re upon the target accommodation in consequence of the
national matches was, however, so great that it could not be held at
the date appointed, and the boys could not remain.

The high schools which are equipped with this subtarget gun machine
have organized rifle clubs, and are holding interscholastic contests in
the armories of the different regiments of the National Guard, shooting
with .22-caliber ammunition, and are displaying great proficiency.

The movement has the hearty support of President Roosevelt, who has
accepted the office of honorary vice-president of the league, and also
has announced his intention of writing to the boy who attains the
greatest skill in the rifle matches during the year a personal letter
of congratulation and commendation.

At the present time there are over 7,000 young men being instructed in
these high schools in shooting with a military rifle, the gun used
being the regular Krag army rifle as issued by the War Department.

Great interest in the matter has been taken by both teachers and boys.
Many of these have now become so proficient, that the services of a
paid instructor have been dispensed with. It would, of course, be much
better if a regular officer could be procured for such a purpose. But
the finances of the league will not permit it to continue to incur the
expense of paying the salary of such an instructor. It is believed that
if a young and active regular officer could be detailed to act in this
capacity he would be of the greatest service, and could, besides
helping the shooting, give the boys some idea of military movements and
discipline, which would be of great value. In fact an officer in this
position would accomplish greater results for the country than is
obtained by any of those who are detailed as instructors in many of the
small colleges. The supply of regular officers is, however,
insufficient for the needs of the Army, and it has so far been
impossible to have one detailed for this purpose.

The league is now preparing a manual of instruction to be used in the
different schools. In addition to containing instructions for the use
of the subtarget gun machine it will give a general idea of what is
necessary to know in order to shoot accurately.

Those who have had charge of the instruction of these boys are
unanimous in the opinion that they acquire knowledge of rifle shooting
in about one-quarter of the time that is found necessary in the case of
grown m