The Oskaloosa herald., 1903-09-10
FOR PERMANENT CAMP
National Guard May Meet Regularly
at Des Moines.

The Iowa National Guard may es-
tablish a permanent camp in the vi
cinity Of Des Moines, near the loca.
ton of the army post. For some time
such an undertaking as this has been
talked of but nothing has been ac-
complished TO further the idea. A
movement is on foot at present to
have the state purchase 100 acres OF
land adjoining the army post to be
used as a permanent camp for the
Iowa National Guard, rendezvous
similar to Camp Lincoln at Spring
field, ILL.,, where all the regiments of
the militia Of that state go into camp
once a year. Much agitation has
been raised since the suggestion that
like camp be established in Iowa
and several officers, both line anc
STAFF, have expressed themselves as
being heartily in favor of a perma.
nent camp at Des Moines.
Major WethereIl's Opinion.
Major F. E. Wetherell, of the Fiji
ty-fourth regiment, is heartily IN
favor Of the permanent camp. He
says: ut is just what Is needed for
the state guard and this agitation Oh
the question has grown out of the ne
cessity Of the case. The old idea or
holding the camps here and there
about the state is not favored by
those who have the best interests or
the guard at heart. This method IS
expensive and not satisfactory. The
towns where the camps are located
often introduce that into the camp
which is distracting and not condu-
Give to the best results in this little
military school which is too brief IN
itself to admit of diversions and in
terruptions.
"The Des Moines location should
be considered above any and all 9TH
ers that may be proposed from the
fact that its close proximity to the
regular army post and the benefits to
be derive therefrom will be of meal
culable value in the strengthening
and lettering the work of the Iowa.
Guard The state of Iowa could not
make a better investment than pur-
chasing grounds and establishing al
permanent camping place for it's
Guard"
A Hysienic Modern Camp.
The plan contemplates a thorough
ly hygienic modern camp with good
water, perfect drainage and a well
equipped hospital. 1t is believed that
association Of the National Guard
with the regular army forces and Off
GERS once a year will develop a bet
ter spirit and stimulate the ambition
of the state regiments. 1t is said
that Governor Cummins Is heartily
in favor of the plan and will recon-
mend its adoption by the general as
sembly.
Captain Fred Moore, of Company
F, Oskaloosa, holds to the opinion
that the permanent state camp is not
only desirable, but is an assured
thing for the near future. There Isl
no question about the permanent
camp being more desirable than the
temporary camping places designat-
ed here and there about the state
from year to year. He believed tnel
guard would be benefited in great
measure. Des Moines is the logical
point for the location Of the camp on
account of the regular army post 10
cation there and the good that would
accrue to the guard from this fact.
Then the capital city Is easy of ac-l
cess and small time would be lost in |
getting to and from the camp as Is
now the case when the camps are
placed at out of the way towns ana
cites anywhere in the state