, 1890-05-08
J. X. ALLEN, Superintendent.

Wy WI wv Ntl'H iftI'l
Company of Spokane Falls held in
Portland April ~, 1850
J. X. ALLEN, Superintendent
GENERALIZATION OF TROOPS.
Colonel Ice, OF tho Regular Army, Ad.
dresses tho Board.
Colonel Lee, of the regular army,
who was prescnt, was then asked to
address the meeting upon the Sub
ject of the Capitalization of the
troops in this department in II posi-
ut this city.
The colonel opened his remarks
by stating that he appreciated the
great honor conferred upon him by
| the invitation TO address those pres
ent, and that he was actuatod by
only the best wishes tor the city, N
he thought great deal Of II. lie
| further stated that he would talk
not In any official capacity, but SIM
ply ~ IA private citizen. In IL few
well chosen words he paid high
tribute to the beauty Of the city, the
firm and extensive buildings, and
the great activity displayed by its
citizens.
"rhe military" said Colonel Lee,
always feel II little sense ot shame
when matters ut this nature come
up the government never takes the
initiative, but the citizens must. |
can look around here and easily see
why Spokane Falls would lie good
place for the establishment of IL mil
itnry post and have the troops all
concentrated here.
81 have Just lately come from Fort
sheridan, ut Chicago. The idea of
the establishment of this post was
conceived by the citizens OF
Chicago, aud came about in
this manner: The people subscribed
sB5O, 600 for the purchase of u site.
Tho secretary OF war appointed Gen.
crul sheridan, General Terry and
myself us a board to select the site.
Tie place we selected was most
beautiful one, twcnty-six miles out
from Chicago. This was recon-
mended to- the secretary OF war and
by him referred to congress and the
post II now finished. The idea of
establishing such post was done
right after the great riot In 1886.
"The lawsof your state only allow
the Use Of $40 acres for military
posts, and this should have
certain resources, such us suitable
grounds for quartering of troops, he
easy of access, preferably by rail-
road, have an abundance Of good
water aud room tor the target RANGES
that are now necessary I'm the regu.
lations. There are other things nee
essary, but these are the prime
ones.
"When such place has been se-
lCcted the matter can bo broach he'd to
the government through the repre-
sentative In congress. can readily
sec that the location Of "a post here
would have several ad ivan
ages. For instance, 1t would he
great saving to the government
in the expense OF maintaining
troops, Then II the troops were
wanted I'm any direction they could
be thrown there on mnsse over some
of the railroads. For an illustration
of the advantages Of having then,
concentrated In one place. IL three
or four companies are called for
from any one of the present posts al
the available forces would have to go
and the garrison 5e left withouta amy.
IL they were all at one post
then there would be numbers
of companies remaining, OF
course IL would bc IA very
eSpcnsl We thing To procure II site for
II post In your city limits and Il
would bc advisable to go outside
four miles or maybe siS.
"Therc Is also another thing To be
taken into consideration when YOU
make your application. DO not ask
for the embracing of but the two
forts In your post at once, that Il,
Forts sherman and Spokane. The
including OF any others would likely
bring about tho antagonism Of ccr-
tain sections, and II you succeed In
establishing n post to include
these two nt first. the others
will soon follow. In all cases YOU
must he patient and pcrscvering, for
II will probably take a long time to
obtain your wishes, us tho govern
nient is slow.h
Colonel Lees remarks were Sow
eral times greeted with applause,
and nt the ciosc II motion was made
aud carried expressing tu him u vote
OF thanks for his kindness in address.
Ing those present.
A committee, consisting Of j. l..
Graves, III. Bolster and j. w. Chap.
man, was appointed to secure OPP
tions on sites for the proposed post.