Evening star., 1933-11-12
OPPOSITION VOICED
TO AIR FIELD PLAN
Scheme to Make Tourist
Camp Site Landing Area
Is Unpopular. "a

Determined opposition to the pro.
posal of Eastern Air Transport to To-
cate flying field in East Potomac
Park was voiced yesterday by F. W
Hoover. general manager OF the Wei
fare and Recreational Association OF
Public Buildings and Grounds, Inc.
which has charge of the tourist camp
Mr.. Hoover pointed out that Con-
gress, after long dehberation, located
the tourist camp in Potomac Park
and he foresees vigorous fight against
the proposal by members of Congress
who have evidenced personal interest
in the tourist camp, which represents
Government investment of more than
$780, ,oO0
Conceding that he is not informed
about the technical aspects of the suit
ability of Potomac Park for a landing
field, Mr.. Hoover. nevertheless, as
serted yesterday that this would inter-
fere seriously with the tourist camp
facilities If carried out.
Serves $4,000 Annually.
'I don't know about the technical
phases of this problem" said Mr.
Hoover. whose association has not yet
been officially advised of the proposal.
but when it requires the removal of
the tourist camp, representing an in
vestment of more than 100000, which
Is used by $4,000 or more people an
nually, 1t is a serious matter, and quite
an objection to the placing of an air
port in Potomac Park
The matter has not been put up to
us as to where the tourist camp could
be placed if this plan is carried out
There is no other place as convenient
sanitary and healthful for the tourist
camp as the present location. The
present tourist camp did not Just grow
up there, but has come about from the
very evident wish of Congress to place
IL there, because of its convenience and
easy access to the Government build
lngs and to downtown Washington.
The tourist camp was placed in
POTOMAC Park by act of Congress II
VIII require an act of Congress to take
II away SO many members of Con-
greSS have taken a personal interest
IN the tourist camp that do not
tnlnk, II the matter is ever brought
lorcloly and clearly to their attention
they will ever approve flying field at
that point.
Established About 1921.
The tourist camp was placed there
after a careful canvass, as various sites
were considered by Congress. The Sec
retary OF War failed to make an esti-
mate one year for the maintenance of
the tourist camp, because he opposed
It's location in Potomac Park. Never
theless, Congress provided the money of
1tS own volition and the tourist camp
project was brought to a successful
termination. The camp was established
about 1921.
Consideration was given at one time
70 move the tourist camp into nearby
virginia, but Congress disapproved of
Ihls scheme. Former Representative
Cramton, Republican, of Michigan
sponsored the $4,000 appropriation for
permanent buildings at the tourist camp
and this Congress sanctioned. No.
cont think we are going to lose the
tourist camp in Potomac Park" said
Mr. Hoover.
The. general manager pointed out
tnat the tourist camp is conveniently
located for the sidetracking of special
trains. near the Bureau of Engraying
ano Printing. when large numbers OF
people desire to use the camp. This
was done only recently when some 600
Clemson. S. c., college cadets marched
from their special train. near the bu-
reau, to the tourist camp.