Evening star., 1914-11-24
Government Seeks to Protect
Cities From Night Attacks
by German DirigibIes.
TRAINS TO BE DARKENED
BY DRAWING CURTAINS
Guildhall and Other Architectural
landmarks in London Insured
Against Damage From Airships.

LONDON, November 6.-The lowered
lights order issued to hide London
from marauding airships has now been
extended to the whole country, and
while the restrictions in the provincial
cities are not as rigid as those pre-
vailing in the capital, these places will
be deprived of sky signs and other
conspicuous illuminatiOns.
One of the peculiar features of the
order is a clause providing that the
cur tains of passenger train coaches
must be drawn while trains are travel
ing at night. The authorities evident
ly believe that such trains might act
as guides to the enemy's airships,
which could follow them into the cities
for which they happened to be bound.
Here in London tho majority of the
population apparently is beginning to
be resentful instead of appreciative of
tie precautions taken by the police.
Nevertheless, the authorities consider
the menace of aircraft strong enough
to Justify insurance of some of the
architectural landmarks. The famous
Guildhall, which is the town hall of
the city Of London. has just been in
sured against damage by aircraft for
$2,0o0,00O. The premium paid was
$4,000. St. Paul's and Westminster
ing to current reports.
Ask for More Favorable Terms.
The insurance question was discussed
at a meeting of the court of common
council in the Guildhall yesterday, and
a letter from the chamber of commerce
was read suggesting that representa-
tions be made to the government with
,r{o nf OH mi fsav "a
terms for the insurance of buildings
against risk of aerial raiders.
Now that the short days have begun,
when artificial lights are necessary as
early as o'clock, the discomforts of
a darkened city are increased. Three
persons have been killed on the streets
at night during the past week. The
commissioner of police has issued an
appeal to motor drivers to lessen the
burden on the police.
There is a large spirit Of rush and
recklessness arising from the excite
ment of war times, which accounts
largely for careless driving. Hundreds
Of motors are employed on military
sign, 20. H. NJ. s." (On His Majestys
Service), dash through the streets at
high speed, and perhaps set a de-
moralizing example to the drivers Of
taxis and private cars
Fear Causes People to Flee.
From the German wireless messages
Londoners have heard that thousands
are fleeing to Scotland from fear of
the Zeppelins. This is the first news
Of any such exodus that had been di-
vulged here. Old ladies SILVER at the
word Zeppelin. but the general apathy
Of the British in the presence of the
possibility of invasion by land, sea
or air is considered by the newspapers
to be the greatest drawback TO re-
cruiting. The seaside hotels at
Brighton, Folkstone. Eastbourne and
other channel resorts are filed with
their usual complement of the leisure
classes. Notwithstanding the chances
OF a bombardment which the German
dash to Yarmouth this week showed is
a danger to be reckoned with.
England is to have its own fleet Of
dirigibles by the beginning of next
year. If the plans of company re-
Gently formed. with q capital of $1,000,
00o, prove successful. Works are now
being constructed. the promoters say,
and these new airships, although
smaller than the German Zeppelins.
are described as vastly more danger
Gus, and planned to be the handiest
f.