Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-01-23

REMOVE THE EXPLOSIVES

W. aotion o. the mort warden of South Amboy in calling the at
tention of the council of that city to the menace that hes lmmedlately
off the shore in the form of a barge loaded with shells is really the
FIRST indication that South Amboy is at all interested in safeguarding
this community in regard to the handling and storage o explosives
All during the investigation of the senate committee, and IN making
preparations for it South Amboy had no part and apparently TOOK
no interest. The whole agitation against further storing Of explosives
in such large quantities and for a safer construction OF the shell load
-, - :. po.b Anbor ond tho exnenSe. wa borne
in this city.
Now, however, there are indications that South Amboy is becom-
ing aroused. But the 300 tons of loaded shells lying off the South
Ambov docks r. not the only a menace to this vicinity, including
South Amboy. 1t seems a anchorage has been established near M
lighthouse where for several weeks past there have been anywhere
from two to a half dozen barges all loaded with T n t, acids and
loaded shells. While coast guards go out from this city to guard these
scows, they form a constant danger to navigation, especially during
this foggy weather, There is probably enough Of the hehsh stuff on
anv one of those barges to shake this city as it was shaken during that
memorable morning of October 5. Of course, there are those who VIII
say that the stuff cannot explode in its present state. The same thing
" said about the shell loading plant until 1t went up. fact Is
as long as those barges loaded with the explosives are in the bay there
is grave danger to this community. We want no Halifax disaster
after what we have already experienced. l
If the explosives have been loaded on these bages to be lowed
out to sea and dumped overheard, why are they not towed out at once
instead of being anchored in Rartan bay for days at a timeG The gov
difference.
South Amboy has started something. Perth Amboy ought TO get
behind it also and see it through. The matter should be called to the
attention of the authorities at Washington as Congressman Scully will
doubtless do. Senator Frelnghuysen ought also to get busy. AT the
same time the numerous rumors as to just what is going on at the
Morgan plant regarding to the removal of the explosives and the
storage of loaded shells and war materials there ought to be set at
rest.
The promise was given by the War Department that all the ex
plosives would be removed to New Mexico. A start was made in this
shipment and then it was suddenly stopped. Men employed in the
plant have declared that the storage of shells continue. On the other
hand, persons in a position to know have declared that the shipment
of the explosives has been resumed. Perhaps the most satisfying way
to anay all doubts and fears would be to have a committee from the
Council ef~Befense>of this city and South Amboy visit the plant at
Morgan and see just what has been done there recently, and ascer-
tain ut first hand exactly what is going on now.
But one thing is certain, the barges anchored in the bay can and
ought to be removed forthwith. This is a menace that should not be
tolerated.