The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-08-10
PALMA TROPHY TAKEN
FAIRLY BY AMERICANS
Had the Right to Shoot
With Pope Special Barrel.
BRITISH USED SIMILAR GUN
Unfavorable Criticism Restricted to Per.
sons Not Members of the OPP
posing Teams.

Stree the return to the United States
of the members of the American rifle
team, which won the Palma Trophy
from the British rifiemen at BisIey, Eng
land. July II, great deal has been said
and more has been printed about the
American marksmen's use of the Pope
barreled rifles, instead of the Krag-
Jorgensen rifle, called for by the regula-
lions governing the match. 1t was con
tended by a few persons, none of whom
were members CT the British team. that
the Americans took an unfair advantage
of their English opponents by using a
longer barrel, and one having eight
grooves instead of four. 1t has been
said that the British were once more
the victims OF American enterprise.
Regulations governing the match for
the Palma Trophy were made and
framed by the officials OF the National
Rifle Association of the United States OF
America. because OF the fact that the
Palma Trophy is an American trophy,
paid for. hung up and preserved by
Americans. It was first competed for
among American rifemen in the 7O's.
but soon afterward the British were ad-
mitted.
The massive bronze shield, with its
dazzling medals, medallions and bronze
wreaths. remained in the United States
until two years ago, when Canadian
marksmen captured the prize. Last
year Canada lost it to the Britons. but
the Americans. by dint of great practice.
succeeded in recovering the priced
trophy
The regulations call for teams Of
eight men each, who shall use the
arms used in the country which they
represent" The United States rifle
men are charged with violating the last
clause of that regulation. 1t is de-
clared by some OF the members of the
American team and the alternates that
they did not use the Pope barrel. which
is said TO have advantages not found
in the regulation ag-Jorgensen. but
if the reverse was true II is claimed
that the Americans had the right to
use the special barrel
Better Than Government Gun.
The British gun-barrel manufacturers
pride themselves upon their superiority
in the art of making the best barrels
on the market. That they are better
than those made in the English gov
eminent arsenals has been manifested
on many occasions, chief of which was
the Bisley match on July II, when the
Britons shot better than they ever did
before. not eliminating the time when
they won the Palma trophy from the
Canadians. The only reason they did
not retain the prize was that the Amer
leans shot a little better.
Realizing that they could do better
work with specially made barrels, The
British shooters adopted them, prac-
ticed with them and were permitted to
use them by consent of the American
marksmen. The English government is
also said to have sanctioned the use Of
the specially made barrels. When the
British soldiers use barrels made out
side Of the government arsenals they
are required TO submit them TO the
arsenal authorities for inspection, TO
see that they conform TO the govern
ment piece in size. weight. appearance,
and general make up. The extra grooves
on the inside and the slight increase in
length is permissible
Having practiced all the time with the
special barrels, the Britons served no
tice that they intended to use the bar
rels in the match. The Americans
agreed to the use Of the Pope barrel.
ana the same privilege was accorded
them by the BritOns. There has been no
dispute between the members OF the op-
posing teams concerning the use Of the
Pope barrels
Colonel Bruce. who was captain OF the
American team abroad. has been the
subject of a great deal OF unfavorable
criticism because OF his alleged favorit-
ism 10 members OF the Seventy first
New York Regiment in making up the
American team. II has been charged
that some Of the men placed on the team
were not able 10 handle a rife with the
proficiency with which several men. who
were kept of the team, have demon
strated they could handle it.