The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-04-19
Capper Would Take Drastic
Steps ThruOut State.
Requests Permission From the
Secretary of War.
FEAR FOR VALUABLE GRAIN
No Risks With Germans and
Acts of Vandalism.
Disappearance of Old Guards
Cause of Worry Now.

Drastic steps, in a statewide move
ment to protect the big Kansas mills
and elevators, bulging with grain
against acts of vandalism by cranks
and pro- German influences, were tax
en- today. Governor Capper this morn
ing wired Secretary of War Baker for
permission to use the Kansas National
Guard in guarding the more important
mills, elevators and storehouses in the
state, including those in Topeka. The
governor acted upon petitions from
miIlers and elevator men in all parts
of the state Immediately after Gov
ernor Capper sent his telegram TO
Secretary Baker, Topeka millers an
nounced that special guards, and pa
trolls would be thrown around thelr
property until the war department
grants Governor Capper's request, as
is believed will be done The hrst
guard will be placed tonight
In other Cities.
Action, such as that asked from the
war department by the Kansas exec
utive, has already been taken IN cities
like Minneapolis. St. Paul, chicago
Kansas City and other milling cen
ters In petitioning Governor Capper
to take some steps to insure protec-
ton for their property, the mlllers
cited the fact that guardsmen are be
ing used to guard railroads and ran
road bridges The millers asserted
that the foodstuff supply should De
given as good protection from the war
department as the transportation lines
if not better. Reports received To-Day
in the office of Governor Capper were
to the effect that there is CONSIDER
able amount of grain in the Kansas
storehouses.
MiIIers Wanted 1t.
The Topeka millers called in body
at the -goxernor,s office. this week ana
asked his assistance. A delegation OF
Kansas City millers waited on the gov
ernor a day or so ago. The mayor OF
Kansas City, Kan, added his request
to those of the millers. A telegram re-
ceived from a big mill in SalIna urged
the governor to help .'dO something
quick" Another wire was received
from d mill in Clay Center, asking the
same thing. Practically every mllier
of any consequence in the state, in
cluding the most of the officers and
members of the Millers' association,
are among those placing guards and
asking help from the state and federal
government.
MiIIers Want "Old Heads"
Kansas millers. it was said by prom
inent grain men of Topeka today. are
taking the precautions because of the
incendiary destruction of several mills
in other states. Middle aged men and
persons having previous experience at
such work are preferred as special
guards by the grain men. Younger
men and boys, they say, are apt to get
excited and shoot up innocent by
ISLANDERS. A peculiar circumstance, it
is said. has aroused local millers to
sense of possible danger. An unusual
number of new men have applied for
positions. and, when hired, have
worked for a day or so and then dis
appeared.
These men had an excellent chance
to learn the location and plans of the
premises, and the mill owners sud-
denly awakened to the fact that it
wasn't the most desira BILE thing to
have this knowledge scattered over
the country among strangers who
might not be friendly. Police author
tiles have suggested that the greatest
care be taken in employing men as
guards and the suggestion has been
promptly accepted by the millers. In
formation given out by careless en-
ployes may lead to an unlimited
source of danger under the present
conditions.