The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-03-11
TOO MUCH MONEY.
A Suggestion That Kansas Forts
Are Too Expensive.

Washington, March 11.-Congress is
not only disposed to cut down the large
annual appropriations for Fort Leaven-
worth and Fort Riley, but is consider
ing the advisability of consolidating
these great forts into one.
With this in view, the committee on
appropriations appointed a subcom-
mfttee to consider the matter and re-
port. At hearing of the committee,
Colonel Ruhlen, of the quartermaSter
generals office, was called to testify or
advise the committee as to the neceS-
sity for the expenditure of such large
appropriations annually at these forts.
Congressman Curtis appeared in the
interests of the forts and on behalf of
the state of Kansas.
Chairman Hemenway, in ADDRESSING
Colonel Ruhlen, said: "A few days ago
you were requested to furnish this COM
mittee a statement of the amounts of
money expended by your department
at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley,
both located in Kansas
Your report shows that in that time
there has been expended at Fort Riley
the sum of 81, 405 451, and that you have
expended during the same period the
sum of 81, 993, $40 at Fort Leavenworth.
Il wish you would advise the COM
mittee as TO the necessity for the eX-
tpenditure of these large sums upon
these two forts; also advise US why
two large forts like Riley and Leaven-
worth should be maintained in the
same state
Colonel Ruhlen stated that the money
had been expended because the depart
ment thought it necessary. Mr. Hemen-
way asked il other forts that needed
improvements had not been neglected
by reason of the large expenditures at
the Kansas forts.
ssWhy'' he said these amounts equal
nearly one-third of the total of the gen
eraI appropriation for such purposes"
Colonel Ruhlen said that he did no
think any forts have been neglected
He could only speak personally in re-
gard to the forts at which he had been
stationed, and he knew they have not
1 been neglected. He was not fully ad-
vised, he said, as to the Riley and Leav-
enworth forts, and did not know just
what has been done or what led up TO
the making of improvements
Mr.. Hemenway called on Mr. Curtis
to give some reasons to the committee
Taking the floor, Mr.. Curtis said:
Gentlemen, am satisfied when you
consider the size and the Importance OF
Forts Leavenworth and Riley, you VIII
readily admit that too much money has
not been expended thereon.
/ Fort Leavenworth at which there
has been in round figures, s., 000, 900 ex-
pended in the last five years, is one of
! the Oldest forts in the country 1t is
recognized by the department as being
one of the greatest, if not the greatest,
forts in the United States.
! This fort was established in 1927 and
contains about 1000 acres of land Many
| of the buildings were erected in the
early days, and they were so old and
dilapidated that it was dangerous to
| occupy them. About six years ago an
/ inspector was sent out from the in
spector generals office, and, after a very
| careful examination, he reported that
many of the old buildings should be
taken down and replaced with new ones
"Afterward a board of army officers
was appointed to look into the recon-
menda tons of the inspector and report.
They did So and adopted a plan for the
rebuilding of the fort. Since that time
officers quarters, barracks and other
buildings have been erected. For this
Improvement 81 900 900 was expended,
but all of it was actually needed
At this point Congressman Gillett, of
Massachusetts, asked Mr.. Curtis if
Fort Ieavenworth was in his district,
| to which he replied affirmatively.
THAT probably explains matters. .
| interposed several members.
Are you not afraid you will be
named in a report to congress?'' they
asked. Mr.. Curtis replied:
Il have done my duty toward a great
Institution. and I am proud of it. You
must remember that there are infantry
fort, which are second only to West
| Point. Every officer from the Fort
Leavenworth schools served with honor
in the Spanish war
! Colonel Runien lnOOT-eQ MS 1SSs
| that IS So" he said THE same is true
of the officers from the Fort Riley
schools"
Mr. Curtis-.Fort Riley is not in the
| congressional district I represent, but l
know something about it. This fort is
located about 100 miles from Fort
Leavenworth. 1t contains 10000 acres,
and was established in 1852 or 1858.
Fort Riley is recognized by all as
| one of the best cavalry posts in the
| country, and am satisfied that the