The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-15
Major Bell Presents Sugges-
ton to Secretary Root,
Who viii Forward Project
in Interest of National
Guard.
Speculation Rife Among the
GuardSmen As to the Ma
ture Of the Next Encamp-
ment-LiSt OF Appoint
mentS.

was but little 10 attract the attention
Of the Euardsmen. Things have been
tagging for about TWO weeks because
the novelty of rifle practice has worn
of and no definite information in regard
10 the next annual oneampment can be
secured by the men.
i is said thar within a few days steps
viii be taken toward the introduction
OF rifle practice in the public schools OF
this city. II the plan materiaIizes il
viii be due 90 the untirinr efforts of
several prominent officers Of the local
citizen soldiegy. who have had the mat
ter under Amusement for some time.
Major James E. Bell. inspector gen
eral OF rifle practice of the District
militia. called upon Secretary Root Fri
day morning and talked the matter over.
Mr.. Root is said to have given the
project his hearty support, and promised
10 further 80 in every possible way. It
is believed that fl the plan is carried
through the efficiency Of the men in
the ranks of the United States Army will
be increased. It is further argued that
if the soldier receives the fundamental
instructions in craftsmanship while he
is stiu in the formative stages of life
instead OF after he has reached man
hood, the standard of the United States
Army viii be raised 10 a higher plane.
Not New Idea.
The idea is by no means new. neither
is ID a within or vagary of the local Of
Gcers. Il is broad in its scope. and il il
receives the necessary stimulus 20 car
II it through. rife practice Will be
taken up by the majority Of the universe
ties. colleges. and schools throughout
this country. The project has already
enlisted the aid Of the War Department.
md that is regarded as half the battle
and warranting its speedy adoption.
The instigators Of the plan have pointed
out that in the manner proposed the
United States may be ready for any
emergency, and tho instruction OF the
young man in the handling of arms is
just as essential 10 his country as a
literary or classic education.
On Tuesday night at the annual meet
ing Of the National Rife Association
held in New York city the first decis-
i've steps toward launching and further
ing the project were taken.
Mai. Bell. one Of the directors. and
who also represented the local soIdiery.
was present. and Immediately took
steps toward acquainting the War De
partment with the proposed plan. Gen.
George H. Harries. another member
OF the board, was unable 10 attend. De
spite that TACT ne was elected FIRST vice |
president or the association. and there |
by was shown the high regard I'm which /
the soldiery Of the District is held
The War Department Advised.
Although he idea OF introducing marks |
manship into the schools and other in /
stitutiOns has been matter Of consid- I
GRAFTON for some months Friday was the /
first time it, had been brought to the at /
cntion OF the Secretary of War. At the |
meeting it was decided the best possible
thing 20 do would be to inform the War 1
Department OF the project. and the best /
man to represent the association was /
Major James Z. Bell. OF this city. The I
latter placed the matter before the Sec
rotary in such a manner that he at once I
realized II was something which /
would be highly beneficial TO the ARM. /
II Is believed General Harries will for
mally present the matter 10 the at
tentlon OF the Board OF Education before I
much time has elapsed. He favors max I
ing the knowledge OF firearms far mord .
general than IL is today and with mem (
bership on the School Board and III .
the Rife Association 81 is more than
probable the ice viii be broken by him. /
go FAR as the matter is concerned in /
Washington.
In speaking Of the matter last night 10 /
d reporter for The Times. General Ha-- /
Ties said. I believe this is one Of the
best steps in the right direction that has .
been taken By the directors OF the as
ISOLATION. aud / regret very much was I
unable so be present at the meeting. Nv /
opinion is that the parents Of every boy
should consider b. their duty 10 see that
he receives a thorough knowledge o.. /
and becomes familiar with the
handling OF firearms. so that he can be
useful as wei as ornamental when his .
country is iu need Of men who can shoot /
10 Kill, ar well as take uD room In the .
ranks The necessity and value OF ac-
curate craftsmanship Is far beyond cs,
timation- They are best brought out
when the battle is raging fercest
Poor Showing for 1895.
In Major James Parker's Official re-
port TO the War Department. he states
that only about 1G or II per cent Of the
mon who wore the blue uniform during
the spanish-American war had any
knowledge whatever or were in any way
proficient In handling the rife This is
most depIOrabIe state OF AFFAIRS and
something which should be speedily
remcdied. With more practice ana
stricter attention to this important duty
the United States soldiers can far sur
pass those OF any other country when
81 comes 10 accurate marksmansbip. end
= sincerely hope these steps will be
taken IN the near future. and that 100
per cent of the men who participate in
our next conflict viii be proficient with