commits
stoned prior to August 1. 1897. Ten shots
each at 200 and 500 yards. If there are less
than twenty-five entries the prize list will
be reduced. The prizes will be: First, $50:
Total, $40.
Other matches are under consideration.
Every effort is to be made to properly en-
courage rifle practice throughout the bri-
gade.
Regulars at the Range.
The troops Of the regular army stationed
at the Washington barracks will practice
on the Ordway range from the middle of
October until the middle of November.
This will give the members of the District
National Guard and those of the 4th United
States Artillery opportunity to asso-
elate, such as they have never had in the
past, which is very desirable.
Members of the guard not provided with
permits for the purchase of railroad tick
cts to Ordway at the reduced rate may Sc
cure the necessary cards from Capt Rich.
ard j. Donnelly. at headquarters.
Efficiency Competition "A Success.
The executive committee in charge of the
efficiency competition at a recent meeting
received financial report prepared by
First Lieutenant ]. Bruce Webb. The re.
Fort announced the names of all persons
who had subscribed to the fund for prizes
ay,1 H.,
tions had been collected. The paper sup.
piled considerable data of great value anc
the success of the competition from finan.
cial standpoint is assured. All money col
lected was transferred to Major Otto q
Slmonson and deposited in bank. During
the hext few days call will be made or
those subscribers who have not yet made
payment.
The executive committee is now endeavor
Ing to learn what was done at camp in
the way of marking drills, guard duty and
military appearance. When the drill sea.
son opens the competition will proceed in
company commanders to see that theil
quarters are always in proper condition
even during this dull season, for the judges
are very apt to put in an appearance when
they are least expected.
The executive committee is resting or
the hope that the general public will take
more than passing interest in the com
petition, and that the business men of the
fund.
Prior to adjournment the committee ten
dered Lieutenant Webb unanimous vote
of thanks for his efforts in behalf of the
competition.
Athletics Are Booming.
The executive committee of the Athletic
Association of the District National Guar6
has prepared circular, copies Of which
are to be forwarded to every company com
mander of the brigade. In the circular II
is stated to be the desire Of the Athletic
Association to extend to all Nationa
Guardsmen an invitation to become mem
bers OF the organisation. The gymnasium
will be opened September /, with regular
classes under the direction Of Prof Fay
Temple. Any National Guardsman may
become member Of the association by
making written application to the execu.
tive committee, accompanied by the ifftia
ton fee of f. There Is nothing further IL
the way Of dues.
Applicants for membership are requires
to show certificate from their respective
company commanders as to their standing
in their companies Members Of the asso.
citation will not be permitted to neglec,
company drills in order to exercise in tho
gymnasium. Violation of this rule is to bs
|. followed by the elimination OF the name OF