New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-15
Kent Islanders
Modern Acadians
In Needs of War
From . sur corrsspond,u, Of n. rrbun,l

suffer as the Acadians suffered" was
the question that the 5000 inhabitants
of a little island In the Chesapeake
asked the American people last week.
It was this appeal that probably will
save the fertile fields Of Kent Island
from the desolation Of a proving
ground. Like the Acadians, the Kent
Islanders have lived in calm and plenty
for generations. But, as occurred IN
the history of Acadia, a great cloud
darkened the horizon Of Kent Island
a short fortnight ago which threat
ened 70 blast the happiness OF every
man, woman and child on the htHe
island.
From Washington had come the
news that the little island, rich IN
agriculture and contentment, was %
be turned into proving ground ne
largest proving ground in the country;
Strangers visited the island and talked
In strange terms 20 its inhabitants
They were government agents, they
said, and they rad come TO secure op,,
tions on the farms. The frightened
islanders told them that they did not
want to sell, that they and their Tore
fathers had lived on the soil, that they
were satisfied with their lot:
You'll have to SELL was the edict
Out where are we to go?' was the
eager, plaintive query.
"Anvwhere," was the reply, but We
are here 70 secure this island by the
orders Of the Secretary OF war
A Modern Acadia
A Tribune reporter visited the island
last week Nothing could resemble
more Longfellow's conception OF Evan
geline's Land. II is only few miles
from Baltimore and Washington, and
vet the island is wrapped in an almost
medieval quiet. Fishermen net their
prev with the means and methods en-
ploved BIZ their ancestors Of the elgh-
tecnth century. r Ids OF golden wheat
dot the island. Rambling houses. Gov
cred with roses and ivy. sit IN the
centre Of great, green meadows,
frinred with woodland. Kent Island )
capital is Stevonsville, just three or
four miles from Love Point, where on
a summers day, pleasure seekers from
Baltimore disport.
In the Town Hail OF Stevensville the
meetings of protest were held last
week. Under the ancient roof the
Kent Islanders pledged themselves 70
fight the order from the War Depart
ment, but TO be patriots above all
Near BY is the main mart OF trade
crazy little street. boastlng OF lew
stores and church or two. One Of
these churches il still uneompleted, and
is the gift Of Charles B. Downes. lie
is nearly ninety years old, they say.
at is the last desire of my old age
10 see that church completed ssld
Downes, his thin voice quavering. but
the Government seems 20 think that II
desires Kent Island as proving
ground. If it takes II all my dreams
and my greatest ambition viii be gone
and all the other people here are
patriots. We will do as our country
dictates. II they must have this land
well. it will be our duty TO let them
have it. But we are praying that TINS
island. the home Of our fathers and
the home we hal planned for our cnu-
dren. will be allowed 70 remain Just as
il is. the garden spot Of the world.
D5wnes smoke for the Inhabitants OF
Kent Island. Daily groups OF men
have gone - Washington TO plead Win
the government officials. In the mean
time all building and other work tha1
had been planned nave been SUSPENDED
pending information from secretary
Baker. who is considering the plea OIL
the islanders; scores OF mechahlcs' car :
penters and laborers, VINO never laGAeu
/ for employment have been loEce@ 20
CO idle. The richer members OF the
community are providing temporary re-
lief for the families OF the workers
Downes "and so they can earn no
money, and it Is NJ TO US 20 heIp mem l1
II thew are compelled 20 leave the ISL
+ ~ NAM Of them will go 20 the poor
/ house unless something turns up for
/ ,ben, 20 begin anew. VIII we be able
70 helm them when they leave the ISL
/ and? Aye. Where are we Ourselves
TO go?"
An Ideal Proving Ground
Kont Island ia fourteen miles long
and averages about seven miles III
width The War Department believes
that il would much better serve me
purpose Of a proving GROUND nan
Sandy Hook, for IT IS protected oy In l
forts At the entrance 10 Cnesap az az
Raw. Colonel Ruggles, IN charge OF me
Sandy Hook proving ground Is uhG ,.I
.
and. Thomas A. Edison selected the
site as ideal for the s2,O0O,OOO naval
laboratory that the government Is pro.
nosing 20 erect. Scores OF oflcers OF
/ he War and Navy departments have
visited the island and have gone away
Ideal for a proving ground was
/ TIE comment Of one OF these oricers
when questioned.
/ Representative Jesse d. Price, wltnin
whose Congressional district the island
ia located. IS Leading the tight 70 save
! II for its a . GUS inhabitants. he saId
/ - was his L,lief that the War Depart
( nent aid not know what harm was De
I ing done. nor Of the prosperous COM
/ mgnity that it was seeking TO WIPE OF
I the map. III "
Price. "a condition Of business cn .T
has settled over the community. Inc
neonle do not know whether 70 harvest
he crops. whether TO buy any farming
machinery or whether 20 make any IN
! nyoverrerts. Therefore, ! am gong 20
ask Secretary Baker 70 say now ~na'