The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-22
TO ELIMINATE THE SPIES.
One Important Result of the French
Field Gun Scandal.

Field Gun Scandal.
As a sequel TO the recent French gun
scandal the United States Government,
yesterday began a campaign of extermina-
ton which will continue until the execu-
tive departments are cleared of spies and
secret agents for European Powers, who
It is claimed, have been given access &c
the supposed secrets of the State. War
and Navy Departments. 1t is acknowl-
edged that these spies have heretofore
had the utmost freedom and have neyel
been disturbed.
Prompt action was decided upon after
some late developments were brought to
light and when i. was discovered that the
French Government would pay 10 official
attention to the fact that an American
Army officer had secured the plans of the
secret type of field ordnance. because OF
the danger of disclosing the identity of the
secret agents of France now in Washing
ton.
That this Government has determined to
put speedy end TO the system of espion-
age established after the SpanishAmerican
war by the foreign Powers was made evil
dent yesterday when the S.ate Department
officials, at the request of the War and Ma
Wy Department Off ials. forwarded letters
to each of the lsgafions and embassies in
this city whose Governments are suspect
ed of being represented here by spies. de-
manding such information as will lead TO
the discovery OF the secret agents OF fSr-
eign Governments
The letters sent out further propose a
strict system whereby the openly ac-
credited representatives of foreign CIV
ernments in this city may at stated times
inspect the navy yards and ordnance FAC
tories operated by the United States, and
the rules will be strictly enforced. The
former lax method has been found inju-
rious and it is admitted by high Of.
fcialc that today the United States. OF
all nations, is unable to have a secret
from these who might he ciassed as ene-
mics at any time.
4 reciprocal plan is suggested in the
letters. which states that the other Pow
ers may obtain opportunities for their en-
voys to inspect American navy yards and
ordnance only by permitting the United
States officers stationed in the various
capitals the same privileges. In this way
1t is expected to bring the matter to a
system, and reports sent out on American
ordnance and methods will be counterbal-
anccd by like Information from other
Powers which has heretofore been unob-
tainable.
War Department yesterday that as soon
as list Of the agents of the Powers has
been secured. there will be general clean
ing out in the State, War. and Navy de-
partmcnts. In the event OF the foreign
Governments refusing to give the desired
information. or denying the existence of
such agents. some twenty-five clerks and
oficials now known to be foreign agents
will be discharged and kept under close
surveillance SO long as they remain in this
city.
1t is admitted that there are at least a
dozen spies In the War Department and
probably ten in the Navy Department,
with a few looking after State Depart
ment matters. As stated above, twenty
two of these have been suspected and are
being watched. One of the first to go will
be. 1t is said. an agent of the German
Government, who is stationed in the Bu-
reau of Military Information.
This step was only taken after careful
deliberation and consultation over the dip
lomatic results OF such a notice AS II is
known beyond doubt that all OF the Gov
ernments addressed are represented here by
spies, II was determined to end the matter
and reorganize the bureaus SO that future
scandals may be avoided. The action was
taken with the knowledge and consent of
the President and Secretaries Hay and
Long and Lieutenant General Miles, Acting
Secretary Of War.