Grand Forks daily herald and the evening times., 1914-08-06
U. S. FORCES ARE
Being Modified
Sole Purpose of Movement
is Protection of the Ma
tons Neutrality.

Washington, Aug 6.-Mobilization
of the land forces of the United States
is in progress. This mobilization is
not intended for war or to defend the
country from impending attack. The
sole purpose of the preparations be-
ing made is to protect American neu-
trality.
In this respect it is markedly differ
ent from what has been done in
Europe.
The measures under consideration
by the government and partially taken
contemplate:
The withdrawal of the entire battle
ship fleet from Mexican waters, its
thorough repair, and its location
along the Atlantic coast Of the United
States.
Reinforcement Of the 1000 men
now commanding the Panama canal,
so that there will be a. force of about
10000 soldiers there.
at the earliest possible moment, and
the concentration of the military
forces at strategic points along the
Atlantic coast.
Patrol of the coast by cruisers and
revenue cutters in order to prevent
any violation of the neutrality of
United States waters by men-of-war
or the bell2erentS.
Communication of the president s
proclamation Of neutrality to collec-
tors at all ports Of the United States
and its outlying possessions and strict
instructions that the proclamation be
observed to the smallest detail.
Determined to Keep Out of Conflict.
In making these preparations the
government is actuated by a deter
mined purpose not to permit anything
to take place which will involve the
country in the European conflict.
1t is apparent that Mexico has
ceased to have the supreme import
ance which it enjoyed in the eyes of
the world prior to the -Servian
struggle; it has become a. nut that can
be cracked later. Therefore, to keep
the battleships in Mexican waters,
where they cannot possibly be of any
service, would be not only useless but
might be fraught with grave conse-
quences.
The bottoms of the ships are cover
ed with barnacles, which means that
their speed has been reduced several
creased, all of which means that their
maneuvering ability has been impaired
and their steaming radius decreased.
The general board of the navy,
which is in session at Newport, under
stands the protentous possibility of
the European war. 1t has made a
careful study of the entire situation,
and it is it's deliberate judgment that
the battle fleets should be ordered
north without delay. sent to the navy
Yards and put in apple-pie order
With such a formidable command
ready for action either in the Allan
tic or the Pacific no bellieerent would
dare to invade United States waters
or otherwise violate her neutrality.
Ships to be Ordered Home.
Here are the vessels which prob
ably will be ordered home at once
from Vera Cruz:
Battleships, first divisions-Arkan-
sas Delaware. North Dakota.
Second divisions - Louisiana, Yer
mont.
Third division-virginia, Georgia,
New Jersey.
Fourth division-Minnesota, Kan
sas.
Special service squadron - New
York, Texas.
Accompanying these ships when
they come home will be large num-
her of tenders, colliers and repair
ships.
Cruisers and gunboats will be left
in Mexican waters to protect Ameri-
can and other foreign interests in the
disturbed country.
Ample Protection for Canal,
While the government outwardly
has no concern in reference to the
safety Of the Panama canal. under the
surface, it is preparing to give it am
pie protection.