The Savannah morning news., 1903-04-24
THE NATIONAL RIFLE CONTEST.


The prospectus of the National Rifle
Contest, as approved by Secretary
Root. seems good and attractive. There
are three principal prizes, the National
Trophy, the Hilton Trophy and the. Sol
der of Marathon. With each of these
there goes a money prize of comfort
able proportions. In addition there are
a number of minor cash prizes and
medals, making in all sum of rewards
we'll worth the attention of the marks
men of the country. The contests will
be open to the regular army, the navy,
the marine corps and the National
Guard or uniformed militia of the
states. Great interest is being taken
in the forthcoming matches, to be shot
at Sea Grit next September, and in
all probability the largest aggregation
of military marksmen that has assem-
bled since the old Creedmoor days will
gather there on that occasion.
Since the contests will be under the
auspices of the national government,
insuring perfectly fair treatment for all
contestants, the way is opened for Sa-
vannah riflemen, who have on former
occasions won glory for Georgia, to
make their temperance on the New
Jersey range. There should be no doubt
about their attendance on and partic-
ipation in the events, and to that end
a movement should be set afoot at the
earliest practicable moment. There
must be organization and practice and
the selection of a team, therefore no
time should be lost in getting things
under way. If our boys" go to Sea
Girt they will be expected to repeat
their former successes. To do that,
they must prepare themselves to meet
military service. They have done it,
and they can do it again. From among
the best marksmen at Sea Girt in Sep
TENDER there will be a selected team to
cross the ocean and meet the best shots
of England. Savannah ought to be
represented on that team.
1t appears to be the purpose of the
federal authorities not to confine the
annual national contest to Sea Girt,
but to send it to different sections of
the country, in order that popular in
terest in rifle practice may be stimu-
lated. The purpose is wise and will
meet with favor. 1t seems to have
been decided that the contest of next
year, 1904, shall be held in the Middle
West. The year following, then, it
s6a -
in the broad South is there better
place for it than right here at Savan-
nah? The Avondale range is not only
the best in the South, but is probably
the best in the United States and one
of the best in the world. Without ex-
ception, the military men who have
seen it have been loud in their praise
of it. 1t is superior to the Sea Girt
range, and persons who have been
abroad say it will compare favorably
with the best ranges of Europe No
other city in the South is so strongly
imbued with the military spirit as Sa-
vannah, no other one has turned out
so many crack shots with the rifle and
none has done more to foster the citi-
zen soldiery and bring it up to a high
standard of efficiency. The large and
fine parade ground, in the heart of
the city. the magnificent Avondale
range, within fifteen minutes ride of
the heart of the city. and the many
fine armories, are evidences Of the mil
itary spirit of the people.
Our military men ought to begin a
dual campaign at once; first, to go to
Sea Girt, and win, and second, to bring
the contest of 1905 to Savannah. ST.
Louis will probably capture the next
meet, as it has the exposition to offer
as an attraction, but the way is open
for Savannah the year after.