New-York tribune., 1909-05-17
PLUM ISLAND INVADED
FEDERAL TROOPS THERE.
Undesirable Citizens To Be Ban
ished- Busy Fighting Fleas.

II was 10 the blare Of trumpcts and the sound OF
marching ren that the residents Of the government
reservation on Plum Island from their SUM
bers yesterday morning. On looking from their
windows, they say twenty-five husky boys. in khaki
uniforms in charge Of grizzed major and big
lieutenant erecting eight nine tents in busi-
nesslike manner.
Has war been declared?" asked one tilnid man,
while others looked anxiously seaward for any sign
OF a hostile feet. Nothing was said by the invad-
ers. but The battle of Plum Island was on 1t was
some time before the inhabitants found out what
vas going on. and then eK-Alderman Frank j. Dotz-
Ter their informant.
PLUM Island ana the inhabitants Of that forlorn
spot. which is of the northeast corner Of Coney
Island and stretches toward Barren Island, have
always been less trouble 10 the govern
rnent, and the action Of the regulars in visiting
them was sort OF precautionary measure Ihe
lease Of the island was formerly held by eX-Judge
". S Overton. but she government did not like the
way he things. and the other residents became
80 fingered the way H.. acted that he acquired
the name Of "Czar of Plum Island" Steps were
taken which resulted in his losing the lease of the
land
Then the Plum Beach Association was formed,
with Mr.. Dotzler at the head. and the association
LEASED the land from tie government on January l.
Last week Judge Ovcrton and some Of his friends
appeared the island and prepared TO make them
selves at home for the summer. They maintained
that they had right there. Mr. potzler COM
planned the federal authorities.
Uncle Sam IS a had person 10 monkey with. as
was Immediately shown for Major General Leonard
Wood, Commander Of the Department Of the East,
ordered Major ]. s Mallory and Lieutenant F. H
Adams 10 take a company Of the 18th United States
Infantry 10 Plum Island and lcok things over. and
81 they found anybody the land that had no
right there 10 put him of.
Early yesterday morning the soldiers, equipped
for two weeks stay and carrying loaded guns,
boarded the steamer Colonel F. S. Wyckof al Gov
ernor's Island and proceeded 20 Plum Island
landing was made. camping place picked out and
tents were put up. No action was taken, yesterday
Being Sunday. but Major Mallory looked the ground
over and will start early this morning 10 put the
undesirable citizens out
The camp a popular place, for the news Of
the had spread all directions. and boats
running TO the island were crowded all day. Judge
Overton left the island SATURDAY, and has not
been seen down there since. The members Of the
association refused disclose the identity Of those
that vii be asked to go away from there. Several
families were seen viewing the encampment from
q safe distance yesterday with friendly eyes.
and il is believed that they are among the list Of
undesirable citizens
Perhaps the boys in khaki were not peevish at
being sent down 10 barren Plum Island for two
weeks stav. War IS certainly hell.' said one Of
them he slapped viciously a sand flea the
leader Of about eight million that had invaded the
camp. Our company had il all planned TO have
outing at Astoria to-day. and had bought twenty
half kegs for the occasion and are sent
down here III bet everybody in Astoria is laugh
ing over that beer today
Never mind said Private Fry he chased a
thousand ants off mis- blanket. Don't they write
songs about the boys in blue? And YOU may never
get another chance 10 make hero out OF your
self
GIVE our regards 10 Park Row" cried the whole
twenty-five, the last left for the mainland,
while Major Mallory and Lieutenant Adams
watched it depart with q faraway look in their
eyes.
Trouble is looked for to-day and number OF
photographers and correspondents will view
the battle from distance