The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-06-15
DOUBT ABOUT THE CONTESTS.
STATE TROOPS MAY NOT COME TO
SAVANNAH TO SHOOT.

the Proposed COntcsts-,SI, 900
Needed to Have the shoot as De-
/ charlottesville Teams May Pay
Their own transportation and a
Popular Subscription started for
FUNDS for Their Subsistence SO as
to Have the shoot whether on
Not State Furnishes the Money.
The state has not yet been reimbursed
Tor the money it expended in modifying
lis forces for the war with Spain. Upon
getting the money within short while
may depend the rife shoot for state troops
that was projected a couple Of months
ago by Col. George T. Cam, inspector
general of Georgia Volunteers rifle prac-
tice.
Col. Cam was seen last night and asked
about the shoot. He said the state has
no money to eXpend in paying the ex-
penses OF the teams that might be sent
10 Savannah to represent their commands
on the AYondale range. If the general
government should pay the state what is
due for the portion of the military fund
that was used for the mobilization OF
Georgia's quota of volunteers al Griffin
last spring there would be no difficulty.
All would be plain sailing, and $1,000 might
be spent for the best shoot thar has ever
been held in Georgia.
About ten days ago Col. Cam was in
Atlanta, and learned that Georgia's claim,
which is for something like $20,00O had
been returned from the war department at
Washington with the suggestion that the
paper De put in proper shape That was
NOT the nrSt time the same direction had
been given, and it may be that several
more tIlps pack and forth will have to be
taken by the papers before the demands
OF me tape factory can be satisfied and the
money secured. No doubt is entertained
that the government win finally reimburse
n 1ee state. but it is desired by the officers
properly carried out.
II Col. Cam can so arrange as to have
we state deiraY The expense of the shoot
ne VIII not fail TO 90 So He suggests lie
alternative of starting a popular sllbscrin-
non 70 raise the fund That however
would De last resort, for he believes the
staLe should pay transportation for the
teams and for their maintenance while
mere II IS both transportation and the per
qlem mat amount to 81 900. If il shoul1 he
round that the state cannot by any means
manage TO defray the cost 1t is possible
thal the subscription may be started
though only about $3.50 would then be need
ca, as al 10 be paid for would be the sup
port Or the soldiers while here. Col. Cam
mas already been in consultation with rail
road officials and discovered that a very
reasonable rate can be secured for all Wis
pay their own railroad fare If the slate
cannol manage TO do ii for them
The state has bur very little money at
us disposition for military PURPOSES now.
The action of the last legislature in de-
creasins the appropriation from $4,000 10
S2,yOQ had the effect of making anything
OUTSIDE OF expenditures for the conduct Of
me once Of the adJutant general almost
impossible. The officers find they are so
hampered by q lack of funds that they are
unable to sanction any scheme that wiz
n,a has !, tV4rr
at his disposal for the mil tary rifle con-
tests unless ii should come from the gen
eral government. Col. Cam is determined
10 nave the expenses pad by he state If
possible. as he believes 1t would be the es-
tabhshment of bad precedent to have
the military stand for ii al.
AT least ten teams from commands at
a distance would attend the contests if
they could be held in Savannah. Col,
Cam says that number could be counted
upon ana that in all probability there
would be even more. From number OF
commanding officers he has received as
surances of support and the determination
20 send teams 10 take part if the con-
tests are held. The Atlanta companies
have been practcing twice a week for
some time, and il is said some very GOOD
marksmen have developed there.
Last year a shoot was TO have been
held. but the war with Spain interfered
to prevent. Correspondence had been had
with many of the commanding officers
from all sections of the state and it was
found that at least $50 soldiers could be
counted upon to attend and take part in
the contests Circulars were sent ont
some months before the shoot was TO
have been held. This year there have
been no circulars, though that there have
not peen mas not been due to any negli-
gence on the part of the inspector gem
erai of rife practice. Col Cam wrote
Col Byrd, assistant adjutant general
some, time ago. asking that he send out
circulars. The form was sent him, but the
matter never went any further
The circular was to set forth the desire
of the state that shoot be held. There
was no positive statement that one would
be had, though it was pretty well known
that the inspector general had the back
ing of the Governor in the matter of the
projected shoot Many of the officers i'm
the state service would also be glad if
the contests could be held. 1t is posi-
Bile that others than Col Cam in savan-
matter up and push ii to a successful con-
clusion.
Col. Cam says he would advise the mid
die Of August, or possibly the first as the
best time for the contest to be held. lie is
confident there is time enough to get it
up by the earlier date if those interested
should go right to work No money would
trophies, as there are enough of those al
ready up for competition among the state
troops. They are held now by Savannah
commands that would have to defend
them against all corners.
Col. Cam. is now at work on
S Set bont cd tring regulations tSg ions He
ing them around among his fnends among
Savannah's rife shots The reg
ulations contain seventeen typewriter
pages, and Will be submitted TO tAa adj
jutant generals office with the recon-
mendation that they be published in
pamphlet form for distribution among the
officers and men of the state troops
The resolutions are a succinct statement
Of all that is absolutely necessary 10 make
good rife shot If one has the ground
work of a good eye and steady nerve. or
otherwise TO make one thoroughly familiar
With all that goes toward the making of a
good marksman. Col. Cam has embodied
the best things from two recognized au-
thorites on rifle shooting and has combined
some of his own observations and the re-
suits of his own and others experience. IL
the work is put I'm print and circulated
among the forces OF the state II viii doubt
less be the means of increasing the efficien-
ey of them all in that valuable adjunct Of
military, rifle practice
Col. Cam says there is not one private
I'm L. goo or one officer in fifty as familiar