The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-17
BOARD WILL HOLD
 4 MEETING SOOA Will Discuss Plans for Pro- moting Rifle Practice BILL TO BE INTRODUCED Steps Will be Considered for Interest. ing the Public as Well as the
 Naval and War De-
 partments.
BILL TO BE INTRODUCED

Washington, October 16-tspeciaL)- What will probably be the most impor- tant meeting of the national board for the promotion of rifle practice since that body was organized under act of con- gross several years ago, will be held at the war department on Saturday, the 22nd of this month The national board is composed of twenty-one members, in- cluding five members from the regular army and navy establishment, eight trustees of the National Rife assoeia- tion and eight members from the country at large. It was authorized by congress in order that the army and navy, the militia and civilians interested in rife practice might be drawn into closer con- munication, and that ways and means might be devised by which the interest of the general public in rifle practice might be stimulated.
 As an initial step in this direction con- gress appropriated funds for the pur chase of national trophy to be shot for annually under regulations prepared by the board and fitted up a range at Fort Riley, Kan, where the shoot took place this year. The meeting of the national board is held at this time to pass upon the awards made at that contest The board was also instructed to formulate a plan for a national marksmans re- serve, which plan has been agreed upon and approved by the secretary of war
 Bill to be Reported.
 At the coming meeting it is expected that steps will be taken for the prepara- tion of a bill to be submitted to con- gress early in December, embodying, to some extent, at least, the plans of the board. It is not expected that congress will act on all the suggestions of the board at one time, as the scheme Tor securing the marksmans reserve is very comprehensive and begins with the edu- cation of boys in military schools, and provides for the announcement of rifle practice for both civilians and members of the militia on large and hperal scale. The board recommends the estap- lishment of shooting galleries and held ranges; the distribution of arms ana am munition; supervision and instructions inducement for practice, such as tro- phies. badges, etc., and the publication and distribution of literature bearing on this subject.
 As an initial step in this direction the board recommends an annual approprla- tion of 100000 for five years, to be ex- pended in the purchase and equipment or ranges under the direction of the sec retary of war It Is also very desirous that the standard military rifle in use by this government should be made avail able for civilian practice and 1t Is prob able some provision to this end will De made in the bill which the board will recommend. Hundreds of inquiries have been received from rife clubs, instruc- tors at military schools and individuals as to how this arm can be procured, and there seems to be little doubt that rife practice would be stimulated, espe- cially among civilians, by distribution of the Krag rife. The Krag carblne will soon be discarded by the cavalry arm of the regular establishment and the national board will seek to obtain posses sion of them for distribution to the mill itary schools at the rate of about ten pieces to each school where army offi- cers are detailed as instructors. It Is also proposed that one carbine for each tWen- ty-flve scholars should be issued to pub lie schools possessing indoor ranges and carrying on rife practice.
 When the new Springfield rifle 's is- sued to the regular establishment about 100000 Krags will be available for ois- tribution if congress will give them te the board.
 Other Plans Studied.
 In preparing it's recommendations 'he committee has given much consideration to the plan adopted by the civilized nd, tions of the world for the purpose oi encouraging rifle shooting among then