Evening star., 1901-07-20

constitute the greatest field for military
operations possessed by any country in the
world. II is probable no Secretary of War
has done more than let his fancy run wild
In planning the future of Americas great
military establishment, but It requires no
prophetic eye to anticipate the day when
thousands Of American troops voluntarily
In the field for peaceful maneuvers will
occupy the great plains Of eastern Kansas.
with Fort Leavenworth as a base to the
east and Riley to the west.
In the future there will be few soldiers
In the regular army OF the United States
who VIII not have served a portion of their
time at this school of practical instruction
and certainly no officer viii consider his
military education complete until he has
passed through the practical schools OF
Fort Leavenworth; has led his suuad OF
men from Leavenworth to Riley and back
again and has TO his credit certain term
on the STAFF Of the United States war COL
iege.
AccOmmOdatiOns for a Small Army
When the present buildings now under
way at Fort Leavenworth are completed
there will be accommodation for at least
1900 enlisted men and 80 officers. That is
to say, two full regiments each with its
full complement OF officers. and in addition
to these a full ST aft OF instruction. The old
buildings which have been erected from
time to time still stand. and serve their
purpose. They look quaint and old-fash-
ioned, however. beside the modern bar
racks and handsome quarters now being
built The work now under construction
consists OF a hospital, which win cost
about $4,000; two cavalry barns costing
about $4,000; set OF quarters for bache-
lor officers. which will cost $40 600; an ar
tiiery barracks costing over $4,000; eight
double sets Of quarters for married off,
GERS. costing nearly SI5o.e0o.
To these must be added gun sheds ar
tlery barns, three infantry barracks
twenty-one officers quarters and a new ad
ministration or headquarters building The
stables hold over ZOO head OF horses and
mules, and the pay roll Of the men station
ed at Fort Leavenworth under present con-.
ditions, when the improvements under way
are completed. will amount to at least
100000 a month.
1t is probable the Secretary of War will
make some additional recommendations In
regard to Fort Leavenworth In his forth
coming report to the President. and In
view OF the increasing Importance of the
military arm of the government Congress
will take these under serious consideration.
1t Is the uncertainty Of legislation only
which prevents definite plans being an
nounced in regard to the future OF this
western military school 1t IL not fmpos-
sible that the population Of the west
increases, and the political balance Is dis
turbed, that there will also be a second
West Point establishment west Of the Mis-
sissippi river, and this Of course would be
located at Fort Leavenworth. The United
States does things on a magnificent scale,
once they are undertaken as the result of
a popular demand. and a few years from
now $1.000000 item for Fort Leavenworth
In the annual appropriation bill will excite
no comment. for 1t is an institution which
in time will become the pride OF the Amer
lean nation j. ID. WHELPLEY.