The Washington times., 1902-05-26
NATIONAL TROPHY FOR
RIFLE COMPETITION
Continued from Second rase.)


troops are urgently needed for active
service. sufficient time for target prac-
tice Is rarely to be had. In 1899 several
United States volunteer regiments fred
not more than fifteen shots per man te-
fore going into action.
The difficulty at such times is to cb-
| tain ammunition. since reserve
amount OF ammunition Is required for
active service against the enemy; to
| obtain ranges and targets. since these
are not often found in sufficient num-
bers in the vicinity of our volunteer
camps; to obtain instructors. since few
men OF a regiment are good shots o.
understand the principles OF instruction.
The feature of til. Constitution OF
the United States and of the laws en-
acted under it in 1899 which made all
citizens liable fer service in the militia,
and which encourages the handling and
carrying of arms by establishing the
right CT ever- citizen to do 50, might
well be extended ard made the aninat-
| ing spring of national system of tar
get practice. by which all citizens fit
for active service shall be invited to
qualify for this important attribute of
good soldier-his ability to use the
tool of war with accuracy and skill.
No more useful expenditure of money
for orr national defense could be made
than the establishment in places near
our centers Of population of target
ranges. to be maintained by the Gov
ernment ard placed in charge OF officers
and non- n-commissioned officers: of the
furnishing. at cost prices or less. of
ammunition; of the restriction. as far
as TO the use of the ranges. to men OF
military age. of fitness OF physique. and
by whom such practice Is needed; Of the
issuing of certificates of proficiency as
n;arksmen to such men. to be In the
form of handsome medal. which will
be handsome enough to be priced by the
recipient.
System in Switzerland.
The Swiss system of government aid
to voluntary target practice is some
what ms follows
The ranges are provided by the COM
mune; the rifles and ammunition are
provided By the Government. The
marksmen are organized into shooting
societies. To qualify a membe. must
make a certain score in a cor - On
of thirt-- shots at ranges bctwtSi 20
and 400 .SSters. FOR each OF It's mesn-
bers who qualities the society is paid 4
sum equivalent to a days pay of lab
oring man. In 1887 the number Of shoot
ing societies competing was 2,JIo, son-
1I9.S27 members. OF whom S.307 |
qualified. earning for the societies sii.-
G20.
THE Swiss military system is sys-
tenn of compulsory militia education.
every citizen being Obliged to serve.
The course of instruction includes COM
pulsory firing. which can be avoided by
enrolment and qualification in the vol
intary shooting society. This acts as a
great stimulus to the societies.
This legislation is sought for with
view of inaugurating in this country an
interest in tarFet practice, which viii
eventually produce a system Of volun
ary firing similar or equivalent 10 tha
which now exists In Switzerland The
appropriation OF $4,000 will enable CON-
,etitions 10 be held. which will claim
he attention OF the country. and by
popular interest make th'
development OF this military sport
which is really military SCrtruction
n0re general. IL will he entirely in ac
ordance with the traditions OF our
ountry. wk'ch first showed what th
life was capable OF and which gainp.
Is independence largely by familiarity
( our citizens With its use"