The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1918-08-03
(Bv DANA z. COLRY.l

Camp Lewis, Wash. Aug. g.
What would be the reply Of the
Cass county voters If they were
called on by the government to- eX-
press themselves on the proposition
Of floating bonds for the establish
ment of a military camp within its
bounds?
Business men and officials of
Pierce county, Washington, wonder
ed until the matter was put to a vote
and carried. The lesson worked out
by Pierce county, Washington,
should be Of interest to every coun-
ty in North Dakota, especially in
these war times and with the es-
tabltshment Of camps at different
points in the United States.
County Bonds $2,000,0 GOO.
Figures obtained from the finance
department Of Camp Lewis, the
largest camp in the United States
with the exception Of Camp Upton
est camps, show the result of the
voting by the residents Of Pierce
county, Washington, of $4,000, 900
worth Of bonds with which to pur-
chase the 10000 acres OF land which
is now the site of this wonderful
cantonment. The total cash expen-
ditures at Camp Lewis for the
twelve months of the fiscal year,
ending July, were $13, ,243, ,429.35, not
taking into account the cost of
building the camp. Camp statisti-
CLANS say that it was not the tnten-
ton Of the government to train so
many here as it has during the last
twelve months. Most of the time
the total number of troops has how
cred around the 10000 mark, two
and one-half times more than what
the government promised the citi-
zens should the bonding proposition
carry. In financial language the
people Of Pierce county have turn
ed" their money six times in II
months.
Tacoma Thrives on Benefits.
It has been estimated that fully
S5 per cent of the amount Of the
expenditures has found its way in
to Tacoma. This. represents the
cash given the men and does not
take into consideration allotments
which are paid from the treasury
department at Washington, y. Q.
While some Of the officers who do
not make allotments, sent some of
their means to thear families this was
more than counterbalanced by ad-
ditional funds released by those who
brought their families to Tacoma
10 ave "A446 SA4S4A "a q SSA@AA&~5IAOA4 ""S'
In camp.
Camp Lewis has become a. tour
lists mecca. Thousands and thou
sands of cars from all parts of the
United States pass over the macad-
amized roads of the cantonment IN
a week. Minnesota and North Da-
kota cars are seen in the procession
and one is almost tempted at times
to "highball" tourist and inquire
from what part Of North Dakota or
Minnesota, but then it is considered
rude discipline for a soldier to stop
tourists. Officers frequently warn
soldiers relative to this for 1t be-
came a nuisance during the early
days OF the camp for soldiers to try
to "bnn" rides from the tourists,
especially to such points as Seattle
and Tacoma and thereby save bus
fare amounting to so cents and ST..
"A Tavern pc Luxe
Visitors find excellent accommo-
dationa at what Is known as the
"Iostess House" maintained by the
army Young Women's Christian as
sociation. The .Hostess House." In
reality Is q tavern de luxe, beauti-
ful in architecture and interior ar
rangements. Here relatives and
sweethearts meet, rest and dine. Al