The Washington times., 1916-09-13
URGE CAPITAL FOR
ARMOR PLANT SITE
President P. 7. Moran, Of Cham
Der Of Commerce, Argues
Washington's Claim.
from First Page.

CONTINUED from First Page.
expense for defense would be needed
on account of the location OF the
arynor plant here.
Location Proposed Convenient.
II was pointed out by Mr.. Moran
that 1t was important to have the
plant located adjacent to and in close
connection with the present ordnance
factory for the navy. This would per-
init development OF the armor plant
to be handled by present agencies
without separate establishment for
the preliminary work and, secondly.
the unity of a portion of the per-
manent administrative work. This
unity would be extended to power,
transportation, policing, fire protec-
ton. materials, machine work, sup
plies and other facilities leaving all
that would have to be constructed
for the armor plant proper to be the
particular appliances for the produce
ton of armor.
In consideration of the advantages
OF Washington" said Mr.. Moran, very
great weight must be given to the
proximity OF and ease of access from
the proposed site to the naval proving
ground at Indian Head and the facil-
ity with which experimental work
may be carried on not only in matters
OF test at that point, but In close as
laboratories and means OF research
in the city Itself"
The Importance OF being able to get
test plates to the proving ground In
quick time was emphasized.
Labor Problem Easy.
In respect to labor supply, Il was
pointed out the experience OF the WASH
ington Steel and Ordnance Company was
indicative Of the possibilities OF Wash
inBton by way OF drawing men from the
general labor market of steel workers.
II was pointed out that following the
outbreak OF the European war the force
at this company's plant had been in
creased quickly to upward OF 5000 men,
The argument that local supply OF
skilled labor had to be on hand in the
place where the plant was located was
combated.
II was pointed out that In the District
the governmental employment OF large
number of men In a plant OF this kind
would be unhampered by local politics.
labor disturbances. and similar consider
atoms. The rules applying to the naval
gun factory would apply to the EN-
ployment problem.
Mr.. Moran gave a history of the site
which was part OF Cerne Abbey Manor.
Maryland to Charles Carroll.
Land for Munitions Plant.
Not only would there be room for the
armor plate factory on the proposed
site. said Mr.. Moran, but land would
also be available for a Government mu-
nitions plant.
| The advantages of water frontage and
water terminal facilities were dwelt on.
In this connection was mentioned the
value of the work in improving perma-
nently the Eastern Branch. For sani-
tary and other reasons. this, II was
pointed out was Of moment Ample
railroad facilities constituted another
advantage.
| These and other reasons why WASH
ington should be settled on as the loca :
ton Of the plant were given by Mr.
Moran. Accessibility OF coal and OF
raw material were dwelt upon.
Todays hearing was largely attended
! by representatives OF scores OF cities.
Secretary Daniels presided over the
| hearing, accompanied by Assistant Sec
rotary Roosevelt and leading bureau
| chiefs.
AT the outset. the Secretary read the
law. RE said n city was desirable.
| which was well away from possibility
| OF attack, with good railroad facilities
and transportation facilities. accessi-
Iility to materials AMI with a good Ia
Dor market.
! Alexandria was ono OF the cities rep
resented. Congressman Carin headed
delegation which made a strong plea
| for the plant.
Among other nearby cities which were
| represented we're Baltimore, ANNAPOLIS
Richmond, Petersburg. Norfolk. Hope.
well. Suffolk. and Huntington, W. Va
The Midvale Armor Plant was repre-.
scnted at the hearing. This led to the
impression one or more of the existing
factories would offer to sell to the Gov.
| ernment