Dec. 17, 1904.]' 
FOREST AND_ STREAM. 
823 
AMMUNITION 
FOR. 
SERVICE OK SPORT. 
UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO. 
LOWELL, MASS. 
Agencies: 
497-505 Pearl Street. 55-45 Park Street. New York. 
114-116 Market Street, Sa.n Francisco. 
The Interstate Association's Annual Meeting:. 
The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Interstate Asso- 
ciation was held at Oakland, N. J., on the morning of Dec. 8 
last, but was adjourned later to the offices of the Laflin & Rand 
Powder Co., 99 Cedar street, New York, where the meeting was 
again called to order at 1:50 P. M., with President Irby Bennett 
in the chair. Every company that is a stockholder in the As- 
sociation was represented at the meeting, among those present 
being Mr. Irby Bennett, of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. ; 
Mr. Thomas Hunter, of the Hunter Arms Co. ; Mr. J. Howard 
Marlin, of the Marlin Fire Arms Co. ; Mr. A. C. Barrell, of the 
Union Metallic Cartridge Co.; Mr. T. H. Keller, of the Peters 
Cartridge Co.; Mr. Paul North, of the Chamberlin Cartridge & 
Target Co. ; Messrs. Louis and W. F. Parker, of Parker Bros. ; 
Mr. Charles Tatham, of Tatham & Bros. ; Mr. J. T. Skelly, of the 
E. I. duPont Company, and Mr. A. W. Higgins, of the Laflin & 
Rand Powder Co. The Hoyt Metal Co., the American E. C. & 
Schultze Gunpowder Co., Ltd., the Hazard Powder Co., and the 
Remington Arms Co. were all represented by proxy. Mr. B. 
Waters of Forest and Stream; Mr. Will K. Park, of Sporting. 
Life; Mr. W. R. Hobart, of the American Field, and Mr. M. 
Herrington, of Shooting and Fishing; honorary members of the 
Association, were also present, as was Mr. Elmer E. Shaner, 
secretary-manager of the Association. 
The minutes of the special meeting, held Jan. 2, were read and 
approved. 
After the general routine business, the report of Mr. A. W. 
Higgins, treasurer, was presented for the year ending this date. 
The report showed that the Association was in good financial 
standing, there being a substantial credit to the account of the 
Association. Upon motion, the report was received, approved and 
filed, and a vote of thanks tendered the treasurer. 
The report of the secretary-manager was then read by Mr. 
Shaner, the report being subjoined: 
Pittsburg, Pa., Dec. 3, 1904. 
To the President, Officers and Members of the Interstate Assn. 
Gentlemen: In submitting my twelfth annual report of trans- 
actions of the Secretary-Manager's office, I might condense the 
work, like Caesar, by saying that as usual we came, saw and con- 
quered, were it not that the public interest in the one sport that 
shows no signs of ever growing stale, is unflagging, and demands 
at least a cursory review, as in its third lustrum since my con- 
nection it continues to absorb interest, growing by what it feeds 
upon, and I must again repeat that the season was unquestionably 
the most successful in its history — more contestants participating, 
more targets being trapped, and more money divided in purses 
than during any previous year. 
The records of this office show that the sport of trapshooting 
is yearly growing stronger, and it will continue to do so while the 
public appreciate the fact that our nationa's safety rests in the 
ability to shoot. To a company of marksmen, President Roose- 
velt said: "You may put a uniform on a man and a rifle in his 
hand, and then drill him, but if you do not educate him how to 
shoot to hit, another man can come along with a club and put 
him out of business." And ex-Secretary of War Root says: "I 
know of nothing more important in the way of preparation for 
war than teaching the young men of the country to shoot straight." 
When to this we can add that it is almost the only competitive 
sport remaining unvitiated by dishonesty, we can plume ourselves 
without fear of invidious criticism. In scanning the interim be- 
tween 1893 and 1904 we have seen how "tall oaks from little 
acorns grow," and how the Interstate Association has grown to 
be the parent organization of its kind until its branches over- 
shadow all the land. 
The wisdom of the decision to confine our work during the 
year to the South, Southwest, Middle West and Northwest has 
been abundantly justified, for by it trapshooting has received an 
impetus that is patent to all observers. Westward the star of 
empire still takes its way, as well as in Bishop Berkeley's time. 
Tournaments. 
The first tournament of the season was held in Bristol, Tenn., 
April 6 and 7, on the grounds of the Bristol Gun Club. Though 
it rained almost continuously during the first day, promising May 
flowers galore, the contestants were not much edified thereby. 
The shooting, however, was exceptionally good, twenty-six con- 
testants making a slight fraction under 90 per cent, for the entire 
day. The second day's shooting maintained the credit of the 
first, and the best of humor prevailed, and a large attendance of 
ladies lent interest to the work. 
The second tournament was held under the wing of the Ameri- 
cus Gun Club, of Americus, Ga., April 27 and 28. The only thing 
complained of was the high wind, which had to be endured, as 
Old Probabilities could not' be called to account. Magnolia Dell, 
where the tournament was held, had charms sufficient to neu- 
tralize the discomfort caused by fractious Mollis. Everything: in 
the way of creative comfort was at elbow, and the shooting was 
superb, both by amateurs and manufacturers' agents. 
The third tournament was held at Nashville, Tenn., May 4 and 
5, under the auspices of the Cumberland Park Driving Club, and 
the attendance was larger than anticipated, all sections of the 
country being represented. The weather was ideal, and the 
mockingbirds sang in sympathy with the general feeling. The 
shooting was good, and there was sufficient enthusiasm left from 
the first day to last until the close of the second. 
Of course the fifth annual Grand American Handicap target 
tournament, held at Indianapolis, Ind., June 21 to 24, was the 
event of the season. It was held on the grounds of the Indian- 
apolis Gun Club, and its assistance to make the meet perfect, I 
wish to specially acknowledge. Aided by all that up-to-date 
science in this line could devise, the enormous number of 155,300 
targets were trapped during the tournament. The plan previously 
outlined of dividing contestants into five sections proved all that 
bad been claimed in its favor. It established perfect equity as 
to weather, lights, waits, time of day, etc. Much time was saved 
and all the traps kept at work from start to finish. All who had 
shot under the old system unanimously gave adhesion to the 
new. Though preparation kept the manager and his assistants at 
work most of the preceding night, the result justified the outlay 
of effort. The event was characterized by the chivalrous de- 
meanor of contestants and spectators, many of the latter ladies, 
and all "went merry as a marriage bell." Owing to the sizes of 
the event, it was necessary to its successful handling that the 
rules should be rigidly enforced, and they were, contestants yield- 
ing cheerful accord. The plan was made to be enforced, and 
contestants were required to conform. On the whole, the result 
justified the pains necessary to organize successful management. 
No readjustment nor afterthoughts were necessary, and as one ' 
contestant expressed it, "The whole thing ran only a little less 
smoothly than the Solar system." To enlarge further on the 
Indianapolis success would be painting the lily. It points the 
way to a limitless series of triumphs. 
From Tennessee to Minnesota is a far cry, but our regular meet 
at Wi nona, Minn., July 4, 5 and 6, showed that Old Sol's prog- 
ress north had warmed the veins of the Minnesotans to culmina- 
tion, and the affair was well sustained for two days. Though the 
third day's attendance fell off, the result was sufficient to show 
that interest was awakened in southern Minnesota, and consid- 
erable eclat was generated by the Winona team capturing the 
La Cross Chronicle cup. The affair was under the patronage of 
the Winona Sportsmen's Club, -and it left nothing to be desired. 
At Grand Forks, N. D., we found everything that sportsman's 
heart could desire, on July 27 and 28. The Grand Forks Gun Club 
did nothing by halves when it took a long lease on its grounds; 
it intends to be a permanency, and like all organizations in its 
section, knows no such word as "fail." The event was one that 
would have caused the Hudson Bay Company's ancient hardy 
navigators of the Red River of the North to unbutton their eyes, 
could they have contemplated the future. Some of the foremost 
trapshooters, amateur and professional, were present, and good 
scores were the rule. 
The seventh tournament of the season was given at Hot Springs, 
S. D., Aug. 24 and 25, under the fostering care of the Hot 
Springs Gun Club, and it was a good one — one necessary to draw 
visitors' attention from the fascinations of the most wonderful of 
nature's works— in close proximity to the wind cave, and also to 
the mausoleums of the diplodocus and other wonderful animals 
of pre-Adamite time. Though the background is not favorable 
for high scores, creditable records were made. A high wind 
marred the first day's work to some extent, but the second day's 
weather was better, and interest was unflagging to the close. 
Whether attributable to politics, petroleum or other cause, the 
tournament at Huntington, W. Va., Sept. 7 and 8, was a frost. 
The first day's scores were good enough, but the patronage was 
so inadequate that it was deemed advisable to declare the second 
day's events off, to the disgust of all lovers of the sport, and 
especially to the Huntington Gun Club. 
The wind-up for the season was held at Concordia, Kans., Sept. 
28 and 29, where everything was in concord, except the weather. 
The tournament was under the auspices of the Concordia Blue 
Ribbon Gun Club. Whether the name had significance or other- 
wise, certain it is that the first day's weather was "very moist." 
Though Juliet said there was nothing in a name, yet the term 
"Blue Ribbon" is generally suggestive of the cold water ad- 
herents. Scores made were as good as could be expected, if not 
better, and the weather of the second day was so fine as to cause 
forgetfulness of the first day's discomfort. 
Looking Forward. 
While to some it may appear supererogatory to say more than 
has been said eulogistic of trapshooting, a few suggestions may 
not be inopportune. On the field of action trickery is out of the 
question, and is little to be apprehended in general, as the quali- 
ties necessary to make a good trapshooter also, generally speak- 
ing, make him an honest man and too self-respecting to descend 
to chicanery. But, notwithstanding, the ounce of prevention pre- 
scribed in our rule as to manufacturers' representatives was 
timely and tends to prevent friction, while the parties proscribed 
are generous enough to admit its justice. . In this connection I 
cannot forbear to suggest that some similar discrimination against 
expert amateurs might be healthful, and I have no doubt that 
roost of them are sufficiently broad-minded to admit of its justice. 
The continued success of our organization depends on fostering 
a love of the sport among those who have not attained, but are 
desirous of acquiring, proficiency as marksmen, and their ardor 
should not be dampened by pitting them on even terms against 
expert amateurs, who are frequently equally expert with the most 
noted manufacturers' respresentative. As in horse racing and 
other sports, incumbrances are imposed to equalize, so I re- 
spectfully suggest some remedy equivalent. I am sorry to say 
that there is a widespread suspicion in the minds of the trap- 
shooting fraternity that some in the category mentioned procure 
concessions from the manufacturer, which give them an unde- 
served advantage over the rank and file. Such discrimination can- 
not fail to be deleterious to the interest of clean sport, and, if 
possible, should be provided against and such forced from under 
cover as far as possible. Though the Interstate Association's 
well-earned character defends it, yet, like Caesar's wife, it should 
be above the suspicion that may harbor in some tender minds. 
I have dene all in my power to mitigate the evil, and respectfully 
solicit any assistance that can be afforded. 
I think it will be well to confine our work for 1905 to virtually 
the same territory as in 1904, and it might be judicious to extend 
our work even further west, as the Occident is very appreciative. 
The Grand American Handicap at Targets for 1905. 
We have applications from a number of cities, and the place 
selected for holding it in 1905 demands careful consideration. We 
should select the place that promises the greatest good for the 
greatest number. All will agree that the Grand American Handi- 
cap cannot continue to grow indefinitely. It must inevitably reach 
a limit. In fact, I question the advisability of allowing indefinite 
growth. It has already reached proportions that put it almost, if 
not quite, beyond the power of humans to handle it successfully 
and maintain a true equity. Only those in immediate contact with 
the situation appreciate the magnitude of the work in connection 
with the Grand American Handicap, the major part not being 
visible from the surface. The detail, which is immense in amount, 
and which must be mastered prior to the actual time for holding 
the tournament, makes the work of conducting it appear com- 
paratively easy during its few days' continuance; but all who 
have taken active part in it, know that it is sufficiently nerve- 
racking to satisfy the most strenuous, compelling much con- 
sumption of midnight oil and headache. 
. * 
Miscellaneous Mention. 
The work of the Secretary-Manager's office has reached such 
proportion as to virtually absorb all my time. Correspondence 
during the year now closing has been larger than ever before, 
and its growth during years past has not been spasmodic, but 
regular, making night work obligatory much of the time during 
the tournament season. 
The properties of the Association are stored in Pittsburg, and 
fully covered by insurance. 
In Conclusion. 
I wish to repeat my thanks to our members for continued 
earnest support and uniformly generous treatment, and in this 
connection, the sportsmen's journals for their undeviating sup- 
port and catholic comprehension of the situation and its re- 
quirements. Very respectfully submitted, 
Elmer E. Shaner, Sec'y-Mgr. 
The secretary read an application for membership from the 
Lefever Arms Company, the same being passed upon favorably. 
The secretary also read letters from the Hazard Powder Com- 
pany and from the American E. C. & Schultze Gunpowder Co., 
Ltd., withdrawing their memberships from the Association, the 
resignations being accepted. 
A list of applications for tournaments during 1905 was read 
and referred to the Tournament Committee, as were the six ap- 
plications for the Grand American Handicap of 1905. 
Before adjourning, the stockholders of the Association elected 
a board of five directors, who in turn elected the officers for 
1905. The five directors were: Messrs. Bennett, Bruff, Higgins, 
duPont and Parker. 
The following officers were then elected: President, Irby Ben- 
nett; Vice-President, W. J. Bruff; Treasurer, A. W. Higgins. 
Mr. Elmer E. Shaner was unanimously elected to fill the office 
of Secretary-Manager. 
The following committees were then appointed: 
