The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-04

with the buildings. the splendid water works. targets. butts, etc, represent al estimate conservatively placed at not less than $500, 900.
 Each year the state of New Jersey sends It's five regiments to the range by com panies one at time for rifle prac- tice. and here each regiment goes through its regular assignment of camp duty ev- cry second year. This costs the state or New Jersey thousands of dollars in ad- dition to it's share of the annual congress sional appropriation for the national guard. The example thus set might well be emuated by other states, and paren- thetically it may be remarked that the United States government does not pos sess In any of It's forty-five states and half a dozen territories and colonial pos sessions a range even approaching that of the state of New Jersey In extent, con dition or equipment. It is the purpose or the national board as soon as suitable ap- propriations can be obtained from Con gress, to locate at least one Of these ranges In every state and territory. what this will mean to the country can be lett to the imagination.
 Camp is Interesting.
 .Perhaps the most interesting part of the range next to the actual work on the firing lines. is that section given over
 
 form of a square. with a broad avenue in the center crossed by about twenty streets. Passing down the avenue these streets are named according to the states whose teams occupy the tents fronting on the same beginning with the order of the admission of the states to the union Each street is plainly marked by signs, and above the tent of the team captain floats it's official standard. Here and there the national banner is raised and scattered all over the range are red danger flags. marking the limits of the fire zones. There Is almost always a stiff breeze and the camp. with it's snowy can vas and fiuttering pennants presents a beautiful and inspiring sight.
 Social Side is Feature.
 The social side of military rifle practice Is seen at its best here. Asbury Park, Long Branch, Belmar Spring Lake and half a dozen other popular seaside resorts are within easy distance by railroad or trolley. New York. Newark and Philadel- phia are but two hours away. Conse- quently several hundred officers and men were accompanied here by their wives who are stopping at the various resorts and visiting the camp each day. In ad- dtion there have been thousands or vis- itors from the several resorts. iuii military band giving afternoon ana even Ing concerts, mas also pio~eu traction and one of the most interesting sights is that of the lowering or the col ors at the close of the day, while the band plays .The Star Spangled Banner and everyone on the grounds stands at attention"
 Some discontent has been expressed at the sIowness with which the national matches have proceeded. Notwithstand- ing the snap and vim which character ized the management of the matches by the regular army officers in charge in cluding Brig. Gen. William F. Hall, execu- tive officer of the matches, and a mem her of the national board; Capt. Charles D. Rhodes of the war department general stan, adjutant; Captain Burlington. sta tistical officer, and others, the matches