Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-12-17
DAVIS LEADS FIGHT FOR
RETENTION OF CAMP LEE
Chief Executive Acts to Prevent
Closing OF Post by War
Department.
PETERSBURG OPPOSES MOVE
Plan to Hold Hearing in Washing
ton--Sitc and Equipment Cost
Government Over SlS,O00,000.
H.. Once Used aS EmbarkatiOn Camp.

- Unof official Information was received
J! last night by Governor Westmore-
land Davis TO the effect that tho
War Department contomplates clos
ing Camp Leo within the next week
or ten days. This move on the part
OF the government will be vigorously
opposed by the states executive. as
Well as by the citizens OF Peters
burg.
That the city stli has a chance OF
retaining the camp was made in an
announcement yesterday by w. NJ.
Martin. secretary Of the Petersburg
Chamber OF Commerce. and City
Manager Brownlow, following their
return from Washington, where they
enlisted the aid Of Senator Swanson
and CONGRESSMAN Drcwry. When
Secretary Baker was called upon lie
said that the matter would bo kept
open until December - in order to
give the people OF Peters burg an
opportunity for Il hearing if they de-
sired H.
believes 1t Is Good site.
In using his influence 10 prevent
tho aba ndonmcnt OF tho camp. Gov
ernor Davis is prompted by his own
belief in the advantages OF the site
as military post, and supported
ty the opinion OF many military eX-
perts who are equally in favor of
the post being retained rs porma-
nent institution. Its close proximity
10 Hampton Roads makes II espe-
cialiy desirable both for army train
ing and defensive purposes.
\ delegation of Petersburg men
Will so to Washington before De-
cembcr %, with the intention Of put
ting up n strong fight for the retcn-
ton OF The camp. The Governor will
aid in this movement 10 the extent
of his powers and influence.
The present garrison OF the camp
consists OF parts OF two regiments,
or about 800 men
Tho land OH which Camp Lee stands
cost the United States government
about s1,200.0o0. and the camp. in
cinding the buildings. warehouses,
barracks. water and sewerage sys-
TENS. lights, railroad tracks, concrete
roads. street car facilities and other
arrangements cost tho government
between @l6.5o0.0 600 and $4,000. 600, OF
which amount Sl.500,000 has been
expended since the arm;sticN was
signed. according to estimates made
by the Petersburg Chamber OF Com
mcrce.
Lind Cost SI,"GO, 900.
Before the camp was located. A
syndicate OF Petersburg business men
acquired large tract OF land which
They first leased 10 the government.
and later sold for 100000 and addi-
tional tracts were bought, making
Ge land cost sleOOOOO
- The main section OF Camp Lee was
erected in the simmer Of 1917 by
Die contracting firm OF Rinehart e.
Dennis, Of Charlottesville. being one
rpf the first o. the government con-
,itracts to be awarded on the cost-plus
.basis. Large numbers of men and
I! loys from Richmond worked as car
: rentcrs on the construction.
{, The camp covers an immense acre,
: age about four miles from Peters
! burg, and is situated between that
! ity and Hopewcli During the war
Sssrsa numbers OF troops were
marched from Camp lee 10 CITY
3'oint. where they embarked on YES
sells for Newport News and other
! For's OF cmbarkation for overseas.