The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-01-02
$2,OOO,OOO BLAZE
 IN NORFOLK; FIVE
 HELD ON SUSPICION
Three Men Killed, Many Injured as Flames Rage Nearly Two Blocks in Heart of City-Naval Forces Put in Charge by the Mayor-New-
 port News Camp Also Threatened

war. In the present crisis it is the war city of all North America.
 The city is located on the north bank of the Elizabeth river. It is opposite Portsmouth, three miles from Hampton Roads and in easy connection of Newport News It is contiguous to the mouth of the James river. It has regular steam ship communication with European ports and rivals New York in trans atlantic movements. Its harbor is large, safe and easily accessible ,ad- mitting vessels of the largest size
 The population before the present war was 90,0o0. Since the war this population has jumped to over 15O,- 900, showing it's strategic importance There are more signs of real war preparation in Norfolk than in any other city in the United States. In the streets are to be seen American, English, French and Italian soldiers, identifying it as war port in all the term implies.
 It was among the first cities guard ed against German submarines and plots. The harbor was netted at the entrance to Hampton Roads. One of the largest war magazines in the country is located there. The town has been filled with strangers since the opening of the war. They are all engaged in war work.
 The Jamestown Exposition grounds have been turned into the largest naval base in America. Thousands of men have worked 12 and A hours day. In the Navy Yard 10000 men have been employed night and day. Wages as high as $s a day have been paid by the government Shipyards have been springing up all along the water front. Five shipbuilding plants were approaching completion. The harbor has one of the largest dry docks in the world.
 Before the United States entered the war a colony of interned German officers and sailors from the raiders Prinz Eitel and Kronprinz Wilhelm was located at Norfolk. Germans from other parts of the country were frequent visitors to the city. After eight of the interned Germans had broken their parole and escaped, the colony was transferred to League Is- land, Philadelphia. When the United States entered the war, it was moved to Georgia.
 Count von Bernstorff, the German Ambassador; Prince Hatzfeldt, em- bassy counsellor, and Captains von Papen and Boy-Ed, the military and naval attaches of the embassy, fre- quently went to Norfolk to confer with German officers there. Both Captains won Papen and Boy-Ed re- ceived their walking papers from the American government after 1t had been proven that they were plotting against the United States
 Before the escape of those who broke their parole, the Germans in the internment colony had the free run of Norfolk, and many of them es- tablished close friendships among the pro-German elements of the city.
 Aside from possible German in- trigue, Norfolk has smarted under the distinction of being the most criminal city in the United States. This is said to be due to large col ored population and to the fact that as a seaport it has attracted the riff-raf from a dozen countries. It has been the scene or numerous race riots.