Conclusion of the Tyrolean Shooting Festival in Meran and Prize Distribution by Archduke Johann

Daily Report.

Meran, 1 June. Today at 12 o'clock the shooting contest came to a close. At 4 o'clock the solemn distribution of the main prizes took place by His Imperial Highness Archduke Johann. His Imperial Highness delivered the following address: “The shooting festival is concluded. From all parts of Tyrol, from the shores of Lake Constance and the Iller, from the valleys of the Upper and Lower Inn and the Ziller, from the valleys of the Eisack, the Rienz, the Drava, the Upper and Lower Adige, the Brenta, from the Alps near the glaciers, as well as from the vine-covered hills, from German and Italian Tyrol, the marksmen of Tyrol have come and celebrated their union here. Thanks to all who responded to my invitation. The old marksmen, whom the days of battle had brought together, met and rejoiced once more; the young marksmen became acquainted, so that as brothers-in-arms they may stand united in future danger. You all belong to one land, and to what land? To the land whose loyalty has never been shaken by any danger, nor by any storm. Preserve, Tyroleans, the old loyalty, courage, self-reliance, and fearlessness! I thank the magistrate of Meran, who has hospitably received us. I thank the shooting board, which arranged the entire festival with such ingenuity and beauty.” Following this speech came the presentation of the 9 commemorative banners to the delegates of the principal shooting stands, then the distribution of the 12 prize banners, 3 for each prize category, the wreaths, and the prize rifles.

I. Main Prize.

1. Josef Fiegl of Meran. He fell mortally ill in the course of the shooting. Josef Zipperle, mill owner at the Aue, fired the tie-breaking shot (3) for him. Banner in the colors of the Empire, 20 ducats. – 2. Anton Ascher of Kurtatsch, banner with 12 ducats. 3. Franz Fieler of Mauls. Banner with 8 ducats.

II. Main Prize.

1. Mathias Thumler of Schlanders. Banner with the colors of the Archduchy with 15 ducats. 2. Giorgio Giacomussi of Ciano. Banner with 9 ducats. 5. Johann Casar of Margreid. Banner with 6 ducats.

III. Main Prize.

1. Anton Zelger of Karneid. Banner with the Tyrolean eagle with 8 ducats. 2. Franz Rainer of Fügen. Banner with 6 ducats. 3. Karl Hörburger of Dornbirn. Banner with 4 ducats.

IV. Main Prize.

1. Mathias Mitteruzner. Banner with the Tyrolean marksmen's colors with 6 ducats. 2. Pechlaner of Klausen. Banner with 4 ducats. 3. Jakob Pertoll of Eppan. Banner with 2 ducats.

Wreath Prizes.

1. Josef Schmid of Jenbach. Tie-break wreath of oak leaves with 7 ducats. 2. Dominikus Schenk of Kastelruth. Tie-break wreath of ivy with 5 ducats. 3. Franz Bernardi of Tione. Tie-break wreath of vine leaves with 3 ducats. 4. Josef Schmid of Jenbach. Tie-break wreath of alpine roses, with 2 ducats.

Prize Rifles

for those three marksmen who scored the most bullseyes on the main targets: 1. Mosmair of Passeier (Champion Marksman). 2. Schmid of Jenbach. 3. Kosler of Ried.

The principal shooting stand of Roveredo was the only one that did not send a delegate to collect the commemorative banner. Archduke Johann declared that the banner should remain in Meran for the time being; should the people of Roveredo disdain to carry the banner back to their homeland, there were plenty of shooting stands willing to accept it, for example Lienz or Feldkirch.

The first banner of the first main prize was purchased from the mortally ill marksman by the municipal council of the town of Meran and put on public display in the town hall, in keeping with the pious wish for all of Tyrol expressed by the mayor in his speech at the marksmen's banquet. Mosmeier, the renowned native of Passeier, had scored 11 bullseyes out of 16 shots and was solemnly proclaimed Champion Marksman of Tyrol, just as in ancient times the Germanic peoples raised their noblest heroes upon the shield, carried them around the assembly, and showed them to the people. The champion marksman faces a dangerous rival in Schmid of Jenbach.

A motion has been made proposing that the principal shooting stands of Tyrol hold a return shooting match in honor of Archduke Johann. (T.B.)