Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1902-03-06

states senator bOlcS feufOSe uhS MduO
another ten strike for Pennsylvania in
bringing about the selection OF the
camping grounds at Mount Gretna. in
Lebanon county, by the national gov
ernment, as q permanent rendezvous
for the National Guardsmen OF what
will bs known as the eastern district
of the United States.
The country has been divided into
three districts, in each Of which there
is to be located a permanent encamp-
ment for the troops Of the several
states comprised within such district.
The eastern district includes all OF
New England, New York. Pennsylva-
MIA, New Jersey. Delaware. Maryland,
Ohio and Michigan. 1t Is estimated
that there are over $4,000 militiamen
included in the National Guard OF these
states. The purpose Of the federal au-
thorities is to have each year grand
encampment Of the National Guards
men in each of these districts. Under
direction of the war department
boards Of officers were authorized to
select suitable sites for these encamp-
ments.
General Brooke was assigned to in
spect the various properties suggested
for the encampment Of the eastern dis
triot, and after a very careful inquiry
into the facilities for transportation,
the water supply and the general sani-
tary conditions of the numerous sites
suggested, it was finally determined to
locate at Mt. Gretna.
PENROSE WAS ALERT.
During the period when this subject
was under discussion Senator Penrose
was most attentive and sOlicitious for
the interests of Pennsylvania. He had
maps and other data prepared so that
the availability of the Pennsylvania
site might be favorably impressed upon
the government officials, Several Wis
its were made to Lebanon county and
all the many advantages of this site
were carefully presented. The result
has been an official Endorsement OF the
project and without delay the federal
authorities will purchase about ten
thousand acres of land in the vicinity
of Mt Gretna and begin to erect suit
able buildings construct water mains
and make other necessary preparations
to put the land in first class condition.
The intention is to have annual en-
campments in which federal officers
will supervise the work of the officers
of the various state troops and give
them the benefit of their training and
experience in handling large bodies of
men.
The benefits which will accrue to
Pennsylvania by the establishment OF
this encampment are many.
Every year the farmers and trades
men will be called upon to furnish sup
plies for over $4,000 men. Pennsylva-
MIA products will naturally be largely
used and the revenue that will be de-.
rived from the encampments will be
quite large.
Besides the purchase of 10000 acres
for the encampment proper the gov
ernment will wish the use Of fully
10000 acres more for extended move
ments of the troops. For the use Of
this land the government will properly
remunerate the property owners for
any damage that may be done to crops
OF their land and other proper COM
pensation will be given. This will
nians. whose property will be affected.
MIA, whose property will be affected.
Senator Penrose, before leaving for
Washington this week. stated that he
expects to bring out of the committee
on immigration Of the senate, of which
he is chairman. the Chinese exclusion
bill which has been drafted as the re-
suit of the numerous hearings had by
the committee of parties interested in
this proposed legislation.
Il am satisfied" said Senator PEN
rose. in commenting upon this issue,
that the labor interests which have
been heard through their accredited
representatives. will be pleased with
the form Of the bill that will be report
ed to the senate. 1t has always been
my belief that the American home
should be protected from the encroach
ment Of undesirable cheap labor from
abroad and IN this question OF Chinese
coolie labor we have to meet an issue
which is of vital Importance to every
American citizen, to every man who
has to work for a living, and who
should be protected by the government
against unfair, unjust and un-Ameri-
can competition"
Another matter which will probably
command Senator Penrose's careful
consideration within few days is that
of the oleomargarine legislation. The
house has already taken action on this
subject and it will now come up In
the United States senate.
WILL FIGHT OLEO.
MY attitude on the question OF the
restriction of the manufacture and sale
of oleomargarine colored in imitation
of butter Is we'll known" remarked
Senator Penrose. The Republican or
ganiyatiOn in Pennaylvauia mef that