The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-07-28
ENGLANO's FLEET
IS IN READINESS
Vessels Take on Food and
Fuel and Are Prepared
to Sail
WAR CLOUD HOVERS,
GROWING MENAClNG
Feverish Activity in Arsenals
of Britain and German
Press Openly Ad-
vocates War

LONDON, July 27.-Orders we're
issued this evening to the comman-
der of the home feet to have his
ships in readiness for Immediate or
ders TO sail. All the vessels OF the
fleet are taking on food and fuel
Tonight. II is expected that orders
to sail for the Mediterranean will be
issued tomorrow FRIDAY morning..
In view of the present crisis in
Morocco great significance IL attach
ed to the feverish activity which has
been going on at the Woolwtch arse
nal during the last couple OF months.
During that time employees in the
Iyditte factory have been working At
the highest pressure. A full compile
ment of men Is engaged In the manu-
facture of this explosive and now
new men are being employed daily.
The entire force is working over
time making shells. So great has
been the pressure that an adjoining
building which for some time has
been out of use, has again been taken
into service az an extension OF the
lyditte factory.
Great activity is also displayed at
the cordite factory, where there are
fully as many workmen engaged as at
the outbreak of the Boer war. They
are also working overtime.
The first division Of the nome neet
arrived at Portland yesterday. "a
hours earlier than was expected. The
fieet WAS ordered to coal and take
on oil fuel immediately. Men worked
throughout the entire night filiing
the lighters TO be in readiness to coal
the ships this morning.
Rushing Howttzers.
Another significant fact !s the speed
with which the fitting of the new four
and five- inch Howitzers has been car =
riad out. The manufacture and test :
ing Of the gums OF the new new type
and the ammunition usually occupies
ahoEt three years before they are
finally approved and issued to thf
service. In the case Of the new How
ilzers the work has been completed
in less than twelve months The
guns and ammunition are now ready
for active service
Not alone in the royal arsenals Is
this unwonted activity noticed. A
large firm Of government contractors
near Wooiwtch have been working
for some time at the highest pressure
producing small ammunition for the
government service.
The serious view OF the Moroccan
situation held in official circles Ia
emphasized by the large amount OF
correspondence which passed during
the last few days between the war Of
Ace and the Woolwieh garrison. which
besides have been In almost constant
telephone Communication
Situation L. Grave.
The statement OF Premier Asouith
in the House OF Commons day that
the chamber should not ask him to
enter into further details OF the Mo-
roccan situation at the present mo-
ment, as a too close analysis Of the
causes OF the present incident might
provoke recrimination, which II was
desirah BILE to avoid was interpreted
here to night as confirming fully the
reported gravity of the situation and
as clearly Indicative Of the govern
ment's intention to back up Mr.. Lloyd
George in his speech OF last week
when he. in effect, told Germany to
fight or recede from her position OF
blum.
Official opinion prevailing here to-
night Is that the situation has reach
ed stage 80 tense as to preclude a
settlement. Further diplomatic ne
Eotiations.. must necessarily be futile,
1t Is believed. War IL In the atmos-
phere. Lloyds are doing a rushing
business in Anglo-G war risks
at Z per cent. against war within
three months and 10 per cent for
six months
German Press United.
Practically all the leading German
papers are openly advocating war.
Little hope is expressed editoriaily
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