The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-19

Concerted efforts will be launched
within the next few days to have Con-
tsress establish an army post in or adj
tacent to the city OF Richmond. Ac-
companled by officers of the Wright,
volunteers, city officials and represent
atives of the various commercial bodies.
Adjutant- General Sale will go 10 WASH
tngton one day next week to lay the
matter before the Virginia represents
etres and before the Mar Bepa RI n,opts-
II is believed that the rapid advances
meht IN equipment and efficiency lnude
By the Virginia militia within the pa st
Few years. together with tho impetus
which would be given 1t by the loca-
ton il this city OF force of the reg
ular army. will appeh to the Virginians
in Congress, who now occupy such I'M
portant positions In reference TO m
tlonal Legislation. Senator Thomas $.
Martin is leader of the Democratic MI,
norlty. which now daily seems likely
TO become majority. Mr. EIay "a
chairman OF the House COMMITTEES on
Military Affairs, while Captain I,a,nb!
Mr.. Jones. MIR. Flood and ether members
Of the delegation are leaders in shap-
Ing the course OF legisla ton.
Help It's Efficiency.
But the fact that Richmond wants
and the militia needs the army posi-
VIII be only part of the strength or
the argument to be made 1t Will ba
demonstrated as strongly as the vir-
Sinians can accomplish 1t that such ain
institution here would be to the ndvan-
,age OF the War Department. that
transportation facilities can be FUR
nished second to none. with the Jamcs
River deep enough 10 cnnb bic transports
To reach the city with troops and sup
plies. In addition, II is thought THAI
an army post at the old capital OF tho
Confederacy VIII be an evidence OF
really united country. which will APP.
peal to the people of all sections of the
United States.
For some time the tendency has been
to abandon the posts 10 the far North,
such rs those in the New England
states, in the northern part OF New
York state and in the Northwest When
autumn comes in these stations the
officers and men go into winter quar-,
ters. being kept indoors by The rlgors
of the weather. There Is little, indeed
they can do until spring comes again.
In Richmond, II is argued, the men
at the post could be kept busy nearly
all the year through. The gain in ell :
cheney through the more favorable cli-
mate is expected TO appeal with pecu-
liar force 10 the War Department and
10 go long way toward gaining its
support.
Hold Hien Better. Uas
Another policy OF the department IS
10 have the posts located close to cities
of considerable size. It has been found
that where the men are given the OPP
portunity for diversion. such as attend.
nncc on theatres they are much bet
ter satisfied. enlist motc readily ana
are moro easily held when thu criti-
zeal time OF re-enlistment comes.
Again. the necessaries of life can c1
secured more cheaply and conveniently
the citys water, the electric lights and
probably car service could be obtained
On the James River, just east OF
the limits OF South Richmond, lies 8
tract of land which Is regarded as emz
nently well suited for army post purl
poses. But there are others which could
be as we'll utilized with water and raA
transportation within easy reacD
Horses can be bought here 81 good
quality at much lower prices than pre-
vail i'll the North.
Altogether. the delegation has argu4
mont TO present In Washington,
which 1t feels Will be Irresistible.
Militia Interested. gt IA
Tho officers and men of the Nir-.
ginia Volunteers have taken ZIP tf9 J
movement with an alacrity which
shows how they appreciate tie 'oppoy1
tunity which would DO extended ste
them. The nearness OF rcgulaf
army post would be at once3a sourGa
of interest and Instruction. and tend 4
TO add TO the high standard aircaGS