Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-27
What Richmond Should DO

INLESS Richmond is the best place for
~ the mobilization OF Nirsinias National
Guard. the camp certainly ought 10 so some
where else That is the position OF The
Times Dispatch and We believe il TO be sup
ported ny all that is most thoughtful and
patriotic in Richmond sentiment Il is be-
cause the advantages Richmond offers are
manifest: because troops can he mobilized
here and. need arises, sent elsewhere with
tho minimum OF time and effort and the
maximum OF efficiency; because the camp site
is ready and can he prepared quickly; because
the Office and records Of the Adjutant General
are close at hand; because Richmond will
contribute vastly more than any other COM
munity TO the personnel OF the guard that
we have urged the War Department the
adoption OF the Sherwood Park site
Unless men first are convinced by such
arguments as these. the argument OF personal
advantage should never be considered
Nevertheless the ciiy's profit from the estab
lishment OF the mobilization camp here is
obvious and, the premise OF largest military
utility once allowed, attention 10 thats profit
becomes proper. = When the two lines OF rea-
soning converge. as they do in this case.
neglect OF any effective means OF presenting
Richmouds claims would be equally foolish
and unpatriotc. Through the Mayors initia-
tive and the earnest corporation he is re-
ceiviug. it has become assured there Will be
no such neglect
That is one element OF the city's prepared
ness. therefore, which will have attention.
Governor Stuar, has attended TO another in
calling out sufficient National Guard organi-
cations to patrol the sources of the city's
water supply. the railway bridges and
terminals, the power houses and public
buildings.
There is LEI, for Richmond the duty OF
guarding against the spy menace which is
quite as real here, in character ii not In
quantity. as it is anywhere else in the coun-
Try. We ought not to lose all sense of pro-
portion and begin to see in every man OF
German birth or descent prospective public
enemy. but We should keep orr eyes open.
The government authorities i'm Richmond.
The Times Dispatch is i'll a position to say.
will welcome the cooperation OF every loyal
citizen. Reports OF suspicious happenings
should be made 10 the Office Of the United
States attorney for this district They will
have immediate attention.
Richmond's final duty is TO make promp.
and adequate response TO the nations call
Tor army and navy recruits The navy alone
needs more than $1,000 men. The army
requires much larger number The Ma
tional Guard must be doubled before it can
reach war strength Here is wide choice for
every young man who wants really TO serve
his country The government already has
enough applications for commissions TO officer
an army Of half 4 million or more The
present need i in he ranks OF existing or
carnations and potential Napoleons and
Nelson's Will ind there ample opportunities
70 yindice,e their right TO command army
corps or bat,isshipS.
OF re 5000 men tho navy requires. Viz
si1ia, in her populations proportion to the
nai!on's population, should supply 500 and
Richnont. IS is the custom, should bear
much more than her share OF Virginia's bur
den Here Is something the young men of
Richmond can and should do now The need
Is urgent the opportunity great. the sum-
mons an imperative challenge TO the pa
Nlof!sn Of youth And it admits OF no delay
Soldiers Oh guard in Capitol Square bring
back 20 old R!chmonders memories OF DAYS
Of long ago