The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-04
New York Orders Out 10000
Troops to Guard Bridge and
Watershed
FORT WOOL In HAMPTON
ROADS is MANNED
Censorship imposed On Al
Military and Naval Move
ments--All Public Property
Under Heavy Guard

Washington, Feb. ST he
Emitted States was tonight placed
ON tho military and naval basis of
n nation which has taken scr1-
Gus step short of war" following
the break between this country
AMI Germany. Naval and militar,
orders, prepared in advance. were
placed In effect Immediately fol-
lowing conference hrtwrS,n
President Wilson. Secretary of
War Rakcr and Secretary of tho
Navy Daniels at the White House,
The Prcs.dcus aud his military
advisers met Just "a soon IS the
President returned from the capt
tol after announcing the break
with Germany 10 Congress.
When the conference was over the
Secretary of War ana the Secretary
~ the Navy At once riamred down
the lid Of secrecy ou all military and
naval orders. all of The government
buildings ~ y sd lustaD were closed
except to those hearing credentials.
and extra guards was thrown around
M public buildings and tho capitol
took ON ali Of it's wartime habili-
mcnts Tonight The following Known
steps had been taken;
StcIe, Taken last Night
state and municipal authorities
throdehoui H. United States had
been called upon to cooperate IN
guarding all Federal property. miuts.
essay offices suhtreaSuries pos'of-
ces. arSenals, armorieS. bonded
warehouses. appraisers stores and
'niar structures They were also
cei'eA upor ia AID the Federal author
~ every WAY in the maintenance
Ter and the guarding OF neutral
ity.
censorship WAS imposed upon
i5r publication OF all military and
naval orders issued from Washington
Navy yards, military depo,s. and all
military and naval properties through
oQt the country were closed to all ex-
cept Federal officers. There were no
orders made pubic tonight as to the
Atlantic feet now awaiting instrur-
tions at Guantanamo. Cuba. in a
strong strategic position for the de-
Tense of the Atlantic Coast and the
protection OF the Panama Canal
The orders for extraordinary pre-
cautions as to the protection Of public
buildings brought forth the fun force
~ tine Washington police department
tonight
Large Force On Hand.
Around the White House twenty
eight policemen were placed on duty
instead of the usual thlrtrrTr1 In
three shifts. under three police SER
geants, they will guard the entrances
10 the White House twenty-four
hours a day. No one will be admitted
TO the White House grounds except
through single entrance where n
military pass will be necessary. The
same precautions were ordered at the
state. War and Navy Department
Buildings
The status of the German merchant
ships, war bound In American ports,
caused some anxiety today, but it was
finally determined that the break in
diplomatic relations In no way az
fected them. The vessels are merely
housed here for safe-keeping. and the
United States under international law.
must respect their ownership, Con-
Yerences between officials of the Navy,
Justice and Treasury Departments to-
dav determined that no change in the
status OF these vessels could be
made For the present extreme pre-
cautions will be taken to prevent
anyone aboard the German ships from
violating the neutrality of the United
States bv destroying them or by any
other actions
1t was announced tonight that the
notice authorities of New York had
heo0 asked nv the treasury Depart
ment to detail men TO aid in guarding
the New York ASSAY Office and other
Federal BUILDINGS there,
VIII Take No Chances.
It was stated that while no dis
orders wore feared In New York the
administration believes that no
chances should be taken. IT was
pointed ont that the irresponsiN.n act
of crank might do serious damage
at assay office and the sub
treasury, where great stocks of gold
are stored
Insrectors of the customs service,
all OF the machinery OF the coast
guard. and the special agents of the
Department of Justice We're under or
ders tonight to watch carefully for the
slightest SIGN of disorder
At the White House tn De-
partrent. the War Depa and
fhe Navy DEPARTMENT wo.k amt on
with vigor tonight.
Secretary to the President Tumu'tv
remained at the White House execu-
tive of1ices, and was waiting anxiously
FOR news OF the sinking Of the Housa =
tonic. The President at the White
House proper received everv scrap
~ information as to the sinking of
the American ship overtthe telephone.