The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-14
JAP SPIES SKETCHING
POWERHOUSE ENGINES,
NAVY YARD MEN INSIST
Place Where Men We're Caught One
Of the Most Vital TO Government
Around Washington.

NAAC W AA14A4A4 VII 49,
for making sketches of the
works there started their spy
ing in the big power house,
the seat Of all the activity of
the yard, is a fact that came
to light after the exclusive
publication yesterday by The
Times of their being dis
covered.
The fact that they were.
gathering all the data posi-
BILE concerning the power
house is thought to show that
they meant to learn every
thing possible about the most
important buildings Of the
yard so THAI if the opportu-
nifty ever came to strike at the
mandatory, the most i'm
portant points would be at
tackled, according to those ia
miliar with the situation. In
the power house there are
four 1000 horsepower en-
gineS which run all the works
of the yards.
Let these engines be put
out of commission and the
navy-yard at once become a
group of useless buildings
and idle machinery.
Took Writing Materials Away.
At the time OF the ejectment. the two
japanese, who were small, middle-aged
men, had their paper and pencils In
their hands Their writing materials
were taken from them. and, after the
word had been given from the Office OF
Admiral Leutze, the commandant OF the
yard. they were escorted TO the gates
Of the yard with scant courtesy and
told to keep away from the yard.
To their ejectment they offered not
the slightest objection, nor did they at
tempt 10 argue that they were being
treated with impoliteness. According TO
those who saw the incident, they seem
ed particularly gratihed that nothing
more serious happened to them.
Leutze Repeats Denial.
denial Of the incident. saying that It
never happened. In explanation OF his
unexpected denial Of an occurrence that
was seen by many and is now known Of
by many more. it is pointed out that the
diplomatic relations between this coun-
try and Japan may be strained to the
breaking point by the least incident
possible OF misconstructiOn on the part
OF tho Japanese Admiral LeutZe, there
fore, might well feel 1t his duty to try
to hush up the incident and 10 keep
quiet dbout II until he finds out whether
the spies were acting for the govern
ment Of Japan or for the war party Of
Japan, or, as may be possible. whether
they were acting on their own Tespon-
sibility, thinking that they would be do
ing their country a service by being able
10 hand over TO their government de-
scriptions OF the military strength and
equipment of the Government Of the
United States 50 far as Washington is
concerned.
Japan Has No Spies
That the spies who we're elected did
not act for the recognized government
Of Japan is the statement that was made
with indignant emphasis at the Japa-
nese embassy last night Counselor
Miyaoka. in charge during the absence
of Viscount Aod, said with dignity:
Japan has no spies. No one has been
authorized by our government to re-
sort TO such nefarious methods to OBJ
tain information about Americas mill
tary strength"
1t is on this fact that the matter
now rests. Those who are familiar with
the feeling about the incident expressed
the opinion last night that, II this Gov
eminent were satisfied that the two
spies acted for the government of ia
K pan, trouble between the two countries
might well ensue within the next few
weeks. The United States, however,
feels secure enough TO allow Japan 10
engage in more offensive methods than
the spying that. obtains sketches and
notes before declaring war or even be-
fore engaging In a diplomatic contrc-
versy with her, il is said in official cir
cles.
No More Sketches.
on the other hand, Commandant
Leutze IS determined that no more
sketches and notes shall be taken IN
the Navy Yard In spite of his denial
OF the incident and all knowledge Of
#, a sequel to it was his Issuance of
the following order signed by him:
The supervisory force in all shops
will see that visitors do not make
sketches unless they have a permit
If they see anyone so doing. they
will inform them politely that it is pro-
hibted."
In addition 10 this order. employees OF
CONTINUED on Sixth Page)