The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-04-05
AstiIlsry Esuipsnent

Artillery Equlpment.
 4 full and complete modern equip nent for Battery D. BirmIngham. has been received. This equipment is badly needed by all the batteries and Inc guards of the State are greatly pleased to see the beginning of what promises to be full equipment at an sarly~ day for all the four batteries of the state. At
 The following in The Birmin gham News tells of the new equipment. though there are some improper 7n- ferences as to the source of the recon nendation for the equipment.
 The new equipment of the Bran Ion Light Artillery. Battery D. has hrrived and will be unloaded and put m shape for regular use.
 Tt consists of four three-inch rapid hring the guns of the latest pattern, with six caissons. and comes direct rom the Rock Island arsenal.
 Tt is claimed by those who have leen the equipment on the CUTS that Is the hnest in the South. and Bat tery D members are proud as they san be. and are anxiously awaiting fhe time when they can unload the ordnance and place 1t together for regular practice.
 The guns and caissons are fur nished by the government on the rec- ommendation of Major Goldman. of the military in this section last year. He was 90 we'll pleased with the con aitions in Battery D and the bright prospects of the organization thata he lid not hesitate in promising to rec pmmend new equipment. Tn the bourse of time the recommendation went to the government and after passing through the various channels was ordered.
 -Four railroad railroad cars, includ- Ing one box car, was necessary to transport the equipment to Birfning- ham. The delay in the arrival or the bill of lading has retarded the unloading, but officers and members Of the battery have been down to the railroad yards and inspected the equipment and are strutting about the - hty discussing the new guns
 While it is true that Major Gold man did recommend that the artillery of this State be equipped with mod era guns, 1t is not true that 1t was done solely upon his suggestion. It may not be generally known, that the Governor. on June 26th, 1903, up- on the earnest solicitation and Ire quent insistence of Adjutant General Brandon made requisition upon the
 
 the four batteries of this State, and only upon that reQuisition could the equipment have been furnished. Alter the requisition was forwarded, General Brandon had frequent correspondence with the war department and had numerous conversations with those m authority upon them the necessity Tor our batteries being supplied with this modern equipment. and It IS very xofv ho in raGnnnae fort, together with tne eouisition oI the Governor and the RECOMMENDATION of inspecting officers that our pat tery has been supplied with the
 1t is believed that the other three batteries will soon be similarly equipped. General Graves Is heartly that he can do, will be promptly done to secure the additional eauip- ment. which will place the artlllery on A war footing and make It one oI the leading branches of the sef'ioe !" this State.
 The National Match. =
 An enthusiastic guardsman, who IS himself a good shoto, writes 10 ask ,. T.. the National Rifle Match this year. well. 1t is very sure that Alabama will be represented in the national match. and will make much better score than at Seagirt last year, tniIo to last. Of course, I cannot say posi- lively, but, as General Graves. the Au iutant General, is enthusiastic about riae practice and believes 1t very necessary that a soldier should know how to shoot his gun to hit, 1t may be pretty safely said that Alabama will have a team at Port Clinton ahls year and with the opportunity for pre- hminary practice which will be giv- an will make a very decided improve ment over last year. The team VIII probably be selected upon merit and those who get on 1t will have to shoot for the honor.
 The local soldier boys are taking much interest in rifle practice now yate range which has been built and put in order by the enterprise and grit of Captain George H Todd or Battery B, who deserves most or the credit for what has been done in pro- yiding 200 and S00-yard range and given the boys a chance to practice. Not one dollar of State or government vet every officer who has seen 1t says 1t answers every purpose and is a credit to it's founder.
 As soon as the public money is available and requisition has been made for 1t, a 600-yard range can be had, and then competition can be in vited for those who want to shoot for a place on the team in the nation- al match.
 Captain Mickie. the inspector of rifle practice of the 1st Infantry, Is actively at work getting the South Alabama range in shape. and it will be only a short. time when practice will begin there A suitable place has been found near Mobile for the pur- pose. and the boys of that locality will soon have all the shooting they may want.
 Nothing has yet been done in the Sd Regiment, so far as has been learned. although there has been much talk about 1t and a range at Birmingham decided upon and the money asked for. During the present month the range should be put in order and the shooting begin.
 As soon as the ranges are in order 1t is probable there will be State matches held at the three places and every facility offered to develop good shots and bring Alabama up in the score this year. The Krag is to be used, and every aid will be offered to those who want to practice and who want to make high scores
 Trip to Jamestown.
 Militia commands from all over the country are going to visit the James, town Exposition this year. in most in- stances, at their own expense. It Is announced that trip to the exposi-