New-York tribune., 1908-06-15
READY FOR MIMIC WAR
LAND AND SEA BATTLES.
Regulars and State Guard JOIN
Hands to Hold Off "EnemY."

Any one visiting any of the forts down the
harbor would have slight doubt that New York
City threatened by war. In addition to the
local situation is the that the regulars and
state troops are encamped at Pine Plains in the
upper part of the state. and the fact that ships.
classed foreign vessels will endeavor soon to
capture New York City. which will be defended
by the regulars and regiments of the New York
National Guard.
A state of has already been declared TO
exist In New York City by Colonel Garland N
Whistler commanding the Eastern artillery dis
trict under whose direction the game about
this city will be fought. The regular troops
stationed at Fort Wadswort1. on the tip of
Staten Island, and in Fort Hamilton across the
Narrows have already prepared for defence.
The 9th and 18th regiments of coast artillery,
composed of state troops. have rallied to their
assistance and taken up quarters in the two
forts.
All is in readiness for war, also in Forts
SCHUYLER and Totten which guard the approach
to New York City from Long Island Sound, and
nortions of the list and 47th regiments of state
troons have been called there. Under the dtrec-
ton of the regulars the state troops will essay
again the task Of operating the big defence guns
in the four forts in order TO prepare them Tor the
real work Of war near home If occasion should
arise for actual service.
The mimic war IS expected to begin on
Wednesday and continue for three days, during
which the entire command in the four forts Will
be constantly ready to give battle on sighting
the "enemy's' ships. No flags will be lowered
on the forts day or night
Scout ships will guard the approaches to The
harbor to give warning of the approach of the
enemy" by discharge of bombs and rockets.
Then the searchlights of the forts Will be hrought
into play, and once the enemy" is within range.
the 12-inch guns and the mortar batteries will
get into action Frequent night attacks, with
the spectacular play of searchligIts accompany
ing the roar of the big guns, are expected.
The "enemy's" feet will be represented by two
mine planting tugs, but in order to dispose of
them the forts will be compelled to make
many probable hits as would sink two battle
ships three arnlored cruisers two monitors and
several smaller craft. Captain Mauldin, of the
coast artillery will command the attacking fleet
The first assault is expected to be on the forts
guarding the approach from Long Island Sound
Sunday was a quiet day with the 18th and 47th
regiments of the New York National Guard, at
Fort Hamilton. Wives and sweethearts of the
members of both regiments were on hand early
in the morning to see them, and it was busy
scene all day. 1t was estimated that more than
ten thousand visitors called at the fort during
the day.
the officers were assisted by the regulars Of the
: fort. Dress parade was held, and then the
mechanism of the guns explained and the
fort inspected, the regulars acting hosts. The
18th Regiment has gone into camp with the
regulars and the men are w6rking together un-
der the command of Colonel Henry c. Ludlow.
Out from the ramparts Of Forts Totten and
Schuyler, grim guardians of that busy marine
thoroughfare at the junction of the East River
eLriIl
of the bugle yesterday morning that called the
officers and men Of the fist and the sth regi-
ments to their first day OF camp duty preceding
the extensive ulanauvres that begin at both
forts this morning.
Two battalions composed of seven companies
of the list Regiment. went into camp at Fort
Totten on Saturday afternoon. Colonel Garland
n Whistler in command of the regulars with
his officers will begin the instruction Of the
tionaI suardsmen this morning in the handling
of the six 12-inch guns They also will be drillei
during their stay in the training and firing of
the ten 1o-inch, seven s-inch, and two dozen
15-pounder guns IN Fort Totten. After guard
mount" yesterday. some of the guardsmen Wis
tied Whitestone and the camp, with its $50
tents attracted many visitors during the day.
At Fort Schuyler. opposite the point of
Throg's Neck. the sth Regiment of coast ar
tiery and four companies of the list Regiment
with the 11th 18th and s1st companies of coast
artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel AL
bert c. Blunt. went through the first days
routine in camp getting ready tor the moro
serious work of handling the battery of disap-
pearing 12-inch guns and others. There was
guard mount" morning and evening" and a
dress parade at p. m. which was witnessed by
several hundred visitors.
Colonel William G. Bates is in command of
the list Regiment
CUBAN RETOLUTION Plan,