Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-06


ments in Washington.
Defying the German submarine threat,
two Russian steamsh ps, laden with 50 ,0OO,-
900 worth Of smokeess powder for the
Allies, left the port of Philadelphia today
for the coast of Siberia.
The ships were the Albatross and the
vologda- They are in the service OF the
Russian Government and are the first inu-
nition-laden ships to leave the port since
the German 'wholesale-sinking" policy was
declared.
on board valued at 81, ,000, 900. Before leav-
Ing, the captains intimated that the Ger
mans undoubtedly would make every at
tempt to catch them on the high seas. The
boats probably will try TO make the siberian
coast by way of the Panama Canal and the
Pacific
Clearance papers for the steamships were
obtained in Wilmington late last night. The
ships had been loading at Carney's Point.
The sailors on each voiced opinions OF
bravado but admitted that a torpedo would
make short work of the ships and their
lives.
The naval militia in Philadelphia has re-
ceived orders to prepare for possible call
TO service.
The PENNSYLVANIA National Guard is
virtually ready Governor Brumbaugh and
Adjutant General Stewart at Harrisburg are
awaiting orders.
Director kruSen, OF the department OF
Public Health and Charities, has completed
plans for the organization of n staff of
physicians and nurses, with quarters, for
the care of 10000 wounded or sick in case
OF war This emergency hospital would be
located at Byberry Farms.
The State Constabulary has been pro-
nounced ready to act In any emergency.
Orders have been received to allow no
coastwise trading ship to leave this port
without clearing at the Customs House.
Warships stationed in the river to enforce
the rule have been ordered to fire upon
offenders.
II the vessel does not stop a blank shot
will be. fired across her bows. II this Is not
effective solid shot will follow. The third
shot will be aimed to hit 1t is said to be
the first time that American vessels engaged
In coastwise trade have been required to
obtain papers at the Customs House.
United States officials here have an
nounced that they are taking no chances.
Baldwin's Locomotive Works and other
large concerns in this city have offered the
use of their establishments and equipment
to the Government in case of emergency.
The foregoing were among the other
developments of the last twenty-four hours
IN the American-German crisis.
WILL START RECRUITING
The orders to the Naval Militia we're re-
oeved from the Navy Department in WASH
fngton. Two div sions already have been
organized and officers have been instructed
TO bring the divisions up to full strength,
Recruiting for that purpose W II begin to-
night at the First Regiment .-rmory.
Alba b. Johnson offered the use of Bald
wins Locomotive Works to the Govern
ment. He telegraphed to the War NJ ,Iart-
ment that all the Baldwin plants were at
the disposal of the Federal authorities
Mr.. Johnson said Baldwin's alone could
turn out thousands of shells daily for the
Government
Both the Pennsylvania and the Reading
systems have announced that they are ready
20 move troops on short notice.
In regard to calling out the National
Guard, Governor Brumbaugh, after
further conference with Adju;ant General
Stewart. said:
we are awaiting orders. We are slmp,y
the agents of ths Government and will do
all In our power to back it up" 1t was an
nounced that all the remaining Pennsyl-
vania troops al the border were being held
there awaiting orders.
Employees in the department of the adm.
tant general are working night and dsy
/. completing plans for a hurried mobilization
Of the National Guard regiments now in
the State should such orders be forwarded
from washington. General Stewart declared
. that the guard will - ready for duty at AL
most moments q tice Every detail Of
mobilization of L y soldiers NOW i'm Penn
sylvania Is being considered by General
stewart ana the others in the adjutant gem
erals department.
"Orders from Washington would find TN,
militia in. excellent shape. hardened by
service on the border and fit for almost
any emergency" he said
Director Datesman, OF the Department of
Public Works, has ordered guards placed
about the city's four b & pumping stations
At Belmont. Torresdale Queen Lane and
Lardners Point
NAVY YARD STILL CLOSED
There evidently has been no letup in the
censorship that covers the movements of
the men. ships, stores and munitions AT the
navy yard. A detachment of marines has
been sent out to guard the German wire
less station at Tuckerton, ~ j.
Since The outbreak of the European war
fhis station has been under the control of
. naval oficer. acting as censor 1t was
e said that the Government probably will take
the station over in its entirety.
The wireless station of the PhiladelphIa
Iurngemeinde, Broad street and Columbia
avenue. has been closed. This action was
taken by the radio section of the organiza-
ton TO remove the association from any
nospicion that II might use the wireless for
purposes detrimental to the Government
FIX Work which Will expedite the arming of
very seagoing craft under the American
: nc has begun at the PHILADELPHIA NAVY
& X4rd.t Orders have been received from the
Navy Department to extend the hours of
~orkmen In the shops from 4:30 until $50
(. 1|olock
~ was learned that ordnance authorities
- ordered SUFFICIENT guns and deck
U<nEs TO convert with all possible
merchantmen and passenger ships into
'llary cruisers should hostilries develop
< -----------t--
diamond jim Downstairs =
.-.---