DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS, QUARTERS, AND BARRACKS.

At the close of last year twelve posts were occupied, to wit: Arecibo, Aibonito, Adjuntas, Aguadilla, Cayey, Humacao, Lares, Manati, Mayaguez, Ponce, San German, and San Juan. At the present time the only posts are: Aibonito, 1 company; Cayey (Henry Barracks), companies; Mayaguez, 5 companies; Ponce, 4 companies; San Juan, 8 companies. There are detachments at Aguadilla, Adjuntas, and Humacao, each reporting to the posts whence the troops are detached.

The reduction of separate establishments has much reduced administrative expenses and cost of transportation, as now there are only five companies who do not receive their supplies direct by water.

As respects capacity of the several posts and condition of the accommodations, the following is remarked:

San Juan.-The number of staff officers' quarters is sufficient, but no more than sufficient for the commanding general, his personal and department staff. All are in good condition for comfortable living, and with slight repairs and renovation should continue in good condition indefinitely. All these houses were occupied by military officers under Spain and have so continued to be used during the American occupation. The lands occupied by these buildings also belong to the United States.

The offices of the department headquarters are in the building which was called the by Spain "El Maestrenza de Artilleria." A few inexpensive changes in this fine old building adapted it for occupation and use. The number of office rooms is sufficient.

The ordnance depot is in the old "Parque de Artilleria," and is adequate and suitable.

The quartermaster's shops are in some masonry outbuildings at Casa Blanca, and are adequate and suitable.

The chief commissary's depot is in a building that formerly belonged to the Spanish board of harbor works and it is presumed will have to be given up soon, or rent paid for use. The storehouse is adequate and suitable. Sales room is in the old San Domingo Barracks.

The depot proper for the quartermaster's department is in a building known as the "San Francisco Barracks." It is an excellent establishment for the purpose. Some additional supplies are kept in the "San Domingo Barracks."

The quartermaster's forage and coal supply is kept on the Marina, ground which is controlled by the island government. Here the transports land. No rent has been paid for this ground and landing and none has been demanded. The quartermaster's means of transportation and corral are about a mile east of the center of the city, on San Juan Island. At this place Spain formerly had barracks, but some years ago they were destroyed by fire. Temporary sheds have been erected for animals kept at the depot. The quartermaster's wheelwright, harness, and paint shops are near by, also on Government land.

The central office of the United States military telegraph is in a building belonging to the insular government, as is also the office of the engineer officer of the department. No rent has been paid. The accommodation for troops in San Juan consists:

(1) Ballajá Barracks, built a few years ago by Spain, and altogether the best I have ever seen. It has adequate accommodations for the

POST HOSPITAL, MAYAGUEZ, P. R., SEPTEMBER, 1900. INTERIOR VIEW; REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS COMPLETED.