Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-21
COMMON SOLDIERS GOOD TIMES.
They Have Lots of Fun and Haye Plenty of
Pocket Money to Spend.

Who says that the common soldier does not
lead happy life! If any one does so aver let
him relieve himself of the false impression by
visit to Port Meyer, near Arlington. There
two troops of cavalry are auartered. at point
commanding upon every side the most beauti-
full scenery, which, together with the fresh air,
is calculated to inspire the martial bosom at
once with an appreciation of natures loneliness
and perpetual appetite.
Everything there bears the aspect of peace.
The fort is called such because there is no forti
fcation of any sort. 4 comfortable-looking
group Of big two-story buildings, somewhat
scattered in a rough attempt at forming a
quadrangle, furnish quarters for the soldiers
Two of these structures afford sleeping accom-
modstions for the two companies. Snug cot
beds are ranged along the walls as neat as a
hospital ward chest for each man 6 clothing
at the foot Of each bianket-eoyered couch and
peeping out from beneath u row of polishe
boots and shoes set in careful order with the
toes all one way.
Two other buildings are the dining halls for
the soldiers, one for each troop. One man in
each company serves for month as cook for
his mates, and each private must take his turn
at this work, though 1t is apt to be shirked when
possible. Uncle Sam provides all the food,
which Is Of the best quality and plentiful. In
each hall there is posted always the bill of fare
for the day. 1t is fairly luxurious When q
writer for HE STAR was at the fort the other
day the carte du jour announced corn bread,
bacon and coffee for breakfast, and for dinner
soup, beef, vegetables and coffee or milk.
THEIR DAILY DUTIES.
The duties which the men must per-
form during the day are light, con-
sisting of nothing more severe than stand
ing guard, practicing craftsmanship, or
which prizes are given, drilling when the
weather is dry and grooming the horses Each
troop has its own stable and the last hour Of the
day Is devoted to the animals. Each man has
his particular horse, which is almost as much
his own property as if it belonged to him. He
takes entire care of it and everything about the
beast and its trappings must be kept spick and
span. Those who do guard duty one day per-
form all necessary cleaning about the fort the
next day. At 5o'clock every afternoon any
man can get f'pass" and 60 away in citizens
clothes, not returning until the following
morning.
RRoRKA1los
So much for the daily routine OF the soldier 9
working, eating and sleeping. He has plenty
of leisure aud the wherewithaI to enjoy it
without going beyond the precincts of the fort
The men at Fort Meyer have Q sort Of club
house, which is called tbs Post Canteen," e.
tablished and managed by the officers for their
express use and benefit. 1t includes bar room,
where nothing stronger than beer is sold restau-
rant and o regular shop that keeps every thing
in stock imaginable. Whatever the soldiers
want in the way of little suppers and other
spreads they can get to order at the canteen
The entire concern Is managed on q co-opera-
tive basis, SO that prices are maintained at Q
minimum, and periodical divisions of profits
are made among the men.
Supplementary to this club house are reading
rooms, one for each troep-most cheerful for
evening smusement-with books, Washington
and New York newspapers and first-rate billiard
tables. In short, the soldier is taken care Of
and provided for in every possible way. He il
given excellent board and lodging and an allow
ance Of money for clothing e made him SO
liberal that he often saves 80 q year
out Of it for himself BY taking good
care Of what he wears. Judicious en-
tertsinment for his leisure is supplied
him, and he has all the freedom he can web de-
sire. His pay is simply 30 much pocket money,
which be osn spend ON candy, il he likes, as be
often does. Beginning at Sl3 q month he re-
eeiyes Sl4 month during the second year Of
his enlistment and Sl5 per month during the
third year. The fourth year hs gets Si6 and
the fifth year S17, the term Of enlistment being
i've years However, man who has behaved
himself can obtain his release at the end Of
three years