Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-29

ton are now considering a plan in CO.
operation with Postmaster Sherlock
Swami of Baltimore to provide ade-
Quate postal facilities for the soldiers
in Camp Meade. A special building for
this use will be constructed. and Will
probably be operated as branch or
the Baltimore post office. 1t has been
estimated by the Washington postal
authorities that Camp Meade will in all
likelihood require twenty-five postal
clerks.
Devoted to Serious Business.
Real estate and amusement promoters
end trafficking of all sorts are prohibit
ed in the camp now, and there will be
even stricter rules when the canton
ment has been occupied by the military
forces. 1t is being impressed upon
everybody that when the troops from
Pennsylvania. Delaware and Maryland
go into the cantonment they are there
for a very serious purpose of interna-
tional moment. and that this canton
ment will be entirely different from the
customary National Guard encamp-
ments
Maj. Proctor. however, realizes that
to maintain the morale Of the men in
camp they must be given wholesome
amusement. and with this idea in mind
Y. NJ. C. A. buildings are to be scat
a large amusement hall is to be erected
for the Knights of Columbus. These are
the only two recreational buildings
that civilians will be allowed to con-
provided with the sanction of the War
Department. Maj. Proctor says that
the distances in the camp will be- SO
far that men. even when granted leave.
will not be disposed to proceed a great
distance from their own regimental
camp.
In the course Of regular daily work."
he said. there will be neither time nor
inclination for anything but the tasks
assigned. In the recreational period
there will be passes issued to about
1000 men from the encampment each
night. That would make it possible to
go considerable distance IF transporta-
ton facilities were convenient. But
the travelling in Camp Meade will be
over long stretches and expensive. and
we feel that with sufficient wholesome
amusement provided within the camp
the men will not care to go far af1eld.
Y. M. C. A. Recreation Work.
ITO this end the Young Mems Chris
tian Association is going to do recrea-
tional work and the headquarters in
Baltimore has raised a fund of $150.000
for the construction and equipment Of
sixteen Y. NJ C. A. buildings in the
camp. which will consist of all kinds of
reading rooms, writing rooms, gymna-
SUM. swimming pool and all other di
versions that the men could want.
Religious organizations have ap-
piled for permission to provide oppor-
tunities for religious worship. and they
will be welcome. Thus we know that
the men will have not only avenues of
normal, healthful pleasure, but for fol-
lowing their religious bent.
TT Is probable that a big theater to
seat several thousand at each perform
ance will be built right on the ground.
with first-class vaudeville and moving
picture shows for the men at moderate
prices. This has not been definitely
decided. but responsible theatrical pro-
motors have announced their willing
ness to undertake the matter.
Raymond B. Fostick, chairman of the
committee on training camp activities.
has been advised of all that has been
arranged for the recreation of men
In the camp. and that all efforts along
this line will be co-ordinated."
incidentally in the plan of the camp,
provision Is made for ball fields, rec
reation grounds and other 1ayouts for
sports, while the Patuxent river. cut
ting through one end Of the reserva-
ton. furnishes an excellent spot for
swimming and boating. which sports
are now being enjoyed by the military
organizations at work on the camp.