The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-07-28
BUILDING The POSTS.
Activity Being Displayed by the
War Department in Various
Sections
The Policy IL to Concentrate
Troops in Bodies at Strait
egio Points.
The Plans Specifications for Fort Har-
rison Are Now Being Prepared In
Warrington.

Tho war department. il moving actively
In tho policy OF ~abandoniaG tho smalls'
stations and concentrating troops At posts
selected with a view TO strategic value and q
tAs modern needs Of routine. This Ia Illus
trated by the celebrity in mapping thu
Rlound for Fort Harrison and the prepara-
zion of the plans and specifications al
Washington 80 that the contract for tha
building Of the post can be let a. early ~
possible. The new forts are contracted
with q view to their containing largo gnrri-
SONS and becoming centers from which
troops may be sent by rail on call in. any
required direction. In accordance
with tho new policy camp Poplar
River was abandoned the other day.
The fiscal year just closed has
been one OF considerable progress
In the work. The Army and Navy journal,
that two Of the largest posts. Fo 10 Shsri-
dan and McPherson. have been finished
during the year. and work upon the sddi-
tional buildings at sevs al other posts 10 10
we'll advanced that II will be possible TO in
crease their garrisons before tho end Of the
calendar year. Fort Mcpherson, Ga. Ia
entirely completed for a garrison OF eight
companies and band. At Plattsburg Bar
racks, N. Y, excellent proRres is being
made on the additional buildings for the
accommodation of four more companies OF
infantry. The wo k now in progress includes
improvements to roadways. sewer and
water system, construction Of a new mess
hall, barracks for four companies, seven
InuIjo opks nf Of1iCnrA nnnrtefR ana guard
house. II is fully expected that the build
inps will! be far enough completed to nd
init of four companies of infantry taking
their quarters there before the end OF
tie calendar yea. 1t is further assured
the four companies Of the Twenty
Graf infantry now al Fort Sidney. depa,t-
ment Platte. will be the troops selected for
This station. Fort Sidney will then be
abandoned. The four company quarters at
Bliss are also booked for completion
fall. Tho work of progress transfer
! ON Fort Bliss to the new quarters is al
The four additional companies at Fort
Brady. Mich, are also we'll advanced. and
be ready for occupancy this autumn.
Al Forts Riley. Myer and Logan the ex-
Improvements begun a wear ago are
finished. At Fort Thomas. KY,
y contract has recently been made for
buildings to accommodate two
v tN
eight company post. At Fort Crook work
on the new ten-oompany post is advancing
favorably, and it 10 expected that many Of
the new buildings will be ready for ocou-
panoy carly next year. Work has already
commenced on the new post, Fort Ethan
Allen, VI. authorized by the last congress.
having been made by the ord
nance department for the construc-
ton Of ono double barracks, two
double sets Of non-commissioned officers
qusrssrs guard house. fuel store. quarter
masters stable. two oavalry stables and
other buildings. Within the past few days
the contract has been further extended by
two additional cavalry stables and one
double barracks. This IL a very interesting
now fort. and like FoFt Har ison. near
Helena. it, constr uotion has been svowedly
andsrtaksn with . view TO making it Z
nucleus for both regular and state or volun-
forces, 80 az to undertake q prompt
lash against Canada In case Of var with
Great Britain.