Evening star., 1896-02-15

big cities and great railroad centers. The
main son for the change which has
practically been made is that the day for
Indian troubles OF serious proportions has
passed. IN pursuance of this policy it may
be stated a certainty that Fort Myer
is to be, in the near future, designated ds
reSimental post, which will mean the
assignment to it of more than double the
number of troops now stationed there. The
improvements of the past twelve months
point TO such result, and also the out
lined improvements of d far more extensive
description. Unqucstionably Fort Nyer to-
day is of more interest to every man in
the army than any other post from Maine
to California; for, according to CUSTOM
shift OF the troops is ordered every four
years and there is probably not an indi-
vidual who would object to service on the
banks of the Potomac.
Home of the Sixth.
The funeral of Brigadier General John G..
Gibbon, L. S. A, retired, a few days ago,
was accompanied by an imposing military
pageant At the head of the line as it SOL
ennly passed along the streets of Wash
ingtOn were four troops of the sXth United
States cavalry, with a mounted band, all
under command of Col. Gordon. This de-
tachment is so fortunate to have its
home at Fort Myer-which is more ike Il
modern suburban town than military post
The sixth cavalry was organized during
the war. and at the conclusion of the strife
took station in Indian territory. Later it
was sent 10 IeXdS and subsequently to Arl-
Zona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska,
and a portion of it, a year or so ago, to the
most pleasant location in its history, Fort
Myer.
Fort Myer was established as a military
post during the civil war, and several very
diSmautled breastwCrks may now be plain
" seen near the post, which in 1861 was
known as Fort Mcpherson. After the war
II was pressed into service a signal sta
ton and was called Fort Whipple. Later
the name was changed to Myer. in honor
of Gen. Albert Myer. chief. of the signal
service. The school for the instruction OF
signal officers ard soldiers was continued
for a number of years, until the reservation
was established a military post.
As is well known, the reservation of Fort
Myer adjoins the national cemetery, Ar
lington. and is just four miles from the
Capitol building. and probably less than
two miles from West Washington. 1t is
reached most conveniently from the city by
crossing the Aqueduct bridge and follow
ing an excellent winding road There is n
gradual ascent after leaving the Virginia
shore of the Potomac. but the hill. just out
side the bounds Of the fort, is now being
leveled. The rustic bridge, which formerly
spanned a deep ravine, has disappeared,
and the Tavine is being filed
Quarters of the Officers.
The first seen of Fort Myer when ap-
preaching from the city is trim row of
frame cottages fronted by flower gardens
ard asphalt walks set aside the quarters
OF certain of the officers. Across the road
way froEi the cottages is a lawn of gener-
Gus proportions, ct Gle end Of which is
the posi- flagstaff. From the cottages may
be had a sweeping birds-eye view OF the
city of Washington ard Its surroundings,
with the Potomac river flowing in the fore
ground. The Senate Wednesday last passed
the bill providing for the erection of
magnificent memorial bridge to span the
river, and if the bill becomes a law, the
proposed structure will be at the foot of
Fort Myer Heights. and greatly enhance
the beauty Of the scene from the post.
In the rear of the cottages of the officers
Is large rectangular lawn, where the cere-
mony Of guard mount is held. Opposite
the cottages are wooden barracks for two
troops and the post mess hall. Facing the
rectangle from the east are more officers
quarters and the adjutant's Office, while
away to the south are located the stables
riding hall and other buildings.
The recent improvements, however ar.
now of chief interest at Fort Myer. AWAY
off toward the southeastern extremity of
the reservation the painters are putting the
finishing touches on two large buildings
which are to be the quarters of four troops
OF cavalry. These structures are handsome