Evening star., 1896-02-15

quartermaster. Directly across the road
way from the sranary are the stables,
which differ from the wooden stables in
that the floors of the stalls and the pas
sage way are of clay, instead of the patent
pavement. The latter has proven slippery
and injurious to the feet of the horses
The stalls are square in shape, large and
roomy. At the farther end Of the stables
are located the feed rooms, where grain is
placed in small cars which run on rails laid
along at the head of the stalls. At feeding
time the cars are pushed along and the
feed for each horse dished out at the head
ef the stall.
Some Contemplated improvements.
The foregoing complete the list of i'm
provements under way, but in the adju-
tants office hangs 4 map showing that
there are contemplated the erection of four
additional barrack buildings of similar de-
sign as those now being finished; four addi-
tional buildings for officers quarters; four
additional brick stables, and residence for
the post commandant to be erected, near
the present flag staff. 1t is also proposed to
remove the row of cottages overlooking the
city and to erect in their stead brick struc-
lures facing the rectangular lawn as well
as row Oh the opposite side of the lawn,
Whtre the barracks and post mess hall are
now located. There is also to be. according
TO the plans, a residence for the hospital
stewart adjacent to the new hospital.
well-knowE feature of Fort Afyer is the
riding hall, where the troops drill during
the winter months, and where every FRI
day, exhibitions are given, TO which the
pubic Is invited. This hall is an immense
structure OF brick, foored with tan bark
and provided with gallery. 1t is we'll
lighted, and has proved of great benefit, as
the troops may continue the mounted drills
al all SEASONS of the year. At the majority
OF the posts it is necessary to do away with
the mounted drill for months a a time be-
cause or the lack of just such facilities as
are provided at Fort Myer
Two of the troops Of the sixth cavalry
nave earned a widespread reputation by ex-
hlEit1ons of horsemapship, such as the
CosSack drill, given from time to time in
the riding hall, and it is generally ,onsi.I-
cred that the Ienaining two troops are not
SO proficient in this particular. This is ex-
planned, however, by the fact that two of
me troop commanders are opposed to fancy
rldinS, claiming that it is unmlitary while
the other two are heartily in favor of such
exercises, which, they claim, tend to in
crease the proficiency of the men Oil horse
PACK AT the Friday exhibitions the band
is stationed in the hall, and the occasions
have grown to be feature Of some magni-
tuue, many prominent residents of Wash
ihstoh being constant visitors to the hall.
An Attractive Place.
The non commissioned officers of the high
er class at Fort Myer such as the post ord
nance sergeant and the bantlmaster. are
handsomely housed, occupying two-story
brick structures that cannot be other than
comfortable. There is a United States post
oHlce on the reservation, which, it appears,
must soon be supplied with larger QUAR-
'ers. brick bakery is also in full opera
ion daily, turning two hundred pounds CT
aour into bread each week day for the con-
sumption of the enlisted men,
Fort Myer is supplied with water pumped
tom the Potomac, but an effort is bcin .
made TO secure an artesan we'll service
The pest is plentifully sprinkled with fire
plugs, and there is an organized fire bri-
Sade among the soldiers. The customary
adjuncts of an army post, such as an ex-
change, or store; quartermaster's corral
and other appurtenances are al in evidence
a Fort Myer. For outdoor drills there is
level stretch Of ground extending 10 the
southeast sufficiently large for the execu
ton of any desired maneuvers
An electric railway is now in operation