Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-19
ROME HAS GOOD
CHANCE TOLAND
BIG ARMOR PLANT
Inside Information Secured
in Washington by Ralph
Smith DopeS Georgia City
to Win
BY RALPH SMITH.


WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 16.-Rome,
the hill city of Georgia, is very much
on the map today, and there are reasons
to believe that the prominence she en-
joys will prove permanent. In a word, it
looks as if the chances are better than
ever that the governments armor plate
plant to cost 100000, will be locat-
ed at Rome.
An $1,000, 900 investment in a single
enterprise is some investment" Even
New York would sit up and take notice
of such an industrial development. The
Importance of such an investment to a
city of Rome's size can scarcely be
magnified. 1t would be reflected in an
industrial awakening all over northwest
Georgia, and would result eventually in
the opening of the Ceosa river to navi7
cation.
The general board of the United States
navy, to which was referred for prelim-
mary investigation the location of the
plant that is TO manufacture arImor plate
for the navy, has named Rome as one
of the nineteen localities adapted for
the plant.
The secretary of the navy, in the
course of the next two or three weeks,
will name a special board to finally rec
ommend the locality for the plant. 1t
by the general board.
From sources which may be consider
ed reliable comes the news that Romes
chances are much better than one out
of nineteen, as the report of the general
board would indicate. They are, in fact,
better than even, it appears from this
information. They are so good, in fact,
that the Romans in Washington work
ing for the project in cooperation with
Senators Smith and Hardwick and Con-
gresham Lee believe 1t practically GER
tain they will win their fight.
H. r. McClatchey, president and T.
E. Grafton, secretary, respectively, of
the Rome chamber of commerce, are
here, and they are working like beavers
for the armor plant. They have inter-
viewed, and they have impressed, every
body who is likely to have any say-so
in the location of the plant, and they are
encouraged by the assurances they have
received.
The Romans are not "hot-airing.
They have a good case, and they know
it. The geographical situation of Rome
is more advantageous than many of the
other cities that have been designated
as adaptable for the plant. The charac-
ter and the quality of the iron ore that
abounds in the Rome district is better
suited to the manufacture of armor plate
than the ore found elsewhere. The Dur
ham mines, at the door of Rome, prom
Use an abundant supply of cheap fuel
for the operation of the plant.
Rome's railroad facilities are vastly
better than the facilities of other COM
munities that are bidding for. the in
dustry. The Rome committee in Wash
ington has arranged for a conference
with officers of the Seaboard Air Line
concerning an extension of its Birming-
ham division to Rome. 1t now goes
within nine miles of the city and the
route already has been surveyed.
Geographically, Rome is located with
in the safety zone" described by the
from the coast, further removed than
Birmingham, which is nearer to Mobile
than Rome is to its nearest port, Bruins
wick
I'VE are going to land the armor plate
plant" said Mr.. McClatchey today. 1--WE
have the goods, and we are going TO
present them in form that will be
convincing to the special board that is
to be appointed. We feel very much en-
couraged over our interview with Sec
retary Daniels. We are assured that
our claims will be fairly considered.
That is all we ask
The citizens of Rome, it appears, are
excitedlv jubilant over the outlook, and
not without reason. The chamber Of
commerce has arranged a homecoming"
banquet for it's delegation in Washing
ton. DR.. Stockton Axiom, brother-in-law
of the president, will be the guest of
honor. Senators Smith and Hardwick
and Congressman Lee have been invited
to attend.