The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-03-08
WANT TO PRACTICE
UNDER AUSPICES OF GOVERNMENT.
Local Bodies of Mamen Favor Some of Target Practice
Under Supervision of the Army OfcasThey Believe That In
Among Citizens Would Result the Development of
High Grade of Marksman shp-Views of Local Shots.

taught by competent instructors could be
furnished with the proper arms and ammu-
milton and could be afforded A range on
which to practice. think it would be gen.
orally taken advantage OF. In case of war,
this same practice would be Invaluable
Other members of his club think the
same, and they believe that an appropria-
ton for such a purpose would arouse gen.
eral interest To prevent control of ranges.
BILE hands. they suggest that Government
officers at the various posts, such as Jeffer-
sea Barracks. be detailed to serve as in
structors and to look after the Government
property at the ranges.
Captain .Iaynes's letter held up the point
admitted to be the chief question in the
matter-that of securing ranges suitable for
long range work near all cities Two or
three such ranges exist near this city. but
places for practice would nave 10 De created
at many other points.
ANOTHER PLAN is SUGGESTED.
One suggestion was offered. however, by
Captain Schaaf, a veteran member of the
club, who thinks that the scheme can be
made practicable without Government APP
preparation. On this point he said:
''If it will require too much money to fur
nish free ammunition which seems prob
able | think the undertaking can yet be
carried through by another system. That
is for the Government to issue honorary
emblems of some sort as indications OF
craftsmanship and to appoint coaches at
various ranges for the encouragement OF
Instead of establishing any new ranges.
Government coach be appointed at one
such place in each city. He may be an army
officer or some other expert; Let him .d teaGn
the candidates how to use their weapons
and let him keep track of the scores shot
under his direction. ~,
Certain scores would De rewarded VIII WIZ,
buttons indicating a certain mark. with
medals indicating another rank. and SO on.
These emblems could be OF little COST, as
the honor of the thing Is what To9ia :. t be
have it shown that the Government taxes
cognizance of the work. and 1 think 1t
would be remarkable how many persons
would turn out for practice.
REWARDS FOR HIGH SCORES:
1.-THE same system could be applied al
military posts and the same reward given
If he happened to be a citizen, could fur
nish his own ammunition. The ammuni-
ton. of course. would be supplied the sol
fore the button or medal indicating high,
class craftsmanship became highly priced
everywhere. and would be Regarded as one
of the highest decorations available.
Certainly the soldiers would take the
matter up and it would be point Of pride
with them. At present there is nothing TO
Indicate that the army in general takes In
terest in craftsmanship, and think that
some movement of the sort would be great
ly repaid. .,a
supplying of rifles would cost little. II
those competing for the medals furnished
their own ammunition, the Government
terest taken in the medals hung up by the
United States Revolver Association shows
how practicable is such a scheme and what
interest will be aroused IL 1t Is seen that
general interest in army circles is taken in
the work
VALUABLE IN TIME OF WAR.
81 believe that the value in time OF war
would be iEcalculable. From my own ex-
perience / think that one regiment able to
shoot well is worth ten regiments Of aver
age marksmen. Any rumor of war would
send citizens focking to the ranges under
Government auspices, particularly those
where good scores were being made. And
the rewards of craftsmanship would, l am
Some such scheme is certainly practical
bic. and l think that 1t might be noticed.
In case the Government cannot concern it
self with the matter, either the State or
the individual cities should take the matter
up. 1t would be n much more sensible pro-
vision than many of the militia measures
now adopted by the legislatures in various
States"
Members of the sharpshooting association
intend to push the matter and to try and
institute some such system in this city. If
the city, State or Government will not hang
up some little emblems as trophies and as
badges of craftsmanship, they believe that
private subscription may accomplish much.
The feature of throwing the shoots open
to all citizens desiring to compete WILL it
is thought. arouse general interest. More
will probably be heard from the matter
later.