Wausau Pilot

The new "Fort Des Moines" in Des Moines, which has been erected by a special act of Congress at a cost of $2,000,000 and is second to none in the country, will soon be ready for occupancy, and regular army soldiers will be detailed to the new war establishment. On Thanksgiving day Colonel William C. Wallace, in charge of one squadron of the Fifteenth Cavalry now in the Philippines, will become commander of this post. The buildings, which are all of hard pressed brick, surround a parade ground 1,000x2,000 feet and are as level as a floor. In front of this and between it and the public road are the double-faced houses for the commissioned officers. A macadamized drive passes between the houses and the parade ground and circles around the ground. Standing on the major's porch, one sees to his left the imposing Administration Building, and by its side the guardhouse, which by its grated windows announces that disobedience to army discipline will not go unpunished. Back of these are the quarters of the non-commissioned officers and the hospital. Across the parade ground are the barracks to quarter 1,200 men and to their rear stables for as many horses. On to their right is the regiment's bakery and stewards' houses. To the right of the parade ground is nothing but the undulating rich Iowa farm land stretching into the distance. The spot is located within one of the richest fruit growing sections of the State and the scenery, while not imposing, is the prettiest bit of rural landscape that could be selected in the West.

HOMES FOR OFFICERS.

Twenty six of the buildings are now completed and finished and equipped with every modern convenience. All have been put up by expert workmen with the best possible material. The roofs are all of slate. Within the walls are hard finished and every room will be steam-heated and lighted with electricity. The army post will have its own power plant.