@40 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
30, 1899. 
Interstate Association Annual M&etmg. 
The annual meeting of the Interstate Association was held 
Tiiursday, Dec. SI, at A, M., at Oakland, Bergen county, 
N. J. A majority of the stockholders were represented cither in 
frersoa or by proxy. After the meeting had been formally opened 
it. was decided to adjourn until 2 P. M the same afternoon, in the 
tooms of the Siport.smen's Association, 280 Broadway, New York. 
At the -adjourned meeting, President Dressel in the chair, the 
toll caH showed the following stocklioldcrs represented in person: 
Union Metallic Cartridge Co., J. A. H. Dressel; American E C 
& Schultze Gunpowder Co., Albert W. Money; Cleveland Target 
Co.j Paul North; Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Irby Bennett; 
rarker Brothers W. F. Parker; Hazard Powder Co., John L. 
Lequin; E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., E. S. Lentilhon; 
Laflin & Rand Powder Co., A. W. Higgins. 
The following were represented by proxy: Tatham & Brothers,' 
Le Roy Shot & Lead vVorks, Remington Arms Co. 
After the minutes of the annual meeting, held Dec. 20, 1898, had 
been read and approved, Manager Shaner read his report of the 
proceedings for the year. Thie report was received with con- 
siderable enthusiasm, and at the close Mr. Higgins moved and 
Mr, North seconded, that the report of the manager be received 
and filed and a vote of thanks tendered to him, not only for the 
exhau-stive manner in. which he had compiled his report, but also 
for his work in behalf of the Interstate Association during the 
.■season of 1839. The report was as follows: 
Pitt«burg, Pa., Dec. 20. — To the President, Oflficers and Members 
of the Interstate Association: Gentlemen— I herewith submit the 
l-eport of transactions of the manager's ofRce for the season of 1899, 
Uie statistical data of which, giving operations in detail, will be 
Sound in the "Review qf Tournaments," a *opy of which ig ah- 
liuexed. 
It is patent to all that in presenting a series of annual reports, 
where success has been nniforin, some tautology is unavoid- 
able, therefore I launch into my theme without further apology, 
confident that I am addressing an audience which appreciates the 
fact. 
The season just closed has been, in my opinion, the most suc- 
cessful in the history of the Association, and, though it may seem 
like paintmg the H1y, I cannot refrain from harping on^jLhe pos- 
sibly threadbare subject. Again our subscribers are toMje con- 
gratulatetl on the results directly and indirectly achieved, and ou 
the assuifmce thnt the efi'orfs of the Association to .eive satisfaction 
have been abtuidantly crowned with success. The "maxim, "Noth- 
ing succeeds liko success"' has been verified yearly since organiza- 
tion, and at length all doubting Thomases exclaim, "I believe!" 
and are willing to believe us when we tell them that we now find 
our feet firmly planted and have no acquaintance with the word 
"fail." Simply pointinji' to what has been promised and performed 
silences all carping criticism. 
The records of this office, in entirety and severalty, show that the 
spore of trapshooting is yearly growing stronger, and it will con- 
tinue to increase just as long as it is conducted on the same 
clean lines a.s at present, and uniformly in the past. 
Candor compels the admission, however, that some localities 
where formerly great interest was taken in the spoi-t now show 
- a falling of¥ in enthusiasm, and this loss of interest has led some 
who are not in touch with the fraternity to believe that interest in 
Irp.pshooting is on the wane. The initiated and practiced ob- 
server, however, cam readily detect the cause of and prescribe 
the remedy for this apathetic state in each individual case. One 
of the prime causes of lack of interest has been the desire of the 
more expert class of shooters to increase its exchequer at the ex- 
pense of its less skillful com.petitors. This is a radical mistake, 
and unless jjub shoots are conducted on a liberal basis, allowing 
the leSs expert shooters to compete with the more skillful on 
equal footing, the sport will continue to languish in the localities 
noted. One way to remedy the evil is not, undeo any circum- 
stances, to allow sweepstake shooting on regular club days. Ad- 
here to this policy. Offer trophies to be contested for, either 
weekly or monthly, and make the shooting cost as little as possible, 
and I venture the prediction that the sport will soon show a healthy 
growth. My experience has proven that where the sport is con- 
ducted on these lines there is no lack of contestants, much interest 
is manifested and a friendly rivalry is engendered. It is too much 
to expect that indifferent shooters will long submit to be mere 
profit as well as sport to the more expert. There must be suffi- 
cient reciprocity to maintain interest, and the true sportsman will 
not grudge it when his conscience is enlightened by a mere state- 
ment of the fact. 
The wisdom of the resolution adopted by the Association 
barring "paid representatives," etc., from competiting for a di- 
vision of the purse is no longer disputed. The experimental stage 
has been passed, and many gun clubs are patterning after the 
parent organization— conducting tournaments on the same lines. 
[ therefore advocate the continued enforcement of the rule which 
has proved salutary. 
Gfand American Handicap of J899. 
This was the inaugural tournament, held April 11, 12, and 13, 
and excited more interest than any previous event of the kind. 
The extraordinary .success of last year led many to suppose that 
the rnaximum had been reached beyond peradventure, and the 
great interest partook somewhat of a speculative nature. Not until 
the entries had been closed could some people— and many thou- 
sands they were— believe that the representation would exceed 
that of 1S98. It is true there were sanguine people, who believed 
that the entries might reach 300, owing to the improved con- 
dition of business, but they were in a minority; and well-posted 
people, who had had a broad basis for a working hypothesis, con- 
tended that 250 would be an extravagant estimate. They reasoned 
on the basis of high guns and class shooting, and did not make 
adequate allowance for the enthusiasm engendered by the previous 
work of our Association. At this distance of time it is safe to 
say that the gi-eat majority were agreeably disappointed. Though 
the world has been well advised of the fact that the total number 
of entries was 278, it will bear repetition here. This was 71 greater 
than the total of 1898. The increase from the day of small begin- 
ning, in 1893, with 21 shooters, to 278 entries six years later car- 
ries with it its own comment and shows that the Interstate As- 
sociation built on a firm foundation, and that its growth, phenom- 
enal though it be, has been symmetrical and natural. 
The States represented by the entries show the widespread inter- 
est excited. They were 28 in number, more than half of the 45 
covered by the Stars and Stripes, and the representation ranged 
from Canada to Mexico, and Canada was not unrepresented. The 
distribution of entries may not be uninteresting. It was as follows: 
New York, 42; New Jersey, 41; Illinois, 34; Pennsylvania, 26; 
Ohio, 19; Iowa, 14; Missouri, 12; Wisconsin, 10; Kentucky, 8; 
Maryland, 7; Massachusefcts, 7; Indiana. 7, Minnesota, 7; Tennes- 
see, 6; South Carolina, 4; Nebraska 4; Texas. 4; Maine, 3; Georgia, 
2; Virginia, 2; California, 2; Michigan, 2; North Carolina, Rhode 
Island, Arkansas, Colorado and Florida, 1 each; District of 
Columbia and Canada. 1 each; 278 entries in all. Of this num- 
ber 135 were new— that is, th«r -had never been entered in any 
previous Grand American Handicap. This makes a grand total 
of 510 shooters who have made entry in this event of events since 
its establishment in 1893. 
The selection of the same site for holding the tournament oc- 
cupied for three years previously needs no defense, for Elkwood 
Park was the only one that offered the requisite facilities. 
Inaaimate Target Tournaments. 
The opening tournament of the inanimate target season was held 
at Oil City, Pa., May 17 and 18. It was held under very adverse 
circumstances, the weather being discouraging in the extreme. 
The first day, shooters, vi.citors and all interested were drenched 
by_ a terrific downpour of rain. The lightning and thunder severely 
tt-ied the nerves of contestants, making a large score impossible. 
Members of the local club, and Oil City, people generally, treated 
visitors so hospitably, however, as to make them forget the in- 
clemency of the weather and consequent discomfort. The man- 
agement of the shoot left noihing to be desired and the pleasantest 
impression was carried away. 
The third tournament was held at Bellows Fall's, Vt., June 14 and 
35. It was under the auspices of the Bellow Falls Gun Club, and 
was a success in ev'erv way, although rain somewhat marred the 
second day's work. The resident club had made arrangements 
so perfect that there was room for suggestion for improve-, 
ment. Fifty-six shooters, onlv four of whom were m.anufacturers' 
representatives, took part. There were m.any present i.vho had 
never atttempted shooting, and the success of the meet lay lareeiv 
m the encourag^ement s.ive.n nf^n-piofessionals and non-shooters te 
+al<:e up the sport. A large number of those present carried away 
deeply planted desire to stand in the ranks, and they will be 
heard from in ihe future There is no doubt that the occasion 
wiM bear arocfd fruit. 
The fourth tournament wa.s held at Providence, R. L. July 19 
and 30. As an inanimate target shoot, it was a record-breaker, 
so far as onr Association is concerned, the average entry for each 
event ivsms tte tive day? .Ijcjiig 51 attd a fr9-'"on. 
As to target Ihtowihgy the figures ate elotiUetit, and need no 
diagram in the way of elucidation. There was but one set of 
five traps used, no rtlagautrap and no Sergeant system. The record 
was 8,020 bluerocks thrown the first day and 9,285 the second; 
total 17,305 for the two days. 
The Providence Gun Club paid a high tribute to the Interstate 
Associ&tioh by declaring that the efficient state of the club and its 
appointments, as also the revival of interest in trapshooting 
throughout the len.gth and breadth of Little Rhody, were due to 
the intelligent work done by the Association in New England. 
The Association showed how it must be done and created the 
emulation which has made the Providence club what it is. 
Yankee pluck can accomplish wonders. For instance, the club 
house, with all its elegant appointments and utilities, was built in 
five days, and built substantially, too. It was as clean as a New 
England kitchen, and no annunciator was needed to tell you that 
yoii were at least contiguous to the "land of steady habits." 
The Providence Gun Club is a growing organization, and its 
members are workers of the most pronounced proselyting class. 
They do not think of doing things by halves or in a perfunctory 
manner. The.v will be further heard from. 
The fifth tournament, which was also an unqualified success, was 
held at Portland, Me., on August 9 and 10. It was a record- 
breaker for the State of Maine, and the members of the home club 
feel that the shoot was all that could be desired; not a hitch of 
any kind occurred to mar the pleasantness of the occasion, al- 
though a steady rain the second day was somewhat discomforting. 
The results for our subscribers were splendid, and everything that 
the local club could do for the comfort of visitors was done. 
The proceeds from the targets in event No. 3 the first day, 
amounting to $15, were donated by the Portland Gun Club to the 
Van Dyke .Memorial Fund. 
The closing toiirnainent of the season was held at Portsmouth, 
Va., Sept. 6 and 7, The attendance was good, and the shooting of 
a high order, notwithstanding that the weather was oppressively 
hot. causing many who would otherwise have participated to 
weaken. The Portsmouth club, however, felt that there was no 
cause for complaint, and it was well satisfied with results achieved. 
The shoot ran smoothly from opening to finish, and the members 
of the home club were satisfied that their efforts to promote a 
love for trapsliooting had not been nugatory and that interest was 
growing. 
The unsolicited encomiums bestosved on the Interstate Associa- 
tion should be suflicient to assure the most conservative among 
our patrons and .snb-Scribers that their efforts to maintain its high 
standard have not been in vain. The times have been propitious, 
and we have had our full share of the prosperity that has glad- 
dened not only the afliuent, but the humblest household in the 
land. The previous year we contended with difficulties that pros- 
trated many well-established undertakings, and in 1899 we simply 
reaped the reward of steady perseverance in the race for the 
.goal set before us. Of course there may be frosts in store for us, 
but the foundaiion laid is not .in sand, but in the rock of ex- 
perience and carefully considered method, and its permanence is as 
well established as any other mundane venture. 
The Fotare. 
Though Qur efforts have been successful beyoiid expectation, yet 
I would again call attention to the fact that we ought to have 
more subscribers. The work is vast and cannot be prosecuted 
successfully without an outlay that in the infancy of the Associa- 
tion would have been considered both outside and inside the 
ranks ruinous, but which, with the enlarged view-s that accompany 
such success, is no longer considered terrifying. The constantly 
increasing demand for our services must be honored, and it 
costs money. For the good of the cause every member should 
exert himself to the utmost to increase our subscription list. 
"There is no excellence without labor," and experience in all 
human vocations teaches that a miracle of genius is also a miracle 
of effort. There is abundant inctn<-ive to work, and work hard, 
and I think all will agree that our motto should still be "Ex- 
celsior." Our zeal should no languor know unnl we arrive at the 
summit. 
Eighth Annual Grand American Handicap. 
For this event the preliminary details have all been arranged, 
contracts signed, etc. It, as is generally known, will be held at 
Interstate Park, Borough of Queens, New York city, the week 
beginning April 2, 1900. 
The phenomenal success of the Grand American Handicap since 
its inception emboldens me to renew a suggestion I thought fit 
to make in my report of the proceedings of 1898, and which, I 
flatter myself, was received in the kindly spirit in which it was 
tendered, i. e., with an eye single to the advancement of the 
greatest of all events, without disparagement to any. It was 
emphasized by the gratifying success of the Grand American 
Handicap of 1899, a success unparalleled in the history of live- 
bird shooting, where the largest and finest array of skilled shooters 
ever marshaled on the planet carried the contest to a close without 
jar or friction. Our Association has not only proved to the world 
that it is second to none in point of skill in its membership, but it 
has established on a firm foundation an event which is to the 
sportsmen of the Western world what the Olympic games were to 
the ancient Greeks in the zenith of their fame. 
As observed in my last annual report, there must of necessity 
come a time when we shall reach our maximum and cease to grow. 
I do not know that it has been attained, but would respectfully 
suggest that ere we may possibly ride a free horse to death it may 
be prudent to call a halt lor the purpose 01 taking a reckoning of 
our reserve capital and be prepared to grow old as .gracefuly as we 
have grown rapidly. As the Interstate Association has reached 
an eminence where it can view with complacency aijiy strictures 
the most carping can make, I am of the opinion that this is a 
fitting time to take an observation from this serene height where 
whatever action we may take is to criticism impregnable. 
I would emphasize the fact that from a managerial standpoint 
278 entries are not vmwieldy, and from experience gained this year 
I believe it possible to manage the Grand American Handicap 
successfully even up to the point of 400 or more entries; but in 
the interest of contestants to have a greater number of entries 
than those of this year would, in my opinion, tend to cheapen 
our annual contest by reducing it to the level of a show, which 
we are not by any visible exigency constrained to do. 
I think the Grand American Handicap has accomplished all the 
Interstate Association proposed in the outset, and probably more; 
but to continue to allow more and more entries would, in ray view 
and that of many others, be retrogressive. It has reached that 
point where it cannot be the ambition of any to make it the 
largest, but the best in existence. 
In my judgment the Grand American Handicap shoul'd be so ar- 
ranged as to make conditions harder without departing from our 
system, and made so that it can be shot in one day. Without 
detracting from the interest in the least, conditions might be 
made so that contestants would not exceed 100, 
In my last annual report I called attention to the fact that 
"should entries to the Grand American Handicap drop to 100, it 
would still be the finest of its kind— still excel the Grand Prix 
of Monte Carlo — still be in a class by itself, and so far as can be 
seen unapproached and unapproachable." By limiting the num- 
ber of entries we do away with otherwise possibly unavoidable 
mishaps, such as changes of weather, sudden illness of contestants 
and other demands which readily present themselves to all. It 
is certain that the Grand American Handicap has become a very 
severe strain on contestants, though the stoical fortitude which 
sustained them in the last trial may not have impressed outsiders 
as it did those whose duties compelled them to follow with 
scrutiny every phase of the contest. 
I would reiterate that there is no intent nor need to change the 
system, but to make the conditions harder, and I feel confident Uiat 
this will meet the views of sportsmen, who would rather fail nobly 
contestin.er undei- difficulties than win what might possibly de- 
generate in a barren honor, where conditions were made easy, in- 
ducing a multitude to compete, no matter how much outclassed. 
I do not wish to be understood as advocating that the entire 
tournament be conducted on such rigid lines, but the main 
eveiit only— the Grand American Handicap— the remainder of the 
programme to be arranged in a manner similar to our previous 
tournaments, and if deem.ed advisable one event could be on the 
precise lines of former Grand American Handicaps, which would 
tend to include an entry as large as formerly. 
Whatever viev/ may be taken of these su.ggestions, I wish to be 
understood as making them with an eve single to the best inter- 
ests of the Insterstate A.=sociation devoid of any selfish con- 
sjd-eration whatever, and though neither a prophet nor the son of 
3 prophet. I am. honestly convinced tha't time will prove my 
■crognostications correct. 
FtrsI Anaual Grand American Handicap at Targets. 
^Arrangements have been made for the holding of the first annual 
Cirand American Handicap at targets, at Interstate Park, Borough 
of Queens. New York city. th<; week beginning June 11. 1-000- So 
far 3D I ani able to see, there is no reaQon why this eve«t should 
not become a feature as permanent and one as important in its 
way as the Grand American Handicap at live birds. That it will 
fill a long-felt want, I have not a shadow of doubt. 
Inaniraat* Target Tournaments for t900. 
We have several applications for tournaments during the season 
of 1900, and there is nothing discouraging to be seen on our 
horizon. We are now in touch as much, if not more, with the 
progressive element in trapshooting as in the past, but though the 
plums may fall into our lap without much effort on our part, I 
would restate my opinion submitted a year ago, viz.: "That the 
Association should not rest on its laurels." While some may 
consider the field already large enough for good tillage, none will 
deny that if it be, there should be no relaxation of effort to make 
all our work as perfect as possible. But as yet there is no sign 
of senility. Our organization is as vigorous as at any former 
period, and so far as can be seen is competnt to enlarge its sphere 
indefinitely. There is plenty of territory yet to work, and if we 
persevere we will live to see, in all probability, that our career of 
conquest and usefulness has been but fairly begun. 
General and Particular. 
In closing my review of the year, I wish to impress strongly on 
the members of the Association that our outfit is very nearly worn 
out, and will not answer for another season. The demand for a 
new one is imperative. 
As to the duties of my office, T have nothing to add to what was 
said last year. There are many things in connection therewith in 
the matter of correspondence, etc., which, though of interest tc> 
myself, are not to the Association as a whole. 
The rule allowing clubs to exercise their own judgement as to 
handicap, system of division of purses, etc., as they may deem 
best, has worked so well that I can see no reason to counsel a 
change, and therefore 1 would advise a continuance until some- 
thing well matured and highly recommending its expediency be 
submitted. 
The Association property is .'.fill well taken care of, .fijid stored 
in Pittsbtirg. and adequately protected by in.surance. 
Conclusion. 
I would again call attention to the obligations under which 
Association rests to the sport.smen's journals for the contininn.; 
of their work. They have Satisfied the demands of the mo^ t«-; 
acting in reporting the scores of our tournaments and in puhtii- 
ing matters of general and particular interest to our subscribes, 
keeping the work well before the public. As honorarv member of 
llie Association they are entitled to unstinted praise for Heir 
efficiency and courtesy. 
I cannot close without a renewal of my • tianks to our <nb- 
scribers for the urbanity with whicli they have treated me ii all 
our relations, public and private. My duties have entailed a very 
large epistolary correspondence, and the courtesy I havj ex- 
perienced has made it a pleasure, which lessened the laboi As 
before, T wish to include the members of all committees, vho.se 
aid and advice have always been of inestimable value to me and 
I will conclude by expressine the sanguine belief that our rela- 
tions will never be marred. Very respectfully .submitted. 
Elmer E. Shaner, Manager. 
A new member was elected as a stockholder of the Intrrstate 
Association^; this was the International Smokeless Fowler ^: 
Dynamite Co., which was represented at the meeting by Mr. Chf^. 
E Willard. 
The secretary then read a letter from each of the eliOs fOr 
whom the Interstate Association had given a target lounanient 
during the pest year. The clubs were: The Oil Citv Gun Cltb, Oil 
City, Pa., and the cHibs at Bellows Falls, VL; Providence, R. I.; 
Portland, Me., and Portsmouth, N. H. E,ich of these letterswaS in 
itseli a pleasing testimonial to the work accompUsbed by the 
Interstate Association, 
Manager Shaner reported that he had received apptcations 
for tournaments in 1900 from clubs located at the following cities: 
Belleville. Ont.; Salem, N. Y.; Providence, R. I.; Savann;*, Ga.; 
Haverhill, Mass.; Brockton, Mass.; Sherbrooke,, Oftt.; luburn, 
Me.: Trenton. N. J.; Richmond, Va. ; Newport, Vt. 
These applications were referred for consideration to the tour- 
nament committee, which later decided that no action h> taken 
on them until after the decision of the Grand American Kaadicap. 
the first week in April. " .■ . . 
Among other business transactions of the meeting, it' vas de- 
cided to change the name of the target tournament, advertised to 
be given by the Interstate Association at Inter.state Park during 
the week commencing Tune 11, 1900, from "the first annua; Grand 
American Handicap target tournament" to "the Interstate Associa- 
tion's first annual handicap target tournament." The change wa.« 
made in order to avoid any possible confusion in the minds nf 
shooters oy the use of the words "Grand American Handicap" 
in connection with targets. 
In regard to the conditions that will govern the Grand Aitieri. t 
Tlandicap of 1900, no change was made; the conditions will be pi'c- 
cisely the same as those which prevailed in 1899, -WlietJ IJie 
enormous entry list of 278 was recorded. 
The election of five directors closed the business before the 
meeting. The following were declared duly elected 1 J. A. Jfr 
Dressel, Trby Bennett, Edward Banks, A. W. Higgins gjid joh» 
L. Lequin. ^ : 
After the meeting of the stockholders had adjournsr' -ffng 
of the board of directors was held, for the election • for 
the .^ssociation. The foll'owing were duly elected: J. , Jres- 
■sel, President; Irby Bennett, Vice-President; Edwara g^nks, Sec- 
retarj'-Treasurer. ' 
Executive Committee— John L. Lequin, Irby BQuuett *«jd A. 
W. Higgins. 
Tournament Committee — Irby Bennett, J. A. H A. W. 
Higgins, W. F. Parker, Edward Banks and E. .->n. 
Club Organization Committee — O. D. Delano, 1 • i. tli, Chas. 
Tatham and C. E. Willard. , ,\ 
Mr. Elmer E. Shaner was of course reappoiittied natiager for 
the ensuing year. 
It may be of interest to the shooting public to letm that the 
Association will follow the plan adopted in 1S9?|J, gjpd will again 
offer a handsome silver trophy to the V?itihe? c? the Grand 
American Handicap of 1900. ■ 
Irate Boarder— JTust look at that thermomentejr-H? shade 
—and your advertisement called this the coolest spoi in the moun- 
tains. 
Landlord — Waal, it was when the advertisement- Vas written. 
Irate Boarder — When was that? 
Landlord — ^Last January. — Harper's Bazar, 
PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. 
A New New York Central Map. 
The growing appreciation of the use, of the beauty in the state- 
ment of facts is well exemplified in a iti^p just issued by the 
General Passenger Agents of the New York Central Lines. In- 
tended largely for foreign distribution, this new map consists of 
a beautiful and accurate delineation of the United States on a 
sheet 20 by 48 inches in size, the ocean spaces in the corners being 
utilized for smaller-scale maps of the Atlantic Ocean and Europe, 
the Pacific Ocean, with the Asiatic coast and Australia and 
Alaska. 
The map shows all the railroads in the United States, but rfefers 
especially to the New York Central system, which embraces in its 
through-car lines the New York Central & Hudson River, Boston 
& Albany, Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, Michigan Central, 
"Big Four Route" and Pittsburg & Lake Erie Railways. 
An interesting feature of the map is the treatment of the moun- 
tains. Contour lines are introduced showing elevations, and the 
slopes are heavily shaded tb give "lift" to the higher ranges and 
peaks, with the result that these fealiures stand out in bold relief 
as though modeled in clav. 
A copy of No. 21 of the New York Centra'l "Four-Track Series," 
which, contains, in addition to this very valuable map, a large 
amount of information of iijterest to all travelers, will be sent free, 
post paid, on receipt of 3 jents, by George H. Daniels, General 
Passenger Agent, New York Central Railroad, Grand Central 
Station. New York. — Adz>. 
Whether it is as a manufacturer of graphite as lubricant for the 
winning American yacht or of graphite for the editorial pencil, the 
Joseph Dixon d icible Co. stands easily in the lead. This is not' 
very surprising, since the company has been making the lubricant 
and the oencils for lo these many years, and ought bv this time to 
he familiar with _ the idosyncrasies of the material which thev are 
'Handling. If it is a joy to sail the winning yacht over th^ line, it 
is a least a ccmfert tc» write with the I>i3reD oendl.—i^^fv. 
