New Britain herald., 1917-04-07
MAY NOT PERMIT
 DANCE AT ARM0RY
Army Officers Think War Will
 Upset Masons' Plans

UpNt mdSOpS rlduS
 owing to tho rapidity with which military affairs have shaped them Selves during the past week. and be- cause the armory is at present used by local troops who are ouartered there, 1t is highly improbable. mili- tary authorities today stated. that permission will he given for the use of the State Armory for the Masonic ball which is scheduled for the eve- ming of April 1S. Lieutenant Ashley J. Griffin, in command of the troops stationed At the armory at present. this morning stated that as a federal army officer he has no right to permit any ono to use the armory and if the Masona expect to use it for their dance they must immediately get into communication with reginnAntal head quarters and get permission. As yet tho Masonic ball committee has been unable to make any definite state mont regarding their plans. but ar important meeting of the committee will be held in Masonic hall at 8 o'clock this evening. Tn tho meantime 1t has been i1timated that the army officers may not see fit. in view of ex- istinR conditions. to grant the use of the arnory.
 Several months ago the Masonic ball committee made arrangements with the state authorities for the use of tho Armory on April 13. but all agreements were. of course. subject to subsequent change because of any emergency. Since then tho National Guard has passed into federal control AMA 1s>ith <hA afafn rrn Ar1AS
 Lieutenant Grimm stated that his men are now permanently quartered at the armory. and if they axe moved out probably some other troops will take their places there. 1nasmuch as the soldiers use the spacious hall for drilling purposes daily. and use it at night as their sleeping quarters 1t Is obvious that the chances for securing the use of tho armory at this time are remote, even though the authorities wore not particular about letting the public into the building. And in this respect tho ban has been made very tight. Tho commandant has issued or derh that no one is to he permitted to enter the armory unless he can show that he has business there.
 Another Detail Leaves City.
 Bright and early this morning another detail from Company E. lett this city for active guard duty. the destination of the troops being Kept secret. This fA the second detachment of Company F. mon to leave New Bri- tain for real duty since the men In Company I left on a special train on Friday. The remaining members or Company F. are now in barracks at the state armory, under the personal
 cat Aaa1av Griffin. During the absence of the commanding officer this morning First Sergeant James Kelly was In com mand.
 Although the men in Company F. still mess at the Hotel Nelson they are kept close to their arms at the armory. Strict discipline Is being maintained and the soldiers get their fui1 share of drilling each day and each night sleep at the armory. Last night was the first night that this order to bunk in tho armory was effective and some of the mon. who had set up their cots in tho main drill hall. suffered considerable discomfort from the cold. Several of the non commissioned officers, seeking warm CT quarters in which to spend the ] night. bunked in the now deserted guard house in the basement. Others slept in tho locker rooms or set up their cots beside steam pipes. which. however. proved to be akin to refrig- 1 orator pipes.
 Immediate plans for the disposition of the troops are being kept secret ! by the regimental and company oni- l cers.
 Nominations Held Up. Tho recent nominations of non- commissioned officers in Company F. are being held in abeyance by orders 1 of the war department. This de- l partment ruled that the company had | sufficient non-commissioned officers for It's present strength and until
 such times as the command may be recruited to larger numbers the nom- nations are being held up. In the meantime, on a company order. Pri- vate Irving Dawson and Private
 Logan are acting as lance corporals. ! Mayor c. A. QuiGley. in behalf of tho city. has placed a touring car for service at the disposal of the officers in this city and 1t is being used con-
 stantly in visiting headquarters and
 outpost guards.
 A desk telephone was installed in
 the o1ilcers' headquarters at the
 armory this morning.
 Among the members of F. company
 are several who have seen consider l able service with other units of the
 regular service of the government Among these is Private Gardner who
 has been in active service on the battle
 neld several times. Private Gardner
 has spent a number of years both ir
 the coast guard service and in the
 regular navy. He was a member o1
 the landing party at Vera Cruz three
 years ago and heard the bullets whi1
 past He was also engaged in thu
 fight against rebels at Hayti and wa'