Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-14

recommend plans for the enlargement Of
the influence Of the National Rifle Associa-
ton. bringing II more closely in touch with
the country. to the end that the Unit ed
States may arrive somewhere near the
high standard of Workmanship achieved
by some other nations.
So large a committee is suggested be-
cause of the ACCESSIBILITY, if practicable, of
having representations from different parts
of the country, and IL would seem, says the
committee, that no more patriotic duty
could be performed than through this OPP
portunity offered to the members.
Encouragement of Rifle Practice.
The special committee further says:
LAS the most important function to be
performed by the National Rifle Associa-
ton is the encouragement of rifle practice,
and as some measure of expense must be
incurred in connection with work of this
kind. If results of any Importance are to
be obtained, exceptional facilities should be
provided for the association and Its affll-
lated organizations, and to that end, If
legislation does not already exist, 1t should
be had, in order that the National Rifle
Association may purchase arms and am
munition at cost.
Later, if circumstances seem to warrant
1t, legislation can be sought 10 permit or
the issue of arms ammunition on more
liberal basis.
Furthermore, information should be
sought in case the department is not al
ready IN possession OF Sucn information re-
garding the existing facilities for rifle prac-
tice possessed by the several states.
There should be an earnest endeavor to
make more uniform the method OF rlhe
practice to be carried on hereafter, and to
that end we would recommend the appoint
ment of a board of officers. who should
''First-Ascertain what facilities exist
'SecOnd-Make recommendation as to the
kind of range. target. etc, that would seem
to be advisable. in view of the conditions
of modern warfare.
"Third-This board should prescribe a uni
form system for the qualifications of ex-
perts. maTksmen, sharpshooters. etc.
"FOurth-This board should also report
as to the points where ranges should be es-
tablished for the of the National
Guard and authorized rifle clubs, say dur
ing the next five years, with or without
the assistance of the United States govern
ment.
The association i'll later urge assist
ance by the United States government in
the establishment of ranges where proper
facilities do not already exist.
1--WE would also recommend that steps be
taken to obtain accurate information as to
the measure of assistance and encourage
ment given by foreign governments to in
dividuals and organizations existing for the
promotion of general rifle practice, to this
end If necessary the assistance of the mill
tary attaches to be enlisted.
Summary of Recommendations.
1--WE submit herewith a proposed addition
to the app opriation bill of $1,000, sum-
marizing our recommendations as follows:
"First-An advisory committee of fifteen,
of whom seven are TO appointed by the
President of the United States.
''Second-Legislation to aid If it does not
alreac.- exist, to permit the purchase by the
association of arms and ammunition at
cost.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and report by a
board OIL officers on existing range facilities,
conditions under which qualification as
marksmen. etc. shall be had, the kind of
range. target, etc, desirable, and Where
range facilities not now existing should be
provided.
''Fourt..-That steps be taken to ascer-
tain what the foreign governments do in
the way of encouragement of rifle practice
"Fifth-An appropriation to be made for
the encoura cement of rifle competition
between military organizations. to be ex-
pended under the direction of the Score
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