Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-05
League Island Fleet
Is Ready for Dash

sohtihueu from rage Vne
Locomotive Works, said the company had
advised the War Department at Washing
ton that its plants are at the disposal of
the Government The plant is available to
the Government for the production of shells
from three to twelve inches in caliber. The
Standard Steel Works now are ready to
begin work on these when ordered to do so.
Herbert Lloyd president of the Electric
Storage Battery Company, said the Navy
Department, upon "A request made several
months ago. had received full details as
to the company's equipment and facilities
for the production of naval electrical sup
plies He added that although no word
had been received from Washington in the
present crisis, the plants were available
for Government requirements for rush or
ders.
The offers were made after conferences
with officials of the Philadelphia Chamber
of Commerce, who announced that many Of
the large manufacturers in this city are
also prepared to turn out large quantities
of clothing and other supplies, and that
their services are entirely at the disposal
Of the Government in case Of emergency
INCREASE GUARDS
Not only has the guard over interned
ships at League Island and over the Navy
Yard itself been increased, but the police
have been assigned to guard railroad
bridges, the Mint and other Federal build
ings, and arsenals. This announcement was
made today by Superintendent of Police
Robinson.
While II Is not believed that Philadel-
phia is in any danger from possible in
ternal surprises or plots, it is known that
many precautionary measures have been
taken by both the Federal and city officials
since President Wilson's action OF last Sat-
urday.
The Navy Yard Is heavily guarded. The
gates were closed to all visitors again to-
day, except those on business. Few OF
the officers, sailors and marines have been
allowed to leave the yard The guard
over the interned liners also was increased
and every effort made to prevent the
damaging of these ships,
Lieutenant Commander Allen today
denied that an attempt had been made to
sink the destroyer Jacob Jones' 1t had
been rumored that the destroyer nearly met
disaster while on patrol duty owing to the
fact that some one on board opened the sea
cocks. Lieutenant Commander Allen said
the boat would be taken out of commits
sion as soon as possible and taken to the
plant of the New York Shipbuilding Com
pany for general overhauling. He ex-
planned that several imperfections in the
boats machinery needed correction.
MAYOR SMITHS CALL
Mayor Smith has issued an appeal TO
Philadelphians to stand loyal to President
Wilson during the German crisis.
Republicans, Democrats and Independ-
ents alike should now forget their differ
ences," Mayor Smith said.
"They are not dealing with Woodrow
Wilson, but with the President of the
United States. 1t is to him that they owe
their first allegiance.
Loyalty to a great cause Is one of the
noblest of human attributes. At the pres
ent moment we are all Americans
political and religious creeds alike yield up
the strongest and best of their men and
women to the demands of the hour.
while we are in no fear, we do not
know what the future may bring forth. II
behooves us. then, to stand by the ruler
Of the land
Mayor Smith also has pledged the full
and hearty cooperation OF the city OF
Philadelphia. through its administrative
authorities during the present crisis and
any that might follow.
NAVY YARD BUZZES
The navy yard virtually buzzed with ac
tivity today.
Ten more marines were placed on guarC
at the yard gate Workmen were informed
they will have TO work overtime, and It /,
said that within the next few days worl
at the yard will continue day and night
The men will work in three shifts of eigh
hours each.
Sentries guarding the German village are
heavily armed and have been ordered "tc