Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1896-09-17
Arcad1a's Rife Range.

Special Correspondence of the Globe-Democrat.
ARCADIA, Mo, September 11,-The
last of the United States troops who
hf ve been encamped here the greater
part of the summer, practicing on the
new Government rifle range, broke
camp here a day or two ago and
marched back to their station at JEFF
fe SON Barracks. They were Capt.
Chase's and Capt. Morgan's troops of
the Sd Cavalry. and they have been on
the range over four weeks, drilling,
sharpshooting and having a good time
generally. Prior to their coming
three other troops of the Sd Cavalry
occupied the range, under command of
Maj. keyes, since retired from the
service. These three troops spent the
greater part of July on the grounds,
and on the march home were unfortu-
nately caught in the beginning of the
sweltering heat, which was a severe
test of the endurance OF both soldier
and his beast. A good deal of sickness
at the Barracks was the result of this
torrid march, but the men have now
fully recovered. Capt. Chase's COM
mand have escaped the heat, and their
stay at the rife range has been most
enjoyable.
The summer practice has been of
great benefit TO the troops. Improved
skill in the use of arms, better discip-
lire, greater moral and. what pe"hf ps
is of greater Importance. a higher con-
ception of and interest in the duties of
soldiers, are among the more conspicu-
Gus benefits of the summers outing.
The dull routine and drudgery of post
and barracks life was pleasantly bro
ken in upon by this more interesting
exercise in the school of the efficient
soldier, and the War Department may
we'll feel that the expense it has gone
to in establishing the rifle range was
wise disbursement.
The Arcad:an practice ground is not
yet owned by the Government, but it
will be. The result of this summers
work proves its benefit as military
acquisition and the wisdom of its
choice as a site. No prettier or more
advantageous ground than this could
have been selected. 1t has every top
ographical advantage that military
eye could want, and every other quail
ty that common sense could suggest.
A lovely open plain, abutting on two
sides on an abrupt mountain, clear,
pure streams of neverfailing water. a
beautiful and braclng climate, and con-
venlence of transportation, are all con-
spicuous features of the site.
This year the Government has only
leased portion of the property, but
it is the intention to purchase. Con-
gress has already appropriated the
amount-$1S, ,000-and it only now
needs an executive order to complete
the bargain. The contemplated pur-
chase embraces three or four small
farms in the valley. southeast of the
village of Arcadia, the whole compris-
ing about 100 acres. The lay of the
land is such that a number of rife
ranges from 400 TO 1900 yards long
may be laid ont on one side of the
valley, while along its center and abut-
ting on its southern and western end
beautifully artillery range may be To-
Gated of $3.50 yards in length. When
not in use for rifle or artillery firing,
the whole valley may be turned into
parade and evolution ground, ''large
enough" Capt. Chase says, Ito man
euver whole division of infantry,
cavalry and artillery"
The credit of selection of this site is
chiefly due to Cept. Chase. He is an
officer of long service and wide expert
ence. He has served years on the
frontier, and has become known as one
of the most progressive officers in the
army. He was selected by the War
Department to rausack Missouri with
in a radius of 100 miles of Jefferson
Barracks and select site for rifle
and practice range. After months OF
search on every line Of railroad out o9
st. Louis he found this little valley in
Arcadia, eighty miles from Jefferson
Barracks, and his military eye ap-
proved it at once.
It might be, too, that Capt. Chase
was moved in degree by sentimental
grounds, for the region about Arcadia
and Ironton is historic. These hills
and valleys were full of excitement
and military interest in 1861. Here
JEFF Thompson cavorted about with his