The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-06-05
The National Match.

Great interest is now being mani fested In the approaching contest with the rifle used by the United States ana the militia forces.
 In August next something ike thousand experts with the military rifle will assemble at Camp Perry, Ohio' to contest for the honored trophies or fered by the United States government through the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and those offered by the National Rifle Associa- tion. In addition there will be the State matches of the Ohio State Ri- flo Association and many cash prizes in all matches.
 The rifle world owes much to the generous support given by Congress, which has recognized the advisabfllty of encouraging practice with the miii- tary rifle and relvolver as essential 10 the possession >of military reserve force. In addition to providing the principal trophy. Congress gives the National Board sum of money yearly which is utilized for the purchase of medals, cash prizes and other expenses incidental to the work.
 The expenses of all the teams are also paid by the government indirectly. as they are met from that portion or the fund for the support of the militia which is set aside for rifle practlce' At present the government makes no appropriation for the National Rlrie Association for the encouragement or practice among civilians, but 1t Is ex- pected this will be done some day which will give great impetus to the sport
 Camp Perry will afford many at fractions of modern and historic 1n- terest to the visiting riflemen. Tne range is in sight of the scene Of the battle of Lake Erie where Commah- der Perry, after whom the camp was named. received the surrender of the British squadron. To the south is old Fort Stejhenson, where Colonel Crog- han and a handful of men supported py a single field piece, defeated the British.
 Not very far away are the old Forts Meigs and Miami. the former Ameri- can and the latter British. Johnsons Island, where many Confederate veter- ans are buried. Is to the east.
 It was from South Bass Island, now known as Put-in-Bay that Perry set out to meet the British Along the shore of the bay is a beautiful shaded park named in his honor and under US sward lie the remains of the gallant British and American officers and men who fell that day A number of can non used in the battle mark the spot
 Otner more pldCeS oiSo tract attention. The larseBt fish hatchery in the United States Is on this island as are some celebrated caves. Here is also the largest sum- mer hotel in the world, from whose piazzas the tents of Camp Perry will be visible. Connection between Put Bay and the camp will be main tained by rail from the camp to Port Clinton and across the bay by steamer.
 tNA o1a m of the Atlantic City of the Vest, IS across Sandusky Bay. Cleveland. To- ledo and other points are also near enough to be available for visitors de- siirng to make the trip. Altogether 1t seems the matches will be shot under very pleasant conditions.
 The matches will begin on Monday, August 19, with the Company Team Match. On Wednesday of that week the Presidents match will be shot. It will correspond in number of shots, distances and practically In the order of fire, with the National Individual Match but any Ammunition may be used. Instead of the winner being des- ignated military hampton as hereto fore. that title will go to the contes- tant. who. having shot in the Presi- dents match and the National Individ- ual, secures the highest aggregate score in both matches A special prize and a letter from the President will go to the winner of this match.
 Alabama will be represented and while it will be probably impractical ble to shoot in competition for the prizes, a suitable range not being avail able and the time being too short. fair team can be selected and it may be safely said that Alabama will do much better than last year.