Imperial Valley press., 1919-12-01

is but just beginning to be comprehend
ed. o..
AS scenic route the new railway
will appeal to travellers at all times of
the year. Running for large part of
the distance between San Diego and
the Colorado river through Mexican
territory, it will add novel touch to
the journey; some Of the huge noun.
tain rock formations through which the
road winds are of wildly picturesque
grandeur, and there are smiling valleys
to be glimpsed through vistas of titanic
granite clefts which would enchant the
soul of an artist. The quaint Mexican
villages, the primitive agricultural de
velopment-soon to be changed by
more modern methods-will all make
an irresistible appeal to travellers wht
journey by the frostless route to the
Harbor of Opportunity.
Government Activities
The strategical as we'll as the com
nercial value of San Diego harbor has
been recognized ever since it's first set
tiement. The United States govern
ment established a. military post here
Immediately after the conclusion of a
treaty of peace after the war with Mex
leo. Some years later Fort Rosecrans
was established on Point Iona, and it's
armament added to from time to time.
The recent four years Of world war
have brought about stupendous Oper-
ations and developments in the estab-
lshmert OF permanent construction,
military, naval, and aerial, on San
Diego bay.
San Diego was selected as the loca-
ton for the great United States mill
tary encampment for the training of
10000 troups, and Camp Kearny was
created on a tract Of 10000 acres adj
joining the city. Nowhere else could
such a rare combination Of kindly eli.
mate, facilities. for life largely in the
open, scenic surroundings, and rail and
sea transportation, be found. This was
the training camp for the men from
California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Ne.
vada and New Mexico.
Immense Suilns Invested
The eastern section of the beautiful
grounds and buildings of the Panama
fornia-Intcrnational Exposition in
Balboa Park was selected for the estab-
lishment of the largest naval training
station on the Pacific coast. In other
parts of the grounds near by were cs-
tablishcd camps of the United States
marine corps and the United States
navy.
The city donated 500 acres of tide
lands at the northern end of the San
Diego haibr, and the government ac-
uuircd 232 acres additional and on this
combined tract is now being construct
cd the largest marine base on the Pa
cific coast.
San Diego is the training port for
vessels Of the Pacific fleet, and because
of it's location is regarded as the most
| important strategic point in the South
west. On North Island, comprising
1900 acres, recently acquired by The
government, are located the United
States army and the United States navy
permanent air stations, where hundre Is
of aviators are being trained ro4 3ciD
| ice.
| The largest high power naval radio
station in the United States is located
at Chollas Heights, in the eastern sub
urbs of the city. and another station is
on Point Iona. San Diego is the only
place in America where two United
States naval radio stations are located
/ At Fort Rosecrans, on Point Iona
which guards the entrance to san
Diego hafbor. and augmenting the
large lotteries Of coast defence disap
peaing guns already there. eight mos
ern mortars have recently been Install
d at an expense Of one million dollars.
Great Navy Establishments
At La Playa, near Fort Rosecrans, is
the United States navy coaling and fuel
oil station, United States quarantine
station, and United States marine rail.
var, the latter having been ,lntie q
uuction since January, 1919, ana a..