The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-01-15
The State Muster Ground.

Editor of Watchman: Observing the cis-
position Of the WATCHMAN to treat public
questions from the side of the public inter.
est. desire through its columns to present
for the meditation of the taxpayers Of the
state some questions on the policy and
economy OF the management of some mat.
tiers relating to the militia.
The legislature, in 1894, authorized the
quartermaster. general to buy or lease land
for permanent camp ground near Fort
Ethan Allen, and appropriated 81, 800 for
this purpose-in case OF purchase The ad-
jutant and inspector-general, the COM
mander OF the Brigade and the colonel of
the Regiment were empowered to select the
site, subject to the approval of the governor.
l am informed that fifty acres of land lying
westerly OF Fort Ethan Allen, toward Bur-
lington, hav been bought for permanent
campground. Price paid, $50 an acre.
This land is sandy, worthless for farming,
its biggest and only crop being bushes and
the stumps of the pine trees that once grew
there.
Now one question presented for medita-
tion is, Why was land lying westerly of the
Fort and near the city of Burlington chosen?
This question derives pertinency from sew
eral circumstances. / understand that to
reach this ground the trains transporting
the militia and their equipage will have to
be run on to the Fort Ethan Allen siding
aud equipage will then have to be carted
over mile across the United States reser-
walton to the state Camp. 1 understand
that the railway charges SO a car for
switching at the Fort, this sum for setting
in and Tor pulling out each car, and that it
militia and the baggage. The charges for
carting the mile or more to the camp ground
and back Will make large additional ex
pense. | understand, further, that land
eastefiy irem tne rU.t near Essex Junction,
sum. probably one haf " aat was paid for
the site purchased, or twicsp1es7 much land
for the same money. This land lies by the
side of the railroad, and track could have
been run into the camp and charges for
switching and carriage saved
| Why was not this land preferred to the
other? II the thing desired was The best
camp ground for the least money, the land
near Essex Junction would naturally have
been chosen, in the judgment of competent
men. II the thing desired was the adj
vantage of Burlington, without regard to
the interests of the state, then the selection
made would seem to be a very proper one.
In that case Burlington should have raised
the money to buy the land, as believe she
did for the United States camp. But she
did not go into her pocket for the benefit of
the state. 1t didn't seem to be necessary.
Was it necessary to have the state camp
in contact with the United States military
post? The only reason have heard given
for this is that the militia could more easily
have access to the shooting range OF the
Fort. If the Essex Junction land had been
chosen the distance to the Fort would have
been only about mile. What's the matter
with the troops shouldering their guns and
marching that distance? Isn't mile near
enough for all military and practical pur
poses? And would not the mile of separa-
ton be conducive to good morals? Evil
communications corrupt good Manners
and 1t is possible that too great familiarity
with the men at the Fort, who have become
acquainted with darkest Burlington might
not be conducive to good manners or to the
good morals of the state camp. To man out
in the woods, it looks as il this camp had been
selected more with reference to advantage to
Burlington, Burlington tradesmen and Bur-
lington's peculiar institutions" than out
of regard to the best interests of the state
and the welfare of the militia.
The next matter | want to suggest for
light and meditatio is, By what warrant is
the state official having authority in the
matter going ahead and preparing the camp
for permanent occupation? The money APP
propriated has been used up. Wouldn't it
now be the wiser way to call halt till the
| legislature has authorized further expendi-
ture and appropriated the money? 1t is evil
| dent that considerable sum over and
above the original appropriation has been
| spent on the camp already and that
| greater outlay of money is intended. I'm.
| less it Is intended to compel the state be-
| You'd recall to camp on this ground, which
seems to be ill chosen, these expenditures
ought to be stopped, and believe the peo-
pie will demand that they be stopped.
One thing more. believe change has
come over the feelings of many of the peo-
| pie of the state who have taken the trouble
| to mediate at all on this matter OF a state
camp. Few people, of the rank and file,
take much thought of these military mat.
ters. A few interested people make what
is called public sentiment, pull the wires,
and they usually get there" II the legis.
lature were 10 consider this matter OF a
state camp again, it is possible-yea prob
able-that different policy would prevail.
The result Of camping at Farlee last sum
mer has led to meditation. The wisdom OF
having camp ground on the east side also
is discussed. The camp at Farlee, it is
admitted, was the best camp, was IN )re free
| from Objectionable influences than any
| place the troops have occupied. Why not
have camp on the east side for each alter
nate year? Wouldn't the good Of the state
| be best co usulted by such an arrangement
1t Is given out that the camp at Fairlee
pond occupied last year could be had with
out money aud without price" to the state.
Why not stop the outlay on the Burling-
| ton camp till the whole question can be-
overhauled, and what Is for the real advan.
| tage OF the state as whole be done? L am
| unable to see where there is any real au-
thority or warrant for the outlay at Burling-
ton. 1t isn't In the law authorizing the
quartermaster. general to lease or buy land