The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-18
FINEST POST IN y. S.
Visiting Congressman Impressed by
Beauties and Facilities Of
Fort Smelling.
They All Suggest improvements
Commensurate With the I'm
portance Of the Post.

The visiting congressman Of the house
committee on military affairs gave express
sion last night, at the Chamber Of Com
merce dinner in the Minnesota club, at
Smelling. s, #sTs 81.
Luther Gushing, president Of the cham
Der, gave way to Congressman r. C. Ste
vens Of Minnesota as toastmaster. Con-
gresham A. B, Capron Of Rhode Island
said:e -s u.s.. . "a
I'VE have learned much from out trip
thru the northwest If the northwest
wants anything at the hands OF congress.
its representatives have only to mention
1t. There is something in the northwest
which so appeals to men that one has only
to pay a visit to the country to realize the
Importance of it. To show the progress
stveness Of the west, it is only necessary
to note that the money we of the east
loan them at IA per cent per year is
loaned out by them at az per cent per
month";: .sss
Congressman John j. Esch of Wisconsin
believed that Fort Smelling would be one
of the greatest forts of the country, It's
situation was favorable and its railway
facilities such as to give it an advantage
over any other post.
Archbishop John Ireland, j. " Graft
OF Illinois, Loren Fletcher of Minneapo-
lis and Captain George G.. Lambert also
had places on the program.
Later in the evening many Of the con-
gressmen left on General Kobbe's excur-
sion to the Yellowstone park.
Interviews with the different members
of the committee indicate that Fort Shell
ing will profit by the junket just closed.
Congressman Esch said: In my opinion
Fort Smelling Is one Of the finest posts
In the United States so far as lay of land
and facilities from a military standpoint
are concerned should like to see it be-
q a hy.icr do CT aud to-
son why it should not be made such
Owing to it's proximity to the northern
boundary line, Fort Smelling should be
the most prominent post in all the country
Congressman Capron-As compared
with other military posts visited, con-
slider Fort Smelling one Of the most per-
feet posts in the United States The post
needs an engineering building for furnish
ing heat and electricity There should
also be a gymnasium and a separate build
ing for a library. The quarters for the
priyates should be made as comfortable
as possible in order that there may be no
cause for complaint. A gymnasium and
a library would enable soldiers to pass the
winter months in exercise and study that
would be profitable, to mind and body.
Congressman Graff-The post regiment
should be made a. twelve company regi-
ment, and it should have 8. full compile
ment Of artillery and cavalry with the
j1nldnLIy. LIle. TACT xInaL IL is the north
jern frontier post makes It's rapid improve
t,ment. a matter OF great national inpor
lance. u ~
Congressman Stafford Some improve
ments that would benefit the rank and
file might be introduced, think. It
should be the policy Of the government to
make, the quarters OF all privates In the
ranks. as well furnished with all modern
conveniences as are the officers quarters.
/ do not think, however, that the private
soldier has been neglected at Fort SHELL
ing. d s.s-.. :. .
no reason. why Fort Smelling should not
be made one of the. best military posts
In the country. The improvements seem
to &rbes progressing admirably and they
cannot fail to add ssto the appearance Of
the post, Lam sure that greater improve
ments will be made in the not distant
future, and I am also sure that no mem
Der Of the present party will oppose the
government inff the carrying out .,of any
future plan for the benefit Of Fort Smelling