Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-27
N connection with the approaching an
nual rifle competitions on the range
of the National Guard of the Dis


Of the National Guard Of the Dis
trict of Columbia, 1t has been sug-
gested that opportunity be given
members Of the regiment of High School
Cadets to try their skill on outdoor tar
gets. The Guardsmen will be competing
three days, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday October Z. 8. and 9. The idea Is
to set aside the remaining day of the
week. Saturday, school holiday, for the
cadets.
The suggestion made to Maj. James f.
Bell, inspector general of rifle practice.
District of Columbia militia-and he re-
CARDS it with favor, as does Capt. Z. Fred
Cook, acting adjutant generals to al
low the High School Cadets 10 practice
with krag rifles, those they use regular
ly in drill, the first thing in the morn
ing, with an individual competition, two
sighting shots and five for record, at 2oO
yards to follow. The next event would
be a company match, open to teams OF
four cadets each, the finale being a con-
test open to teams of six cadets each,
representing the several High Schools. All
the shooting would be at 100 yards, SUIT
able prizes to be provided. Natlonal
Guard officers, 1t Is stated. would gladly
conduct the affair, serve as range oHcers
and also coach the cadets.
Gen. Harries is away from the city. AS
soon as he returns the proposition VIII
be submitted to him.
The District National Guard rifle range,
near Congress Heights, since the pro-
mitigation of the program for the annuai
fall rifle matches has presented very
animated scene. In addition to the
guardsmen, army rif1emen from the
Washington barracks and marine par
racks face the targets daily, firing thelr
practice and official scores. Many OF the
guardsmen who have not hitherto visited
the range are reporting and firing their
scores, much to the expressed gratlhca-
ton of those in charge of the department
of rifle practice.
With few exceptions the officers of the
brigade have fired their Qualihcatloh
scores Col Ourand qualified as sharp
shooter and Col. Urell as marksman early
in the season. Some of the company COM
manders have expressed determination
to drop the non-shooters, but most Vi
them are making strenuous eHortS 10
have the delinquents report at me rang
before the close of the season, Saturday,
October 81.
This seasons range practice has DEM
onstrated that there are many promising
shots in the guard, which fact gives
promise of lively contest Tor positions
on the brigade rifle team of 1919. Long
range shooting has hitherto been the
great barrier to the novice contingent, but
many Of them find it comparatively easy
with the new rifle and ammunition TO
make scores which formerly were consld-
cred to be beyond their highest hopes.
Lieut.. Thomas F. McAnally, quarter
master, 1st Battalion of the ID Regiment,
Is the only member of the brigade to at
tain the grade of distinguished marks
man he present season. this being his
brigade rifle team. Those who attain this
distinction are deprived from taking part
in competitions for prizes within the bril-
gade except between those of the same
grade This prohibition. however, does
not extend to some of the annual matches
which were instituted previous to the
order which originated the distinction.
For the purpose of providing a suitable
match open to the class in question the
distinguished marksman's match was ar
ranged and the first medal for competi-
ton was presented by the late Mai H. L.
Crawford. 1t required twelve years of hard
shooting to determine who should have
the honor of being its possessor 1t was
finally won by Private Maurice Appleby.
who is regarded as one of the best rifle
entire country.
Appleby having capt1lred the priZe. left