Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-07
IN SPLENDID SHAPE.
Inspector Knox Compliments
Togus Soldiers Home.
Everything Found in Perfect Order
Under Gov. Allen.
Additions and Improvements. Electric Road Il
Augusta Great Convenience.

Washington, Jan. 6.-(SpeciaD.-
Some complimentary things are said
about the Soldiers Home at Togus and
the recent improvements there in the
report of Lieut.. Col. Thomas T. Knox
L. 5. A.. which has just reached Con-
grcss. The inspection was made last
August hut Col. Knox was busy till
late in November visiting other branch
Homes. After citing the officers of the
Home, Col. S. II. Allen. governor; Maj.
A. l.. Smith. surgeon; Maj. W. E. Ell
well. surgeon; and Capt :. J. Gal
lagher quartermaster and commissary
of subsistence. Col. Knox says:
These officers have continued on
duty since date of last inspection, and
they impressed me favorably. The
general satisfactory appearance of the
entire Branch evidences the energy
and the efficiency exercised by them in
the performance of their respective du-
ties. Major Smith the treasurer is
one OF a small number of Branch treas
nrers of long service who remain; he is
a valuable officer and has discharged
his duties in a very satisfactory man
ner
IL purchase III duultlOll1I IdDU,
which was last year reported as then
pending, mas been consummated. A
description somewhat in detail as to
the location and character of this adj
ditional land was given in last years
report. 1t consists Of 100 acres in two
lots of 50 and AZ acres, respectively.
The price paid is reported to have been
about $500 per acre, or $500. The
larger lot adjoins the original reserva-
ton of the southwest, south of the
Hallowell road, and was desired for the
wood on it and for cultivation and pas
turage The smaller lot adjoins the
reservation on the north, east of the
Augusta road, and its acquisition by
the Home will enable the authorities to
clear it of the speak easies' and
dives" and give greater protection to
the near approach of similar objection
able influences. which We're being es-
tablished closer and closer to the
Home. This reservation is now SYM
metrical, and. with the recent addi-
tons. it contains 1884 acres and is
larger by far than any of the dtfnr
Branches, being about three times
greater than its closest competitor in
this respect.
"a new electric line has been com
pleted from Augusta to the Home cars
running every half hour and making
the trip in about 20 minutes Former
~ to reach the Home from Augusta
railroad journey of some II miles was
required. first going down to Randolph
and then on the branch road from that
Ynint Towns Tho a.
line is much shorter and quicker. and
proves great convenience. and every
afternoon brings large crowds from
Augusta, who greatly enjoy the open |
air concert given by the Home Band |
The music is of fine order. the band |
being among the best Of any of the |
Branches.
This Branch presented very at |
tractive appearance with its several |
new improvements. such as new |
hall, summer barracks, and |
ice house. and newly painted buildings /
The roads and grounds were in good |
The nurses quarters have been en- /
larged, there being an addition of six |
rooms. consisting of kitchen, laundry,
and four bedrooms: they are in good \
and the additions add to the
comfort and contentment Of the |
Much has been done towards COM
oleting the sanitary arrangements of
he Home and the condition lis vastly
better than ever before but Col. Knox
says there is still need of further i'm
in that line He recon-
nends the erection of a new conserya-
ory as the old one is too small and
he piling on which it rests is settling.
Col Knox gives the total member
hip of tho Togus Home for the year
II 21e4. This membership is an in
reas So of A over the previous year. He
peaks Of the annual review. held on
Ang. II. The number Of veterans in
inc" says the report, was larger by
IS than at the review the previous
ear The ceremony was creditabiy
reformed. and the old veterans gen.
rally presented an attractive and i'm :
losing appearance Col. Knox has a
God word to say for the farm. which
nc1udes 500 acres under cultivation be- )
Continued on page 2.) n