The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-01
PROVIDING FOR TROOPS.
Preparations for EstsbIisbiHS the
nepn ~ ntrni Of AInskn.

Preparations for E>tsbIisbinE the
Department of Alaska.
The War Department is making extern
sive preparations for the establishment Of
the Department Of Alaska. The expense
involved in the garrisoning Of the troops
ordered 10 the department is considerable.
Thousands Of dollars have already been
expended in the work. which has only be-
gun. The President some time ago au-
thorized the War Department to create an
additional military department which was
TO include Alaska. This was done by Sec
rotary Root and General Randall was as
signed as its commander.
About five companies of troops have been
ordered to Seattle for transportation to
Alaska. Some Of them left last week on
one Of the Army transports for Port Val
dez and it is expected that the remainder.
with General Randall and his headquar-
ters, will depart before the middle of
June. For months past the different
branches Of the Army have been arranging
for the opening Of the new department.
Acting CommIssary General Weston has
been collecting food supplies, Quartermas
ter General Ludington has been arranging
for quarters, supplies of clothing and fuel.
in addition to furnishing all the articles
necessary for a comfortable life in that
section Of the COuury
The greatest work has fallen upon Major
Martin. who has had charge OF arrange
ments for quarters. Ordinary supplies like
food and clothing are furnished on the
basis n hff he III
for soldiers. officers. animals and stores
is 10 be made permanently. Buildings are
TO be constructed at St. Michaels, Valdez.
and Cape Nome. On the upper Yukon
troops are now stationed. one company
being at Fort Egbert. at Eagle City. and
other troops at Fort Gibbon At each Of
these places saw mills were carried under
the direction of Major Ray, and the troops
have been busy constructing log barracks,
which are now about completed.
At St Micheals. Valdez, and Cape Nome
the buildings are to be made Of lumber
already cut and shipped from the States
About sixty buildings are to be erected.
for which 5000. 900 feet of lumber has
already been contracted for. There is also
TO be sent to Alaska between two hundred
and three hundred tons Of corrugated iron
and hardware. The officers quarters are
to be frame buildings sheathed. papered
and weather boarded. with double floors
between each floor and double windows
The barracks will also be frame with cor
rugated iron roof. and the sides sheathed.
papered, and weatherbOarded. and with
floors similar TO those in the officers
quarters.
\ feature Of the barracks will be that
the inside walls and ceilings are to be
covered with an asbestos board one-eighth
Of an inch thick. This wood is fireproof.
AMI will prevent the buildings from jLiu-
iLg by reason Of any fire on the inside. The
material alone for this work. it is esti-
mated, Will cost STAG. COO. and il is said by
War Department officials that the total
rost will be about S25O.00G The troops will
go to Alaska during the summer months, |
and will live in tents until their buildings
are completed, Il being intended to use
hem as far as possible in the construction /
work. To aid in this the lumber is all cut [
he proper size before shipment and the /
buildings at each OF the places are prac-
icaIly the same size An idea Of the work /
involved IS obtained from a statement (
showing the work to be done at St. Mich /
iels, which is practically the same at .
Valdez and Cape Nome
Another branch Of the Quartermaster's 4
Department under Major Dare. has con
racted for sending nearly hundred horses
and mules and The same number Of
wagons, forage for two years, and veteri-
lary medicines and dressings and harness
md equipments. II has also been decided
10 ship coal 10 the posts. 40 be used In
winter instead of wood and shipments
lave already been arranged for.
In the clothing line supplies for fifteen
months are being shipped. This list in
dudes 5000 blankets 1000 iron bedsteads
gf 81 Tor Z L. D
yOolen socks, 5000 wooden suits OF under
wear 1000 mattresses 600 Southwestern
rats. the same number Of Oilskiu coats /
rousers, moccasius. sweaters. and pillow
asses 1900 German socks. vol robes. 10
hcepsAin robes 100 arctic Overshoas and
,ther articles Of wear and camp usage.
To get this 10 Alaska il has been ueces-
AIRY TO provide a complete transportation
inc of steamers. Arrangements are being
made that will provide a line OF six regu-
ar steamers for he Alaskan service. Some
e hem have already been secured The
}o-,craus has sailed with freight and sol
ig,s and a large shipment Of lumber The
ospiral ship Missouri. recently transferred
o tina QuarterWaster's Department. is 10
Re converted into a freight ship for service
u Alaska; The Lawton Athcuiau. and
avard have also been added TO the list. i'm
dditou 10 which there will be used the
teamer Jen G.. Davis now in Alaska. and
stcaT launch now in service on the up
ar lukou.