The Washington times., 1902-08-10
Twenty Candidates Con-
test for Positions on
Brigade Team.
DISTRICT IS VERY HOPEFUL
Prospect That Excellent Showing Will
Be Made - Overconfidence Is Most
Feared - Harries- May Matter Bobs
Up Again-Naval Battalion Cruise.

Active work is being done by the
twenty candidates for places on the
brigade rifle team in the preparation
Tor the thirteenth annual tournament of
the National Rifle Association, which is
to be held at Sea Glrt, y. J., commenc-
ing August 90. Twice each week Major
James F. Bell. the inspector general of
rife practice of the militia, who is the
team captain has the men out on the
range at ordway. Md, and the men also
take up other evenings in practice. Much
interes; is being taken by the Guard as
whole in the coming meet, as all other
work of a military nature has been
dropped until the fall.
From present indications the District
will be represented by the strongest con-
tingent that has ever gone out from the
National Capital to face the targets. All
but three of last years team are candi-
dates again this year, and they will
probably land. Lieut.. H. H. Leizear.
Lieut.. H. NJ Bell, and Private James NJ.
Stewart are out OF the city at present,
but the thirteen other men are showing
up well. Dr. S. /. Scott, who was coach
of the team last year, is doing fine work
on the range, and it is more than prob
able that he will shoot in the Hilton
trophy match.
Effect of Overconfdence.
Those who have watched the work of
the members are more than pleased with
the scores made, and predict success at
Sea Girt. There is a likelihood, how
ever. that the boys may become over
confident and thus fall down at the
crucial time In the practice prior to
the meet last year, the members, of the
New York State team ram up scores
which were remarkable, but they did
nothing extraordinary at Sea Girt. in
both the Hilton and Interstate matches
they made scores just large enough 20
be beaten by one or two of the other
teams. This year, it is understood. both
New York and New Jersey are showing
Up well, AMI it is probable that some o;
the teams which last year used Spring
field rifles will surprise the old-timers
when they face the targets with the i'm
proved Krags.
The names of the men who are to rep
resent the District in tie Hilton trophy
match which is to be shot on Tuesday,
September 2, will not be announced un-
til the morning of the shoot Major
Bell is anxious that the twelve men who
show up best in practice, up to the last
moment. shall shoot.
Prior to last year 1t had been the
custom to name the twelve principals.
and four alternates. before the team
left Washington, but the men were so
evenly matched last year that Major
Bell thought it advisable not TO make
this difference. Those who did not shoot
in the Hilton match were put on in
the Interstate match, taking the places
of the four lowest men in the Hilton.
While there are twenty men now prac-
ticing, IL is probable General Harries
will reduce this number to sixteen be-
fore the departure of the team.
Feeding the Men.
Arrangements are being made by
Major E. H. Neumeyer. the commissary
general of the militia. for the subsist-
ence of the team while at Sea Girt He !
will leave here on August &c. one day |
before the departure of the sharpshoot- |
ers, so that things can be made ready |
for their reception. Lieut. E. H. Neu-
meyer. jr.. will have direct charge of |
the messing of the men while Lieut.
P W Smith will be quartermaster of
the team.
The feeding of the District contingent
in the field will be rather a unique de-
parture from custom, as heretofore all
the teams have been fed either at the
hotel or clubhouse. The meals furnish
ed, however. we're moi up TO expectations.
and It was, therefore. decided that 1t
would not only be cheaper, but better
TO carry mess kit
Announcement is made that the Palma
trophy match has been postponed until
September IS. in order that teams from
Great Britain and other European coun-
tries may have an opportunity 10 be
represented. Last year this match was
won by the Canadian team and the con-
test VIII take place near Toronto, Can
ada. The postponement of the match
will give the Americans a chance to i'm
prove their team. II had been intend !
ed to have practice at Sea Girt before
the opening of the meet there but now
this will be unnecessary. Gen. Bird W.
Spencer. president OF the National Rife
Association and captain of the Ameri-
can team. will observe the work of the
men during the matches there and can
thus pick out the best long-distance
shots. Several District men shot on the
team last year, and II is probable that
four or five Of them will be on the team
this year.
Harries-May Matter Again.
Still the Harries- May matter will not
down. Col. Henry May feels keenly.
the humiliation heaped upon him by L
the commanding general in placing /