The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-02-24
LEGISLATOR
RETURNED
FK0M JUMKET
Undecided as to What Should
be Done
ABOUT INSANE ASYLUM
Buildings in Fair Condition.
Water Supply Excellent.

Guthrie, o. T., Feb. 23.-The question
now before the members of the legisla-
trre is whether to establish or not TO
establish an insane asylum for the terri
tory on the Fort Supply reservation. the
legislature having paid a formal visit to
the reservation to inspect the government
property formerly used for army pur-
poses. There are many things to be con-
sidered relative to locating a territorial
insane asylum, and while the majority of
the members of both branches of the
present assembly favors the territory
owning its own institutions soon as
possible, these men desire time in which
to consider each proposition from every
point of view. President Alexander's bill
is now in the council. having been favor
ably reported by the committee of the
whole council. The measure locates and
establishes an insane asylum at Fort Sup
ply, accepting the offer of congress made
four years ago to the territory and fur
ther provides for the removal of insane
patients from Norman and their care
on the reservation. Owing to the fact
that several mambers of both houses de-
sired to inspect the buildings of the res
ervation, the first official legislative
junket was made, the trip ending here
yesterday afternoon. the legislative party
coming through from Alva, leaving there
at o'clock yesterday morning.
One of the first objections raised TO
using Fort Supply an insane asylum
is It's remoteness from the eastern part
of the territory; also the roundabout
route to reach Woodward county; the
enforced drive from the Santa Fe rail-
road to the reservation, it being dis
tance of nine miles; the cost of trans
porting fuel and supplies, which must be
freighted from the railroad; the neces-
sary repairing of buildings and purchase
of equipment for insane patients. On the
other hand there is the offer to the ter
ritory from the government of the build
ings, numbering nearly one hundred, 1.16O
acres of land a complete waterworks and
sewerage system, providing that the ter
ritory will use the old fort for an insane
asylum. These are some of the things
that must be taken into consideration
by the members of the legislature before
a definite decision is made relative to
Alexander's bill
The Santa Fe is the only railroad close
to the reservation. Alva may be reached
by using the Choctaw road, but change
of cars must be made at that point to |
reach Woodward county. The other |
method of reaching the reservation is |
over the Santa Fe through Kansas. which |
means many hours travel. Four char |
ters have been taken out for roads across |
the reservation. One by the Frisco, /
others by the Rock Island, Oklahoma |
City and Western; and the Denver, Enid |
and Gulf. These charters were taken out |
last year and there are now two survey |
ing CORPS near the reservation. The Santa |
Fe is preparing to shorten its line from |
Alva to Woodward and one survey runs |
through the town of Supply. adjacent to |
the old fort 1t is believed that rail- |
road will soon be built through the res
ervation. but nothing definite is known |
about this. however. at this time. There
is talk also of an electric line to the res
ervation. If such line would be con-
immediately after the passage
Of an asvlum bill it would solve the |
question to some extent.
Fort Supply was established prior 10
1870 and for many years the southwestern
forts were supplied with arms provisions
and equipment from this point Many OF
the original buildings are in good state
Of preservation. In 1894 the last troops
were removed from the fort and very lit
tie attention has been paid to the build
ngs.
one and one-duarter million of dollars
were spent In building the fort. this
amount including in ii the cost of ice
and electric light plants. the equipment
Of which was sold when the fort was
abandoned The buildings in the main.
are in fair condition and not an un-
amount of money would be
necessary to place them in good condi-
ton The lumber and material used at
the fort were freighted from Dodge iCty.
a distance of ninety miles over the old
TuttIe cattle trail. The brick in the one
brick building on the reservation. a guard
house also came from Dodge City. The
quarters used by the officers are prob
30ly in better condition than other build
ngs on the reservation. The commanders
residence is occupied by Custodian Candy |
and contains twelve rooms. including
bath room. There are nine double houses
IF sixteen rooms each. These houses are |