The sun., 1917-02-05
CANNON SET TO
GUARD BRIDGES
All Structures Over East River
Now Being PatrOlled by
Naval Militia.

Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg,
Greensboro and He'll Gate bridges were
patrolled by men of the Naval Militia
from seventy-five to ninety on each-and
guns were planted at the bases Of each
structure. Thus the East River took on
the appearance of real war yesterday
afternoon.
AT night the bridges appeared sugges-
tive Of a carnival season. Drop lights
hung from the floorings the anchorages
Of the piers were illuminated with pow
erful electric lamps. strings of lights
bordered the skeletons Of the structures
and an occasional searchlight cast q sill
yer path down stream.
Every automobile crossing any Of the
bridges after noon was halted at the en-
trance while naval militiaman, armed
like an infantry soldier but in sailor
garb. turned up seat cushions to make
sure no explosives were concealed
Pleasure seekers out for Sunday after
noon drive Invariably accepted the situa-
tlon with good nature when the object
or the search was explained. The few
policemen on duty--the presence OF the
avail militiamen made possible the trans
Ter OF most of those regularly assigned
TO the bridges TO other posts-patrolled
constantly and saw to ii that individuals
and groups kept moving.
To Meet Emergency.
The turning over OF the bridges to the
naval military powers was in accordance
with plan formulated months ago to
be put into operation In case of emer-
gency with this very purpose in View
the use Of the police elsewhere. Its adop-
ton at this time was decided upon at
conference Saturday afternoon between
Gov. Whitman and Mayor Mitchell. The
details were worked out at a subsequent
meeting attended by the Governor. the
Mayor, Major-Gen. John +. O'Ryan OF
the State militia. and r. p. Forshew,
Commodore commanding the New York
Naval Militia.
From his headquarters aboard the Y.
s. S. Granite State, at the foot Of West
Ninety-seventh street, Commodore For
shew issued general orders late that
night calling to duty detachments Of the
First and Second battalions. In all $50
officers and men were summoned. the
allotment by battalions being as follows ::
First-Eight line officers. two medical
officers, one pay officer and 200 petty
officers and men.
medical officers. two pay officers. two
chief petty officers of the pay depart
ment and 400 petty officers and men.
Some of the men live at points up
State and many others on Long Island,
but by noon everybody had reported at
headquarters. Capt. Fitzgerald OF the
Second Battalion led the first squad to
the Manhattan Bridge soon after IL
o'clock and within three hours there
after all the other bridges were under
guard.
Astor answers Call.
Capt. A. E. Fry, chief OF stan. and
Commodore Forshew explained that eX-
traordinary precautions were necessary
on the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges
because their fall would cut off the navy
yard from the main ship channel, and
the destruction of the williamsburg
Greensboro or He'll Gate bridges would
block the internal line of communication.
The Second Battalion took charge of the
first three of these bridges. with Com
mander A. |. Perry directing guard duty
on the Brooklyn Bridge, Lieutenant
Commander Francis II, Lackey on the
Manhattan and Lieutenant-C Commander
Theodore Nelson on the Williamsburg
The other bridges were under control OF
the First Battalion.
Vincent Astor, who is an ensign in
the naval militia, was among the $40
men who answered the call to service
He had enlisted in the aeronautic corps,
but recently was transferred TO the First
Division OF the Second Battalion and
assigned to Commodore Forshew as a
junior aid. With his superior officer he
called yesterday afternoon at the Gus
tom House, where Chief Of Stan Fry had
opened headquarters.
Asked regarding his personal plans
In the event Of war Ensign Astor smiled
and said:
'T have not thought that far ahead"
He took occasion to speak in high
terms of the naval militia in responding
so promptly to the call issued the night
before.
Quarters in Hotel.
As soon as squads had been sent to
the various bridges Capt. Fitzgerald
opened headquarters In small room be-
meath the Brooklyn approach to the
Brooklyn Bridge and rented several
rooms in the Sinclair Hotel. almost di-
rectly across Fulton street. at 1863, for
CONTINUED on Second Pdge.)