The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-24

question. Richmond could offer superior
advantages IN the way OF transportation
facilities. General Ice after giving lit
tic thought to the proposition became
greatly onthused and suggested that COL
DO. Lane Stern Doe sent TO Washington TO
personally interview the Secretary OF
War Col stern lcft Thursday night with
letters from Governor Tyler and General
Lee. He had q pleasant interview with
General Algcr Friday morning. The War
Secretary. after hcaving the Coloneis
presentation OF The matter. said he felt
fayorably inclined toward Richmond. The
fact that no charge would bo made for
thc grounds impressed him as being a
most patriotic offer Col. stern came
home believing that Richmond would De
selected and it was no surprise TO him
when he learned OF General Ayers de-
c.s.on.
THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS.
OF course. no one here knows how many
nor what troops viii Doe sent to- Richmond
u SIS generally believed in military cir
Giles that a Division viii be formed iu this
city and that General Lee viii De placed
in command Of it. By the end OF the
week there will be probably from 1900
TO 1900 troops at the Exposition Grounds
and they win remain here until they can
be thoroughly organized. drilled and
equipped for the Cuban campaign.
Ii is said Major-Geueral John r.
Brooke of the regular army viii Doe dcs-
isnatod 90 form corps of the troops TO
be modified at Richmond. Washington,
Atlanta and the fourth point yet 20 De
selected. General Brooke is one of the
most popular men n the army General
Lee thinks very highly Of him.
TO BE TURNED OVER.
Mr. John l.. williams when seen by a
representative of The Times last even
Ing iu regard 90 the proposed use of the
Tai- Grounds. said that the Fair Ground
Company had offered 10 turn the grounds
over TO tho Federal government. if
center of mobilization for the troops
could Doe established there
The grounds represented the old Camp
Lee which had rendered excellent soT-
vice in "a similar manner during the late
war They contained sixty acres of land
and could accommodate "a large number
of troops. The entire area being fenced
in SO would be an easy manner TO Keep
it under control Should this property
Doe insufficient another large 9rca could
be secured across Broad street belong
ing 90 the Allen estate.
The government of course viii have
TO make am the =. Nessary arrangements,
such as procuring kAd pitching tents,
providing for a kitchen, mess room e,c.
IL is likely that as manySs one division
win be- ouartercd there tt Sporarily ana
10 is also possible that the pounds sail
be permanently used for s. NS purposes
as long as the war goes ON.
it is thought by many that th's camp
will Doe used chiefly at FIRST 90 concentrate
the Virginia troops. Others. however.
are Of opinion. that f. Will be best TO
have the Virginia troops concentrate at
some point further south in order 90 stop
the men from blockade running near az
home at night time. I'm that instance
the Fair Grounds would Ice welcome
rendezvous for troops from the West,
Northwest and North.
THE ENTIRE BATALLION.
Company b. Of the Blues Battalion held
n meeting at their armory ON Nlnth ana
cary streets last evening at g o'clock and
decided unanimously 10 volunteer to go
anywhere within or outside Of the Unit
cd States. The company had held
meeting for that purpose ON last Iues-
do, evening but before any action could
he taken. the Blues Battalion had TO be
formed 10 go 60 the Blues Bazaar. The
action of Company b. last evening makes
The Batallion united I'm its declaration TO
be willing to serve anywhere.
since the call Of the President for
volunteers has been raised from inc
ORIGINAL number Of 100000 20 l-50o.
Virqinia's quota viii likely De raised
to 2NO which is far moro ln1h
,.. r-ieo5 10 $500 which is far more than
+bo entire strength of the white military
,,netorod M the last annual inspection,
which aggregated 2WA
TO RECRUIT AT ONCE.
Whatever the number of troops VIII ne