Evening star., 1901-08-29
The Meet at Sea Girt Most Important
in Years,
CONTESTS BEGIN TOMORROW
Meantime Aspirants for Trophies
Are Practicing Hard.
WORK OF DISTRICT M E n
Special From STAFF Correspondent.


SEA GIRT, N. J., August 29.-By far the
most elaborate shooting tournament en-
ploying the rifle, revolver, carbine and pis-
tol this country has ever known to occur
within its bounds will be formally opened
here tomorrow morning. Anticipatory
thereof, noted experts in target shooting
have gathered from far and near in larger
numbers than at any time heretofore in
the history of the American ranges.
a party of fifteen have crossed the At
lantic from the Emerald Isle to compete
with their Yankee brethren for glory and
a prize. Sunday next a team of Canadian
sharpshooters will invade Jersey for the
purpose of taking home with them, if they
can best an all-American team of eight, on
which six District National Guardsmen
have won places. the famous Palma trophy,
which has not been in competition for
number of years past.
All the big states are well represented,
are the army, the navy and the Marine
Corps. From the interest displayed and
the energy expended the likelihood is that
several existing records will be smashed
before the end of next week. In view of
the beginning of the competitions tomorrow
everybody who expects to participate there
In Is plugging away at the targets today
with persiStency calculated to put the
proverbial busy bee to shame.
The men of the District militia are set
ting the pace. and it is a stiff one to keep
up with Soon after breakfast, Major Bell
had the brigade team hard at work, and he
kept his employed diligently. and at
the same time intelltgently all morning and
again during the afternoon. The desire is
to have the team in the best possible
shape to do battle for the Hilton trophy.
The District Wiseacres, who have been
here for week and have casually OBJ
served the practice of the other teams, do
not appear to be at all apprehensive to
the outcome of the competition for the Hill
ton shield. in which the national capital is
so deeply interested.
The shooting tomorrow will be for the
possession of the Columbia trophy, pre-
sented by the District of Columbia National
Guard to the National Guard of New Jer-
sey. Washington Is not greatly concerned
about the result of this match. as it is
open only to teams from New Jersey. In
the afternoon the contest open to inspec-
tors of rifle practice will be in order. This
has been won three times by District rep
resentatives.
The District of Columbia detachment
reached Sea Girt shortly before $50 o'clock
yesterday afternoon. A delay of an hour
occurred at Philadelphia, owing to failure
on the part of the railroad officials to at
tach the special car to the first train with
which 1t had been intended connection
should be made. BY reason of this delay
the Washington party missed being on
hand to witness the welcome extended the
team from Ireland. which arrived at 5
o'clock. Lieut.. Smith, Lieut.. Mortimer and
The Star correspondent managed to catch
the early train out of Philadelphia how
ever. and were on the Sea Girt platform to
represent the District in extending greet
lngs to the men from the land of Sir
Thomas Upton.
Hearty, Good-Natured Lot.
The foreigners are hearty, good-natured
lot. They reached quarantine yesterday
morning after a pleasant trip across the
water, and were met by committee head
ed by the governor of New Jersey. They
were then taken aboard a private yacht
and landed at Sandy Hook, whence they
were escorted to special train and hur-
ried to Sea Girt AS they stepped from
the car the Irishmen were cheered three
times, and they bowed their acknowledge
ments. Without much ado they were driv-
ell to their quarters. The District party
after leaving the train. formed in column,
and in true military style marched to camp
Through the efforts of Col. FELTON, of Jer-
seys quartermaster department. baggage
was soon on hand and necessary supplies
issued
The team reported at the Beach House
for supper. After the repast Major Bell
formally announced his arrival to General
Spencer. the executive officer of the meet
While proceeding to their tents immediate
passed several of their comrades who had
preceded them here The early comers
were hitting the bull l's-eye at 900 wards
practice. incidentally, Major Young and
Lieutenant Leizear of the District have
been selected to shoot on the New jersey
team in the competition with the Irish
team. The District men are eligible by
reason Of being members of the New Jersey
State Rifle Association.
During last evening friendships Of for
mer years were renewed at the range club
house and the Beach House, the rifemen
of the several states minglng and com
pairing notes. The Beach House dining
room presented a brilliant scene by rea-
son Of the many and varied uniforms in
evidence. ranging from the smart distinc-
tive attire Of the members of New York's
noted 7th Regiment to the strictly regu-
lation and business like clothing of the
District citizen soldiery. All the Wash
ington folks retired early last evening for
the day had been wearying. The trip from
Baltimore was in company with the team
from the 9Th Maryland Regiment, under
Major Rawins. The team from Maine ar
rived this afternoon. c. F. c.