New Britain herald., 1918-01-22
SERIOUS SITUATION
 FORCED GUARD CALL
German Agents Reported About
 to ParaIyZe Railroad Traffic GOVERNOR UP ALL NIGHT
State Executive and Military Officials Remain at AlnOry While Home De- fense Forces Are Thrown Out to Protect Traffic From P1otterS.

Hartford, Jan. 22.-To guard the by rail and by road, and seaports and shipyards, the Connecticut Home Guard is on duty today, actively or in reserve. Information that German agents had been instructed to use all means to paralyze the efforts of the government to clear it's congested railroads and harbors is understood to have been the reason for calling the military forces of the state into service.
 So serious was the situation in the minds of the governor and the com manding general and hi chief of staff that they stayed up all night at the armory, after attending the conference of the evening. With Gov- ernor Holcomb, Major Gen. Lucien F. Burpee and Brig. Gen. Edward Schulze, were Major John Buckely, secretary to the governor; Col. Calvin D. CoWles, U. s. A., of the generals personal staff; Lieut.. Col. Benedict M. Holden, a member of the military emergency board, and Captain Charles
 
 missioner.
 Home Guard companies throughout the state are on active tours of duty, guarding railroad terminals, bridges shipyards and other points liable to attack by enemies of state and nation Other companies are at their armo- ries, ready to move wherever they may be needed. All other Home Guardsm are liable to a call The forces of the state remain in com mand of state authorities, while CO., operating to the fullest extent with the national governm ent
 Hartford is the center of activity The armory today has resumed the aspect of a military stronghold. Men in uniform throng the company rooms Guards pace the corridors. Officers are ready, at headquarters, to trans init whatever orders may come to them from the governor, perhaps through him from Washin gton. What may happen before tonight, or before another night, they do not know But they are ready, and confident in the knowledge that they are ready, fully armed and equipped for any emer- gency.
 How long the information that to- day has put the guardsmen in the field had been in possession of the states highest authorities is a matter of conjecture. The concerted action of the military forces was foreshad- owed in this city by orders issued last Thursday by Col. Charles w. Burpee, commanding the first military district. | directing all company commanders to keep on the alert.
 Only the officers knew before Mon day night, that the call to service was coming. Information as to the nations danger was received by Gov l ernor Holcomb. He conferred with Major Gen. Lucien F. Burpee, com- manding the state forces. Then or ders went out Monday afternoon, to l the commanders of the states six military districts; and from them to | the company commanders. The of- l ficers in direct charge of the enlisted men were directed to call out what l ever forces they might judge suffi- 1 cient to meet the needs of the call l Tn Hartford three of the city's four ! infantry companies went to the state armory for their customary drill 1 The fourth was called for a special ] inspection. At the close of the regu- l lar drill hour the men were gathered in the company rooms and the off, 1 cers informed them that they were subject to an immediate tour of &C., tive duty, until further orders. Those who desired to go home for cause were allowed to make quick trips 1 and report back at once.
 1 Orders recalling the Home Guard ordered out for special duty Monday l were issued this afternoon.