Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-06
PRACTICE WITH SMALL ARMS
Report of Lieut.. Hale, the Inspector, on the
Years Work.
Discussing the Availability of Es-
tablishinE n Rifle Range at Lees
burg or Marshall Hall.

Lieut.. Harry C. Hale, inspector of small
arms practice of the department of the
east. including all troops in this vicinity.
has made report to Gen. Merritt, com
handing the department of the east, of the
results of the practice in that department
during the past year. 1t was the first sea-
son under the revised regulations, and
many and diverse comments on the changes
introduced have been made On the whole,
it is believed by Lieut. Hale that the sys-
tenn is distinctly in advance of that aban-
donec, but that a second seasons practice
is necessary before extended or detailed
comment can properly be made. One COM
plant not infrequently heard is that the
figure on the rectangular target is placed
,oo low; that a low miss scores a zero
While high miss may score 3 or a . the
result being that aim is taken a the upper
part OF the heure-contrary to the teaching
The same complaints as to the sighting of
the small arm are heard as heretofore
time does not appear to accustom the SOL
uier 10 aiming at one point while striving
TO hit another. Lieut.. Hale says the firing
was excellent. although the new conditions
governing diminishing lowered many an
otherwise high record.
In regard tc Fort Myer, Va, the report
says:
This post has no target range and prac-
tice was carried on during the past sea son
near Leesburg, Va, while the command
was IN summer encampment there. Many
unsuccessful Efforts have been made in The
past TO secure safe range where the
troops of Fort Myer and WASHINGTON bar
RACKS could carry on small arms practice
IN 1875. the quartermaster at Washing
tcn barracks submitted an estimate of
*l,1S.N, for the rent, construction and
equipment of range at Marshall Hall,
Nd, and the commanding officer, Wash
inston barracks, reported favorabiy on the
site in February, 1897; and March II fol-
lowing the department commander return
ed the papers on the subject to the adju-
tant general of the army, with the follow
ing Endorsement:
After inquiry it seems advisable to
make present provision for a rifle range
for the garrisons at Washington by hiring
ground at Marshall Hail. Nd. for one year,
with privilege of renewal from year to
year if desired, the rent Of the ground not
to exceed $500 per year.
since date of this Endorsement nothing
further seems to have been accomplished
in this matter. and the command al Wash
fnstCn barracks this season held practice
at Ordway. Md. The troops from Fort
Myer. as stated above. held their practice
rear Leesbure, Va. and with the view of
the possible purchase. or lease. of this site
Tor future practice. letter dated Novem-
Der last, was addressed to the command
ing officer Of that post calling for report
on the adaptability of the site for perma-
nent use. The reply was embodied in re-
ports by three officers OF the command all
favoring the establishment of the range
near LeesbIrg, Va"
Major T. G. Lebo of the 9th Cavalry re-
ported as follows: THE ground was very
we'll adapted for its purpose (smal arms
practice) in every respect The camp and
range were located convenient to each
other; forage and wood purchased in the
neighborhood at a very reasonable price
good railroad facilities near at hand for
shipping property, supplies, etc.
THE location is healthy, with plenty of
good water for men and animals. / am not
prepared at present to say whether a more
suitable and cheaper range could be found
for small arms practice. But taking all the
advantages of the range in question into
consideration. i have my doubts as to
whether other ground could be found with
all the natural advantages where a perma-
nent range could be constructed as cheap
ly. l would recommend that this ground
tabout 400 acres be purchased leased.
unless other ground more suitable and
cheaper can be obtained"
From these reports says Lieut.. Hale
and from a prepared tracing of the site it
will be seen that If a purchase were to be
made here it should include to beyond the
road marked 'Oatlands.' If further action
in the Marshall Hall site be deemed not
advisable, it is recomrpended that the in
vestigation looking toward the purchase of
the Leesburg site be pursued to a concu-
sion.'