The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-05-03

WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY REPUBLIC.
Although the locality where the Grand
American Handicap is to be shot is not de-
cided until early in each year. talk Of the
possible location OF next years event is al
ready under way. Pressure has been
brought to bear on the Interstate Associa-
ton to hold the big event in this city next
spring, but as yet the result is doubtful.
The fact that the shoot would be a great
attraction for marksmen throughout the
country. in connection with the Worlds
Fair. has made not only local shots. but eS-
perts from all over the country DESTROYS
of having the event held here. 1t would APP
pear as IL st. Louis was the logical site for
the contest next season; yet 1t seems that
some objections have been raised upon the
matter being brought up.
Certain members Of the Interstate Asso-
citation. while refusing to talk positively on
II matter which will not be decided for a
year. have expressed Themselves as being
somewhat of the opinion that It would be
better to hold the sHoot In some other city
next season. where tie msrksmen would
have no attraction 10 draw them away
from the Park. 1t Is evidently feared that
The Worlds Fair vii, prove a stronger card
than the big shooting event.
That this fear is srounaiess seems GER
tain. 10 Judge from experience in past
events. The sole object of the association
in holding its yearly shoot is to advertise
the trap game. The encouragement Of con-
"a AAA24lL AiNAOi. u AOdisEH ~ ms
chief result. but the advertisement is the
first and foremost mDtter to be considered.
Il is extremely likely that some concerted
effort viii be made by the gun clubs Of
this city TO bring the big event here next
year. Whether this movement will succeed
or not remains to he seen. Certain it is.
that the local parks will pull of some big
events on their own responsibility If the
Interstate body seems ind!sposed to hold
the Grand American here. But 1t appears
ss IL the best known shooting event OF the
reason naturally ought to be held here next
year.
officers of the Central Shooting Bund are
preparing for the national meet. to be held
here in June. and their efforts 20 date have
heen most gratifying. Ire prize list is ex-
%tens:ve and the amount of added mon=y. TO
be shot for at the Bobringrilie range, will
compare favorably with hny similar shoot
held in this country.
From past experience, it appears as it
fully 400 shots, from, various sections of the
Entries have already been promised from
clubs In Milwaukee. Dubuque and San
Francisco, while the Chicago and New York
scented. The contest VIII be national in ev-
cry sense of the word.
With the event held within our own gates,
the local men will turn out in force. 1t IL
believed that fully sixty or seventy local
men Will comDete in the various contests
rome of which will be shot at 200 yards.
Their chances against the cracks from
throughoutsthe country are excellent and It
IS practically certain that the list Of win
ners Will include several st. Louis names.
The result of such victories should be
good, so far as the effect on the game is
concerned. Local marksmen have been
much Ike the local osrsmen-too difident
concerning their own ability against experts
from other sections of the country. Once
they learn that they can more than !roid
their own against the best men the coun-
try can produce. it appears as If the result
should be a steady string of victories for
St Louisans in the Journeys throughout the
nsr trx--aI that mill ha
impression upon their minds that they can
hold their own with any exrerts once they |
make up their minds to compete.
One feature Of the coming shoot which |
has attracted much attention is the an !
nouncement that revolver matches at fifty
city has to-day as many fine revolver shots
rs any in the country. Yet the local men
have not the national regulations of many
compcts in national events.
The police force alone can turn out some i
remarkably good shots both from the ranks !
Gals. Captions Cieecy and McNamee. at
the top of tie official ladder, and Patrolmen
rsnk, could hold their own with civilian exe
ppoice forces Of the country are eoneerned,
these four could most certainly lead their
compatriots in work with the revolver.
While the programme for the revolver end
f 81 'e seen nhoV With 6af this hot v set gee are a certain a.
he well 2atron'zed by contestants. Taken
altogether, prospects for the national shoot |
are Of the brightest.
The police revolver work has continued
uninterruptedly for some weeks. the first
break in the series being the interruption /,
of the last three days. due to the Dedica-
ton ceremonies. Work will be resumed to-
day, when a squad from the sixth Dis |
trict VIII practice. and Drillmaster Roemer
expects to wind up the series with some
good scores.
Some of the older shots on the force have
been a disappointment in their work at the
range. Some have been absent repeatedly |
notsbiy Patrolmen Shipp and Longsworth. |