The Washington times., 1903-03-01
District Soldiers Satisfied
With the Krag-JOrgensen
Rifle, Because 1t Is Lighter
Than the Springfield.
Scores in the Second Regi-
ment Rifle Matches.

ment Rifle Matches.
Within the past week nothing has
Happened 10 exact special attention from
the District Of Columbia National
Guardsmen. Only the regular scheduled
drills and rifle practice matches have
taken up their time.
The members OF the Naval Battalion
arc very eager 10 know something about
their much talked- about new command
ct. who is 20 fill the vacancy which has
existed since the organization OF the
branch of the guard. There have been
1ny number OF rumors and reports about
the appointment OF a regular naval Of
fcer to take charge OF the battalion. but
as yet nothing has resulted. Lieutenant
Commander Hopkins Is sfin acting as
commander.
General Harries has the matter in
bis hands. and the appointment rests
entirely with him. Owing TO numerous
other Important engagements. he has
not had time to talk the matter over
9Th the several candidates for the po-
eANADAs Va -AAAhf inc 1RRDAAAAAAfANs II -
believed. after Congress adJourns. he
VIII again take the matter up. and
choose the commander. There are four
candidates for the position, and all Of
them are said to be competent and eX-
rerienced men so far as naval affairs are
concerned. II is Just such a man that
General Harries wishes TO place at the
head OF ehe battalion. because he is OF
the opinion the commander OF a naval
battalion should have a thorough prac-
teal knowledge Of naval affairs. Lieu
tenant Hopkins. who will. in all prob
ability. be retained as second in com
mand under the new regime. lacks that
technical knowledge. because he has
never made a study or naval matters.
The appointment OF commander would
be in no sense Of the word a reflection
upon Lieutenant Hopkins.
May Lose Training Ships.
At present the Naval Battalion uses
the United States training ships Fern
and oneida as it's headquarters Re
Gently the officials of the Navy Depart
ment stated that these boats were need
ed i'm the regular service. and the local
jaCkies may be without training ship
within the near future. The Oneida is
the better and larger OF the two. and IL
is highly probable the officials will take
that within the near future. although
they have not yet definitely decided TO
do SO. The Fern has been anchored near
the local steamboat wharves for the past
several years. and she is not in the very
best possible condition. For that rea-
son II is believed the officials OF the de-
partment will permit the battalion TO
retain her. but then another difficulty is
encountered. The Fern is not large
enough TO accommodate all Of the Naval
Battalion. and it is said she would not
be OF much service to the battalion
Springfield VS.. Krag Jorgensen.
Maj. Gen. Charles r. Roe. commanding
the New York State National Guard. re-
Gently held a consultation with the Sec
rotary OF War in regard to the adoption
or the Krag-Jorgensen rife in that or
ganization instead OF the SpringRelds.
which are now in use. The general said
the Guardsmen OF the Empire State en-
tertained serious objections 10 the ap-
plication Of several important provisions
OF the law to the militia OF New York
The New York Guardsmen are now arm
ed with the Springfield rifles. and are
highly pleased and satisfied with them.
They do not wish to change them for
the Heterogeneous. which they have
seen in use by other soldiers. The Gov
eminent has no ammunition for the old
Springfield muskets. which are regarded
as inferior to the more modern mus
kets. The New Workers will ultimately
have TO agree to use arms furnished by
the United States or use their old
Springhelds and conduct themselves as
a separate organization from the Ma
tIonal Guard OF the States. and furnish
tho ammunition for the rifles which are
now rapidly replaced by the up-to-date
pieces.
The District OF Columbia National
Guard was tho first organization I'm this
country to he equipped with the nev,
arms. The Krag- Jorgensens replaced the
Springhclds here last March. and since
that time have given entire satisfaction.
Those who are IN a position to pass
judgment say the Krag so far surpasscs
the Springfield that there is absolutely
no comparison 10 be made. One year Is
long enough to find out the good and
bad points OF rife and the officials in
charge OF the ordnance OF the Guard
say thcy have found many good and few.
II any, bad points in the new pieces. II
is admitted the Springhelds can be load
ed a little more easily. but after a time
the man in the ranks becomes proficient
in the handling Of this as well as other
guns.
Local Soldiers Like Modern Gun
The Springfield is heavier than the
gun which has supplanted H. and for that
reason the latter is liked better by The
men who have to carry f. The Krag
is more easily cleaned. and It is said
has other minor advantages over tue
Springfield. All the volunteers and reg
ulars are 10 be equipped with thes,
modern pieces. The District National