The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-09-09
AUTHORITIES GUARD
VESSELS OF ALLIES.
Systematic Steps Taken to
Prevent the Placing Of
Bombs on Liners.
WHITMAN ASKS WATCH

An idea Of how the Federal, State
and city authorities are cooperating to
protect ships of the Allies from being
blown up or set on fire by plotters at
this port Is obtained from correspond
ence between Gov. Whitman and Henry
II. Curran. recently acting Mayor.
on August 81 Secretary OF State Ian
sing deemed the situation so serious
that he sent Gov. whitman a letter
suggesting that the State take action
to end the activities Of ~dynamiters and
in~cendiaries who had been placing ex-
plosives on ships sailing from New
York. Ten days later, In a letter ad-
dressed to Mayor Mitchell and the Dis
trict Attorneys and Sheriffs OF New
York and Kings counties. the Governor
told them of Secretary Lsnsing's de-
sire. In his reply on September 2
Acting Mayor Curran informed the Gov
ernor that the local agencies were in
touch with the Federal authorities and
hat several arrests had been made and
bombs found on steamships before sail
ing.
Gov. Whitman's letter to the Mayor
follows:
Dear Sir: Under date Of August 81
] received a communication from Secre-
tary of State Lansing calling attention
to the placing OF explosives on British
steamers sailing from the port OF New
York and suggesting that such action be
taken as the authorities OF the State
may deem proper. with a view to the
prevention of the recurrence OF similar
offences In the future.
Enclosed with the Secretary's letter
were three notes and a memorandum
from the British Embassy, a note from
the French Embassy and a despatch
from the American Consul at Havre.
France. dealing with specific instances
In which bombs, in~cendiary packages
and other devices Of such "A character
as to cause explosion and fire have been
80 placed and concealed In the cargo
of ships as clearly to Indicate a mali
clous purpose to destroy them and the
lives OF persons Oh board.
II am enclosing herewith copy of "A
letter under date OF August ~ from
Acknowledgement Woodbury. In reply to
an inquiry addressed to him relative TO
our power and duty in the premises.
s-lf-explanatory, and in which ! fully
concur.
II am not unmindful OF the fact that
you and those officials under you
charged with the duty of enforcing our
criminal laws have already taken cog
nizance OF the offences cha rged in these
communications and are ~endeavoring 10
bring the offenders to Justice and Ia
prevent "a repetition OF such offences in
the future. But ! desire 10 call your
attention to the situation relative 10
these offences and to the Importance at
tached thereto by the Secretary OF State,
and to urge upon YOU and through you
upon those charged with the duty OF
preventing the commission OF crime and
the punishment of Offenders against our
criminal laws, the Importance Of taxi
ing such precautions as will prevent the
repetition OF offences similar to those
complained OF in the future. and to use
every effort to bring to Justice those
guilty OF such offences In the past.
"I cannot too strongly urge upon
you the imperative necessity for such
action. The good name OF our State
and OF the city OF New York Is at stake
and calls for this active vigilance, and
we owe II 10 the national .Administra.
ton TO render all possible aid in pre-.
serving the neutrality OF our country as
between warning nations OF Europe, hN
preventing the commission OF such Of.
fences in the future.
Respectfully yours,
CHARLES :. WHITMAN."
Mr.. Curran in his reply to the Gov.
ernor said that the police and the Dis.
trict Attorney were in touch with tn,
situation and that constant and thor
ouSh attention would be given to tn,
matter,