Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 179, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 July 1915 — RIFLE SHOOTING IS GIVEN BOOM IN U. S. [ARTICLE]

RIFLE SHOOTING IS GIVEN BOOM IN U. S.

Civilians as Well as Soldiers to Be Given Opportunity to Learn How to Shoot. Washington, July 29.—Rifle shooting is having a great boom in the country just at the present time, interest undoubtedly having been considerably aroused in target shooting, owing to the almost universal demand 'for a better state of preparation for the country’s defense. Not only the regular services, but the civilians at large and students of colleges and schools are taking considerable interest in rifle training and local, interstate and national tournaments will be numerous during the next three months. As a result of this agitation and state of mind, all the states are taking increased interest in the big national shooting event to be run off by the government at Jacksonville, Fla., in October. Never before has the government been so generous in its efforts to make this great shooting tournament a success, the last congress having appropriated $50,000 towards assisting the states in paying transportation charges of thpir teams to Florida and while there the enlisted men will be allowed commuted ration of $1.50 a day. The range in Florida is a new one, second only in size to the Gamp Perry range and second to the famous Sea Girt range in its natural beauty. The interest of civilians throughout the country is shown by the organization of government rifle dubs in almost every state in the union as well as in Porto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii and the canal zone. In the last six’ months more than 200 clubs have been organized and this number could have been more than doubled if the government had been able to offer range facilities to the many clubs applying for characters.