The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-04-11
sends Special Message 10 Legis-
lature, Outlining Advan-
tages Of Tract
WOULD BE IDEAL FOR
MILITARY Pl RPOSES
Forest Reserve should Benefit
Not Only National Guard.
But Also Civilians
rrnr u Stnn Corresnondeni.

Ia y = NJ W ~ "a fNPA -
Special Governor Ferris sent the
following message 20 the Legislature
this morning In favor OF accepting the
offer az 1000 acres of land near
Grayling. Mich
To the forty-seventh legislature
II the State OF Michigan
II wish 10 call your attention 10
the Importance Of enacting legisla-
tion in this section. establishing
permanent encampment and maneu-
vering grounds for the Michigan Ma
tional Guard and accepting the offer
II Rasmus Hanson. OF Grayling, Of
land for the purpose.
The great benefit OF a permanent
snCampment and maneuvering
ground has long been urged by the
officers OF the guard. and the mem
bers OF the military board The leg
islature of 1911 recognized this. and
appointed a committee 10 investigate
and report upon sites suitable for
this purpose. The opportunity to
accomplish the wishes OF the guard
and the recommendation OF the mil
itary board with one OF the sites
recommended by the mmission and
without initial expense 70 the state,
ia presented in the offer OF Rasmus
Hansen, OF Grayling. TO donate A.
000 acres OF land for the purpose.
From the information have per
sonally obtained and from the state
ments made TO me by officers OF the
guard and members % the military
board who have visited the Portage
Lake site for the purpose OF investiga-
ton, ! am greatly impressed with the
desirability o. accepting the grounds
offered by Mr. Hanson and locating
the permanent encampment thereon.
am informed that the site possesses
all the requirements laid down by the
commission OF inquiry as necessary
for military camp site, namely.
good drainage, pure water. available
ity for small maneuvers. rife and ar
tillery ranges and railroad traSsporta-
ton facilities. II also possesses other
advantages highly desirable from a
military standpoint: as healthfu and
invigorating climate. opportunity for
maneuvcrs and the practice OF every
branch Of military service continu-
ously over practically new territory
anu llNthphi tlplli puANluN
that interfere with camp duties and
disciples. A military encampmen'
should be first OF all a school OF in.
struction. and the farther II is from
outside influence. the greater will he
the benefits resulting in this respect
The conditions at Portage Lake are
most satisfactory
Il am also impressed with the
thought that benefits other tasn mill
tary will result 10 the guard at Pvt
age lake The conditions surrouv r.
ing camp life there and the iecr a
tons offered ~ the soldiers while of
duty are OF the most wholesome and
health-g!ving character, such as excIr-
sions 10 the forests, visits TO the hills
boating and fishing in the lake and
streams
The financial side OF the PROPOSE
ton for a permanent encampment Is
very important. in view OF the pres
ent condition OF state treasury. The
fourteen thousand acres offered at
Portage Lake would cost nothing for
original outlay: whereas other sites
available would cost thousands OF dol.
lars and there would he little differ
ence in the OUTLAY for building and
permanent improvements.
II would also call attention to the
fact that benefits other than military
would come TO all the people Of the
state. from the acceptance OF Mr.
Hansons gift forest reserve a.
ready we'll established that will in
time be source OF continuing rev
enuc 10 the state treasury. game
refuge where the rapidly disappearing
Mild life o. the state can multiply In
safety. A health resort and recreation
ground open 10 those OF orr citizens
VINO on account Of financial reasons
would otherwise be deprived OF such
benefits and advantages.
would also call attention TO the
fact that failure 10 act at this time
viii not remove the necessity or save
the expense OF permanent encamp-
rent ground in ne near future Fail
ure OF the legislature 10 accept the
Cffer ~ Mr. Hanson and locate the
eucdmpment permanently at Portage
Lake is necessarily. a declination OF
the gift and renewal Of the offer.
7 am informed. will not be made. r.
f. my knowledge OF this, together
with my firm belief in the present ad.
Vantages OF the Portage Lake site for
military purposes and ia great value
in tho future for many purposes that
causes mo 10 urge action in this mill
tary enCamDmert matter
"Respc ctfully yours.
"EDODRRIIlCE " E.EPDTG"