The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-12-06
Shall We Have the Encampment Ground

Shall We Have the Encampment Ground?
A project is on foot among the officers of
the Illinois National Guard looking toward
the est blshment of permanent en-.
campment ground for the state military or
CARNATIONS. With this end in view several
committees are investigating different To-
calities where such an encampment ground
would seem to be desirable, and where the
best offers are attainable. Already points
near Kankakee, Wilmington, Pullman,
North Chicago, Rockford, and other cities
have been visited. On Tuesday Col. j. A.
Shaffer, general inspector of rifle practice
for the state; Maj. f. Durand, inspector Of
the first brigade, and Capt j. N. Buchanan,
assistant quartermaster first brigade, &C
companied by NJ. E. Morrison, of the adj
vertising department of the Rock Island
road, who has shown a great interest in
the natural and historic scenery of La Sale
county, came here for the purpose of see
ing what advantages could be found in
this vicinity A committee of citizens,
consisting of Col, Hapeman, l. n. BEEN,
w l.. Milligan, Capt. Blanchard and Lieut.
Wheeler, took the gentlemen in carriages
to Buffalo Rock and several other places
that were thought available, and exhibited
the numerous advantages possessed by this
city and vicinity, On Wednesday the
guests were driven TO the Canyons, Starved
Rock and Deer Park, They seemed more
than pleased with what they saw, and were
at loss TO understand why it was that our
city had not already become famed as a
pleasure and health resort. Nor were they
at a loss TO find suitable grounds for the
proposed encampment
But before any definite action can be
taken the Legislature must pass an act au-
thorizing and establishing such an encamp
ment. 1t is not improbable that the next
general assembly will have the matter un-
der consideration and, If the city selected
by the joint committee shall offer sufficient
inducement, pass the required act during
its session. The Illinois Central railroad
company and the city of Kankakee, it is
understood, are making strenuous exertion
TO secure the prize, offering almost every.
thing, even TO the extent of purchasing
the grounds, &c Other localities are Of.
fering strong inducements, for it is certain
military post of this description, with its
attending annual brigade, regimental and
company encampments, would be pow
erful incentive for making the city near
which il is established popular rendez-
vouS for excursions from all parts of the
state
As regards Ottawa, the Rock Island com.
pany are anxious TO do something. Mr..
Morrison has long considered the project
of improving the sulphur springs, provided
they could be obtained on reasonable
terms, and now, with the possibility of
adding new attraction, the company are
making additional exertions, but it cannot
be expected 10 do all
Our citizens must do something. We
have all the elements of success within our
reach, and all that is lacking is to put a
little energy and some money into the
effort. Will Our wide-awake, progressive
citizens take hold of this matter, and If the
encampment shall be established secure II
for Ottawa? The benefits will be many
and of a permanent nature to the city In
more ways than one.