Evening star., 1901-12-07
THE NATIONAL GUARD
Assurance That Commodious Quar-
ters Will Be Provided the Brigade.
new BUILDING IN CONTEMPLATION
Congress Asked to Appropriate
Money for National Trophy.
LOCAL RIFLE PRACTICE

a large share of the interest of District
National Guardsmen at present centers on
the assurance that a public building will
very likely be erected here that will con-
tain suitable and commodious accommo-
dations for the troops of the local brigade,
including drill hall of large size. For sew
eral years past rumors of new armory
have gained circulation at intervals, but
each of them soon faded into the most ex-
treme character of thin air. The project
to erect a public assembly hall, with an
armory of adequate size and equipment
as an adjunct. however, it is said, has an
excellent chance of being pushed to a sue
cessful conclusion.
In view of the nearness of the Christmas
holidays many Of the companies have sus-
pended drills until the early part Of Janu-
ary this action being due to the fact that
quite a number of the guardsmen. being
engaged in business, will temporarily be
held to duty during the evenings. One fea-
ture of the brigade that demands atten-
ton is the athletic work, which Is just now
booming. Never before since the organiza-
ton of the National Guard Athletic Asso-
citation and the establishment Of the gym
nasum at the Center Market Armory has
such enthusiasm been manifested In the d.
rection of physical culture. Captain Ed
wards and Prof Horan say they have just
as much as they can attend to in perform
ing their respective duties relating to the
athletic association.
Numbers Four Hundred.
The membership now includes 400 guards
men Basket ball. indoor base bali and
similar teams representing the several Or
ganizations of the brigade are now promi-.
nent in the local leagues. AT the gymna-
SUM new apparatus has been secured and
the location of the paraphernalia rear
ranged, thereby securing better results 1t
is pointed out that more light more heat
and lockers are needed very much at the
gymnasium.
A special order has been issued from Dis
trict militia headquarters relieving Capt.
S. Porter House, Company A, 1st Battalion,
from duty as a member of the board of
managers of the National Guard Athletic
Association and detailing Capt. Sheridan
Ferree, Company D. 9Th Battalion, in his
stead.
Demand for National Trophy.
Congress will soon be petitioned by the
committee appointed last September at the
annual meeting at Sea. Girt to encourage
military rifle shooting by providing ma
tionaI trophy and making an appropriation
for attractive cash prizes. Major James 4.
Bell, the Districts inspector general of
rifle practice has suggested that under the
sanction Of Congress and the War Depart
ment there be held annually one grand
match, the first prize to be a national
trophy and 81 600 in cash; the second prize.
the Hilton trophy and $500; the third prize.
the interstate trophy and $500; the fourth
and fifth prizes, cash, the shooting to con-
tinue over a period of two days and cover
all the ranges from 200 to 1000 yards.
General George w. Wingate of New York,
popularity known as the father of military
rifle shooting in this country, who Is a
recognized authority or the subject and the
inventor of the Wingate target, cordially
approves the idea that steps should be
taken to insure congressional encourage
ment for the promotion of military rifle
shooting, especially at the longer ranges.
General Wingate communicated with the
Secretary of War last month In regard to
promoting rife practice in the National
Guard and received reply in which the
Secretary gave assurance of his full SYM
pathy in the matter.
Gen. Wingate's Suggestions.
General Wingate recommends that Con-
gress shall be asked for an annual appro-
priation of $1,000 to be expended in the
discretion of the Secretary of War for the
promotion of competitive shooting among
the National Guard organizations of the
different states, at the annual meeting Of
the National Rifle Association, together
with an appropriation of $1,000 for ma
tional trophy to be annually shot for at
such matches and upon such terms as he
shall prescribe. This, it is pointed out,
would insure the support of the War De-
partment and obviate objections which
might be made by congressman disagree
ing with the details of the proposition.
In respect to the actual details of the
match General Wingate says he doubts II
Major Bells ideas in connection Herewith
can be improved upon. For some curious
reason, explains General Wingate. rifle
shooting seems to be unlike all other COM
petitions, and shooting for money does not
make a competitor a professional There
fore, General Wingate concludes that it is
safe to offer money prizes. and as the Of
fering Of such money prizes will go large
ly toward paying the expenses of the WIN
ming team, they will result In increased at
tendance. Such a match, it is believed, is
very much more valuable than competi-
ton with match rifles.
Necessity Impresses Him.
II am also getting more and more i'm
pressed with the necessity Of having one
stage in a match like this shot with rest"
General Wingate further says. I'm all
modern battles troops take cover and get
a rest for their rifles. AS most guns shoot
somewhat differently when supported by
rest than they do when held Free l think
that competitors in such an important
match should be trained to understand this.
doubt very much whether in actual serv-
ice men ever shoot from their backs. 1t
can only be done when the ground is free
from obstruction and cannot be done from
cover, and l doubt very much If it is ever
8 rhn ho t11