Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-11-12
SPIES |NFEST MANY
SECTIONS Of STATE;
FOODS DESTROYED
UNCOVER PLOTS TO
BURN ELEVATORS AND STOR-
AGE PLACES WHERE NEcEssI.
TIES ARE HOUSED.

Springfield Nov. Herman spies
are at work in Illinois in propa-
ganda to destroy foodstuffs and ham
per the government in its war pol
icy. Absolute proof of this has been
secured by state officials and as
result a statewide crusade against
the plotters is under way
The information shows the spies
have gained entrance into elevators.
mills and cold storage plants under
the pretext of being inspectors, 1t
shows the erstwhile inspectors OBJ,
tanned sketches of the plants. show
ing positions of exits. boiler and stor.
age rooms and other valuable data.
CONGREGATIONS have broken out in
many of these plants. Investigation
disclosed every indication of incen-
diarism. The number of fires have
increased until the state officials are
thoroughly alarmed In order to curb
and perhaps completely stamp out
the evils, Lieutenant Governor John
G. Oglesby in behalf OF the state
council of defense. has issued warn.
ings to all elevators, mills and ware.
houses. requesting they re.double
precautions in regard to visitors.
All places where foodstuifs are stor.
ed are urged to be closely guarded
both day and night. 1t is suggested
watchmen be provided who will ad.
nit no one to premises without prop
er credentials from either state or
federal authorities.
Since last June a number of fires
have occurred in grain elevators,
warehouses and mills that bear the
earmarks of incendiarism, Lieuten-
ant Governor Oglesbys warning says.
These have entailed a tremendous
loss both in money and foodstuffs"
Information has also been received
to the effect that in a number of in.
stances persons have gained admit.
lance to such place under pretext of
being inspectors and made complete
sketches of such plants, showing en-
frances, exits. boiler rooms and places
where certain products were stored.
There Is but one conclusion to form
and that Is that such information was
secured for no good purposes and no
doubt passed on to someone who
would destroy the plant II possible.
I'm all cases inspectors. as we'll as
visitors, should be accompanied
through the premises by trusted EN-
ploye Such safeguards should be
introduced to guard against careless
ness on the part of the inspector or
visitor II this plan were followed
out. 1t would be difficult for an impos
tor I charm the property or secure
Nfcramtion to which 1t was not en-
titled. Should the conductor be a
guard or gatekeeper his position
should BE- immediately filled by some
other trusted employe in order that
strangers not entitled to enter may be
refused admittance." 4w
That stock yards and large cold
storage plants in Illinois have escap-
ed thus far destruction at the hands
of these enemies, is attributed to a
recent survey made by the State Fire
Marshal Gambler. When federal
authorities warned the states of a
nationwide plot to burn stock yards
Illinois rested secure in its local
guards. There seems to be no need
for statae guards at this time" Gov
ernor Frank o. Lowden has said "Tht
state survey made by the fire marshal
was a step in the right direction, in
my Judgment, and will be great ben
eft to the state and to the owners OF
the establishments.
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