Omaha daily bee., 1906-11-18
SECRETARY TAFT RETURNS
Head Of Var Department Finishes InIpsO-
ton Of Western Fsrta
WILL PLEASED WITH NEBRASKA POST
Additional Land VIII ne Purehssed
to Make Fort Robinson a Brigade
...... Post-Othsr Forte 60 ne
Enlarged.

WASHINGTON, d. C., Nov. i7.-Secre-
tary Taft who returned today from his
Inspection trip TO western forts. says he
found Fort d. A. Russell, Wyo., amply pro-
video with all the land necessary for the
accommodation of full brigade and with
ample room for exercises and maneuvers.
There are 5000 acres OF land at the post
and another reservation OF 1900 acres,
distant thirty miles, where maneuvers were
held this fslh Cutting across the country
the party struck the railroad 100 miles to
the north and came to Fort Robinson. Mob
This post has 10000 acres with another
reservation Of 1900 acres, distant twelve
milos. Secretary Taft concluded that Il
will bo necessary TO purchase the inter-
vening ground to mako this a brigade post.
Fort sheridan. near Chicago. was next
Inspected and incidentally the secretary
looked into a complaint that the target
range there Was an injury TO adjoining
private property. The secretary concluded
that Fort Sheridan could not properly DO
made. brigade post. owing to the limited
size Of the reservation; the high price Of
the adjoining land that would have TO be
acquired; and other considerations. There
is no intention, however OF abandoning
the post, which will be maintained on a
feglmental OASIS.
At Fort Leavenworth the secretary saw
200 men under arms. The reservation Of
5000 acres is too small for brigade post
but Secretary Taft believes II will be pos
Bible to purchase additional ground at
reasonable price, making the post large
enough for a brigade, while the troops
could have their maneuvers at Fort Riley
not far distant
Big Reserve AZ Fort Riley.
The secretary was particularly pleased
with Fort Riley with Its 1900 acres al the
post and fine plant already accommodate
ing regiment of Geld artillery, "A regiment
Of cavalry and a battalion Of engineers, so
that the place Is already under brigade
basis. congress. having allotted money to
build headquarters for an engineer depart
ment.
At Fort Sill. okl,, the secretary found
the largest army reservation, save one.
namely, Fort Assinaboine. Fort Sill has
5000 acres at. the post and the troops have
the use of the 1900 acres comprised in
the adjoining Wichita mountain forest re-
serve. There are accommodations for only
a squadron at the post now, but it will be
enlarged in view OF the splendid location,
the good water and other advantages. At
this post are the 23s Geronimo Apaches,
technically prisoners of war. At, present
a majority of older Indians are anxious
to return TO their old homes in Arizona
and New Mexico, but the younger men de-
sire to remain where they are. Secretary
Taft listened to their representations, but
has so, far reached no conclusion. as to
granting their desires.
Fort sam HOuHton.
Fort Sam Houston Tex, was the last
post Inspected and with this Secretary Taft
was also greatly pleased. Money has been
allotted for the purchase of additional
land and there is already full infantry
post there and a cavalry regiment SO that
IT is we'll along toward a brigade post.
The Leon SPRINGS tract distant eleven
miles from the. post. includes 1900 acres
available for maneuvers. g.. o.. .-..-. .- ..
Secretary Taft has - concluded. that It
would not be- necessary or .expedient to
make all the changes indicated at the
various posts Immediately. believing that
they must be worked out gradually, ac-
eording to the needs Of the service.