The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-03-27
EVERY STRATEGIC


at which the executive. General Sale,
Major Allen Potts and Captain LIE
Masurier were present, it was decided
to call out three extra companies of
troops These are Company l. of
Norfolk. of the Fourth Virginia regi-
ment, commanded by Captain Roland
Thorpe; a company of infantry at
Emporia. commanded by Lieutenant
Goodwin, and the Second company
of Virginia Coast artillery. located at
INnchburg. These commands were
ordered to be stationed at positions
in the state, which would not be d.
vulged by the military authorities.
Protection at All Strategic Points.
Extensive protective plans for
guarding the important points in the
state have been perfected. but neces-
saSily. these are not being given TO
the public. At many of the places
being guarded the extent of the pro-
lection is obvious but in the ma
iority Of them the plans are kept
secret That not a single location in
the state considered of Importance
for the operation of communications,
or the destruction of which would In
terfere with the civil, state or ma
tional governments has been over
looked in its protectiCe scheme Is
certain.
With the troops called out yes
terday in the cities stated. the COM
panies of the Second regiment OF in
fantry and other commands, more
than 1000 men are engaged in guard
duty This is supplemented by in
creased local police protection. and
the hundreds OF private and secret
service men who are watching at
every necessary point in the state.
Whenever there is any indication that
more troops are needed. Governor
Stuart has already prepared to give
the order that viii bring them out.
Local protection Yesterday occupied
the attention of Major j. Fulmer
Bright, who have charge OF the troops
which constitute the guard that en-
circles Richmond's Industries. rail-
roads and other points against which
operations would he made. Already
the 400 Grays are on duty. with sixty
seven of the engineer corps. With
rifles across their shoulders and eyes
alert. the guards may be seen about
the important positions OF the city.
Blues Aid in Work.
The extension of the local gu.rN
yesterday afternoon necessitated call
ing in service a large number of the
Richmond Blues cavalry command.
Many places about the city at which
their service would be particularly
valuable. were placed under their
guard Early yesterday afternoon
they took their designated positions,
and like all OF the 9ther commands,
are relieved at certain intervals with
fresh troops
While just what has been done in
regard to guarding the other points
about the city IS kept secret for the
benefit OF the public who have bust
/ ness at the atate offices. 1t was an
| nounced yesterday that the Capitol
building would not be opened in the
morning uatil 8:45 o'clock and will
he closed at SIS o'clock All the
doors have been especially secured,
| and entrance can only be made
! through the north basement door,
Here, in addition to the guard, Cap
/ tain Richard L. Blankenship the
/ Capitol elevator man, is on hand TO
! identify the employees in the Capitol.
No one is admitted after the closing
( hour unless he is personally escorted
| by one of the Capitol police, and then
such persons must have business Of
/ sufficient Importance TO Justify their
entrance,
The same hours will be maintained
| at the Library building. and all doors
| TO this building have also been strong
| ly secured. Only one door remains
open to the public. that being the
main west door. This Is also guarded
I by a sentry. and the attaches at the
building are kept busy identifying
persons seeking entrance. The min
eral and timber museum in the Lii
| hrary building has been ordered
t closed indefinitely by the governor
Guards are stationed in the front,
rear and sides of all OF the buildings.
including the Capitol. library and the
arsenal and the Capitol police are
also keeping a close watch on all per-
sons entering the Capitol grounds.
Everyone suspected will be searched.
] and unless they can give a good ac-
count for their presence. their arrest
will follow.
Reports made by General Sale yes
terday by Colonel Robert F. Leedy.
commanding officer OF the Second
regiment, which was called into the
Federal service Sunday. were that the
mobilization was being rapidly COM
pleted. and that the men would be
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