Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-08-06
FORT RILEY EXCURSION.
The Lutheran Sunday School Exeur-
sion a Decided Success.


The most successful excursion which
has ever left our city left yesterday
morning at $50 o'clock. 1t was The
third annual exeursion-picnic to Fort
Riley under the auspices of the Trinity
Lutheran Sunday school. The arrange
ments were perfected by the superin.
tendent of the school, j. E. Brewer
who was ably assisted by Geo. G. Sterl,
T. Z. Dewey and Rev. W. L. Seabrook.
The credit of having successfully
carried out the arrangements is due to
Supt. Brewer, whose untiring efforts
have been universally commended.
Long before the time set for the
train to start, the cars and depot plat
form were crowded with eager excur-
sionists who were smiling in anticipa-
ton of a delightful time, and busily
carrying lunch baskets to the baggi age
car. The train started on time with
over 200 people on board and reached
the fat, which is about mile east of
the fort in less than an hour. Here
occurred the monthly review of the
troops. Through the efforts of those
| having the excursion in charge, this
review which usually occurs early in
the morning was delayed until the
excursionists arrived. Six or seven
troops of cavalry and three batteries of
artillery passed in review before Gen.
Forsyth, who with his staff had taken
the hill as the point of observation. 1t
was magnificent spectacle to see these
heroes of Wounded Knee pass first on
walk, then on trOU and gallop and it
was inspiring to hear the rattle of scab-
bards and the low roar of carriage and
caisson. The wheels and turns were
made with precision which can be
attained only by long practice. The
horses showed careful training and
seemed almost to keep time to the
music of the trumpet corps, which is
said to be the finest in the United
States army. After the review oc-
Cured an artillery drill, which was
splendidly executed. The train then
backed to the fort and dinner was soon
in progress. Some ate in the woods
while others took their baskets TO the
vacated quarters north of the parade
ground. The weather bureau seemed
determined to end the picnic with rain,
but the wishes of the gathered multi
tude finally prevailed and the sun again
shOne brightly. Dinner eaten, the
base ball game was next in order.
Sergeant Campbell's colts seemed to
have the game their own way until the
eight and ninth innings when the abb
lene boys made most remarkable
rally and almost won the game. The
result was: Fort Riley 8, Abilene s.
The score by innings was:
IA 4 567
Fort Riley l l 2 2 % 81
Abilene 90 OOI5I 81
A happy event of the day was |
the presentation of a silver cup
to Gen. Forsyth by the Trinity Luther
an Sunday school. Col. c. II. Barker
introduced Rev. ]. A. Bright who, in
pleasing manner made the presentation
speech. The General responded in
few pleasant remarks, referring to the
fort and his relation to it, and tender
ing his thanks to the Sunday school
for the handsome gift.
Many minor events of interest trans
pired which were much enjoyed by
those unacquainted with army life.
Guard mount, boots and saddles"
ETC., all have fascination for the
stranger. The buildings are costly
and substantial. The new riding hall,
100 by 800 feet is handsome; the iron
alone, which supports the roof, cost
$4,000. The hall is to be used to prac-
tice riding when the ground is frozen
outside. Then the mess hall, admins
tration building and stables have their
peculiar attractions. In the latter may
be seen "Comanche," Gen. Clusters
old horse, said to be tie only survivor
of that disastrous battle on the Big
Horn. He is now IS years old and is
a favorite among the soldiers. More
than million dollars has been ex-
pended by the government in improv-
ing Fort Riley during the administra-
ton Of the popular and sffable General
Forsyth, so that if not already it is
soon to become the most popular place
of its kind in the United States. Too +
much cannot be said in praise of the
officers and men at the fort for their
great kindness in making this the most
picnic ever held on the
Nothing was too trouble
some for them to do which would add
TO the comfort and pleasure of their
guests as they we're pleased to call us.
AT $50 the train started for home and
arrived here at Z. Many dress that
once had been white was then, alas! so
no more; many a shirt bosom and
collar which once had been
starched and glossy were then, alas!
imp and soiled; many lunch basket
which once had been full was then
empty: looks of fatigue had been sub-