The Columbus weekly dispatch., 1908-07-30
PERMANENT CAMP
GROUNDS HERE
STRONG EFFORT Is BEING MADE
TO HAVE MISSISSIPPI Ma
TIONAL GUARD MEET
HERE EACH YEAR.
The Progressive Union Has Sent Let
ters to Military Men Request
ing Them to Use Efforts
in Columbus Behalf.

In their decision TO bivouac here
twice in succession, members of the
Mississippi National Guard have
clearly demonstrated the fact that
they like Columbus as a point of
amalgamation, and a strong effort
lis being made by the Progressive
Union and a number of public spir-
tied citizens, who have interested
themselves in the matter to have a
permanent camp ground established
here and Columbus officially desig-
mated as the place for holding the
encampment each year. In further
ance of this movement, Col. Walter
Weaver, president of the Progressive
Union, has issued a circular letter
to officers of the guard and military
men generally asking for their en-
dorsement of the plan. Copies of
this letter have been sent to promi-
nent National Guardsmen through
out the State, and it is believed that
they will cooperate with local citi-
zens in the movement TO have Wash
ington Park selected as a permanent
camp site.
There are many advantages to be
gained by holding the encampment
at the same place each year, and no
place in the State offers better camp
facilities than does Columbus The
grounds are admirably situated, be-
and easily accessible TO the city, but
possessed of natural advantages that
cannot be surpassed anywhere in the
State. The camp ground is situated
upon a bluff overlooking the placid
waters of the LuxapaliIa and stately
trees afford abundant shade, while
an adjacent plateau offers excellent
facilities for bota company and reg
mental drills
In the event that Washington Park
is selected as a permanent camp
ground, the city water mains will
be extended thereto and permanent
bath houses installed.
Another advantage TO be gained
by establishing a permanent camp
ground lies in the fact that the tents
and other impedimenta will remain
in one place continuously, and the
expense incurred in shipping them
from Jackson and back again each
year Will be saved Tt is the desire
of those interested TO have the mat
ter settled while the coming encamp-
ment is in progress, for in the event
that the soldiers decide TO camp here
each year the tents and other govern
ment property viii not be returned
to Jackson, but viii be placed in
storage here.
The letter which Col. Weaver has
addressed 10 officers and mem bers Of
the National Guard follows:
Columbus receives you with open
arms. Her citizens, old and young,
grave and gay, fair and otherwise,
call you friend, and are eagerly
awaiting your coming to Camp Noel.
1t is the ambition of the citizenship
of this section 10 have the National
Guard heartily endorse their efforts
~ SAtS SGCA anu EFEAg CAAA4CLEA AA4E-A~
and officer a thoroughly good time,
along lines which will be both rec
reating and eIevating.
This endorsement we ask to be an
expression from you Of your desire
to have Columbus made a permanent
camp ground, and the property that
was secured in 1907 secured by the
State and used for al Itime as a camp I
site. Our people will grow fonder
of you the more they see you, and
every August viii be looked forward
to by all as period Of unalloyed
pleasure.
# convenient for you. kindly drop
me a line indicating your willingness
to give Columbus your endorsement
or hold yourself N readiness TO be
waited upon at your arrival in camp.
Remember, good time is yours, and
we people of Columbus pledge our
selves to give it you.
Respectfully, Walter Weaver,
President Progressive Union.