New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-11
U. s. TROOPS ASKED FOR
TO GUARD BALTIMORE.
Merchants Laying Plans to Retain
Trade.

baltimore. Feb 1O-The situation began 20
clear to-day after a conference at the Belvi-
dere Hotel between Mayor McLane. a special
Joint committee Of the legislature and a dele
cation Of representative business men, Among
those present were State Treasurer vandiver.
dozen bank presidents. Ex-Governor Smith and
United States senator-eleet Isador Rayner.
The principal question to be decided was that
Of calling on the national government for SOL
diers to take the places OF the two State militia
regiments now doing police duty IN the burned
district. The constitution Of Maryland requires
the authority of the State Legislature before
such a request can be made Of the President
The legislative committee was present to hear
the views OF the Mayor and officers Of the city
on the necessity for troops.
It required only a brief discussion 70 arrive
at the fact that every present was Of the
opinion that this was not e time for sentiment
as to the ability OF the State 10 take care Of it,
self but that the United States soldiers were
needed at once. It was shown that the militia
men were already much exhausted by their
long continued sentry duties. that they should
be relieved IN order that they might return TO
their several vocations. and that the militia
on active duty was costing the State $4,000
a day.
The announcement OF the legislative committee
that IT would recommend at once the immediate
passage Of the necessary resolution was received
with great pleasure by the officers and business
men The recommendation was made and the
resolution passed and now there IS every assur-
ance that a national Gordon around the de-
vastated region will protect the hundreds OF
millions OF treasure buried beneath the smouI-
dering ruins.
Within the last twenty-four hours the husi-
ness men Of the city have been aroused in
-
measures to keep their trade advantages from
slipping away. Merchants and bankers have
been comforting to-day on this subject, and the
prevailing conviction Is that Il will require the
utmost vigilance to prevent the DETECTION Of a
considerable volume Of commerce. to Phila-
delphia and New-York. It IS believed that the
situation may be saved II the judgment Of the
Real Estate Exchange shall be verified that the
debris can be cleared away ard temporary build
ings put up within four months. That large
percentage Of the spring trade VIII be lost IS in
evitable but the wholesale merchants are re-
solved that the percentage shall be as small as
possible.
The opening Of the board room by the Cham
Der OF Commerce and the receipt Of quota
TONS the uninterrupted shipments OF grain car
goes. the certainty Of State aid. the notification
by some OF the large insurance companies OF
their readiness to pay 50 per cent on losses and
the action OF the legislature IN asking for federal
troops constitute a chain Of incidents which
have contributed materially 70 the restoration
of public condolences and cheerfulness.
Late this afternoon Mayor McLsne reconsid-
cred his previous determination 70 announce that
he would accept outside aid on this subject hs
said:
The situation here does not now Justify such
tell what may follow. We have a Board OF Chart
ties which locks after the city's destitute This
board IS In close touch with all the organized
charities. An appropriation is made annually for
the purpose Of taking care OF cases CT dsstirution
There some funds on hand now. and ~ may Be
that the State appropriation viii Be SUFFICIENT 70
take OF those VINO require relief Or course, y
may vet be necessary 70 ask for outside financial
aid In the course OF the next few days ! VIII be
In n better position 20 decide definitely upon this
va-ious cities about g7cO, and additional offers %
thousands o. dollars have been made The money
already received viii be put aside until can de-
tsrnins whether ~ not 20 ask fer outside assist
ance.
Mayor McTane announced that he would ap-
point an emergency committee 70 advise with
himself and other municipal officials on the
clearing away OF the ruins. sanitary regula-
tons and the issuing OF building permits
All the railway lines entering the city have
agreed to turn over TO the city authorities all
the section hands and track labOrers that can
be spared to assist in clearing the ruined dis
trict These men viii be quartered in cars IN
the railway yards and be under the direction OF
the railway engineers