New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-03

THE HELPLESS AND SENDING COM
FORTS TO THE WOUNDED
Washington. July Fort Mycr in time of
war and Fort Myer r time of peace are two
quite different places. Everybody knows who
lives in Washington. or who visits there what
a charming place the historic old fort is which
stands the blue Virginian hills Just north
of the National Cemetery. Arlington. 1t is the
only one of the many forts built near the Capt.
tai City during the Civil Wai which has not
been dismantled and for many years it has
been used as cavalry station. 1t has always
been favorite resort with society ard OF
the centres around which the swell set CRAWL
tate. No more delightful house parties were
given anywhere thar at Fort Myer. no more
desirable beaus could be found than among its
tall. cpauletted young officers: and Hhere was
there a more delightful way Of spending Fri
days than to drive over to the popular fort
for the cavalry drills and afterward make the
round Of calls on Officers Row?
The fort itself always seemed To be in holiday
attire Well-drcssed and we'll groomci colonies
and captains. natty- looking lieutenants and
geants and trim. clean shaver soldiers were IA
miliar figures the galleries OF the houses
strolling over the carefully kept grounds. And
carefully kept grounds they certainly were. for
there was a troop Of soldiers there then with
plenty Of time while on duty to keep each foot
OF the green lawns in a state OF velvcty smooth
ness the walks and drives were immaculate. the
houses and buildings looked spick and span
as though they had just been under inspection.
Fort Myer in time Of peace appeared an ideal
place Of residence.
OF course the cannon standing on the hill
tops the great lead balls which mark the cor
Eers Of its streets. and the barracks themselves
suggested that a military fort was for place
OF warfare: but 1t had been so many years since
the country had experienced any actual hostili-
ties that that fact almost lost sight OF In
connection with Fort Mycr By the gay circle OF
society who found ii such a delightful rendeZ-
vous But with the first fash of the wires
which told Of the destruction Of the Maine there
came a wonderful change at the peaceful fort
among the Virgnan hills A sudden alertness
OF life marked every quarter Of the reserva-
ton. Officers and men sprang into activity like
warehouses; who have caught Whit Of powder.
Immediate preparation for action was begun.
and when war was declared there were no men
in all of the Regular Army who were more
anxious to be sent to the front than the 9th
Cavalry at Fort Mycr. They had not long to
wait within a short time they were ordered
South. and with the gallant Colonel Sumner In
command they went at once. That was a sad
day for the fort. Wives with pale. drawn faces
watched their husbands march away realizing
with loves acuteness all OF the horrible posi-
bilites that lay before them; sisters and sweet
hearts waved fearful goodbys. while the soldiers
themselves. under mask OF checrfulness,
though with white lips said the farewclls which
they knew might be the last ones.
That day began the change which the war
has made at Fort Myer. over every house
hangs the shadow Of the absent members, and
those who wait there eagerly scanning every
word which comes from the Southern seas. have
but little heart for the gaycties Of society. In
stead Of teas and receptions now. these wives
and daughters are devoting their time to send
ing comforts to the sick and wounded OF the
Army, and caring for those who have been left
helpless. OF the soldiers belonging to the 9th
Cavalry quite a number married. and their
families are living just outside Of the rcServa-
ton. When the troops were ordered so suddenly
to the front several OF the men had to leave
their families unprovided for. Mrs. Sumner. the
wife Of the popular colonel. called the wives
Of the other officers together. and they at once