The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-16

Secnav" is the code word for Secre- tary of the Navy. The order was sput- tering out by wireless as I walked over to the White House. found the Secre- tary of War had also been summoned.
 FEARS GERMAN PLOTTERS
 The President was anxious concerning the safety of military and naval prop erty We knew enough about German plotting to feel the very real cause for this anxiety. There were thousands of aliens in the United States, none of whom could be interned legally unless or until war was declared. What might happen under the provocation to alien sentiment which had been given in sever- ing relations with Germany none of us could tell; but obviously the situation vas perilous, and demanded the taking of extraordinary precautions.
 Orders were immediately sent to every naval and military plant and station in the United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and the Philippines, to bar all wis., itors and to strengthen guards The guard for the Panama canal was doubled
 The publication of the movement of naval vessels and Of the daily orders to naval officers was discontinued, in order to prevent information of nature use full to the potential enemy reaching Ger man ears.
 The ships we had maintained along the coast to enforce neutrality regulations were increased in number, and this con sideration for neutrality now became a consideration for our own safety and a virtual coast patrol was established WILSON KEEPS CLOSE WATCH The President watched every step dur ing these days with closest attention. He was not satisfied with general re- ports on what was being done.
 The Monday following the break in diplomatic relations he appeared sud- denly in my office. I was hard at work on plans, reports and orders. I told him what had done and what was doing.
 He suggested that we go together to the war department. The Secretary of War was there, and the three of us spent long session in discussing the situation
 Some of the things the President said to us are indelibly impressed upon my memory.
 He told us the breach in diplomatic re- lations did not necessarily mean war, but it brought us so close to the poesi- bility we must put our house in order and be ready for any, emergency.
 He was concerned about the personnel in our respective departments.
 Each of you must surround your . selves with the ablest men you have he said. and. turning to me, he asked whether I felt that my immediate ad- visers-the chief of naval operations, the chiefs of bureaus and the officers in inn portant commands afloat-were the right ones to retain in these positions
 GET AND KEEP THE BEST"
 They are the best in the navy" l told him.
 He asked the same question of secre- tary Baker, and he replied that his men knew their jobs, and were going ahead with them. Some were necessarily slated for early retirement, but to anticipate this, he thought, would be unwise, oc' rasioning needless alarm and disturbing morale.
 The President listened intently to us and reiterated his desire that only the ! ahieat. most alert and energetic mer should be put in places of responsibility.
 Get and keep the best,'' he said, aa our conference ended.
 We continued developing our plans along the indicated lines. On the same day the order was issued mobilizing com munications. had sent a dispatch re quiring every ship of the three fleets Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic-to repor immediately on it's readiness for war The condition of the ship, guns, ma chinery and personnel together witr what repairs or additions might DC needed, were imperative matters for in formation. As a result of this dispatch we knew very quickly precisely wher' we stood, and were able to meet prompt ly and effectively the conditions whici required attention and remedy.
 EVENTS MOVE RAPIDLY
 After the cabinet meeting of March 70 when decision was reached that Congress! should be asked to declare war, thing moved with increasing rapidity.
 Admiral Mayo had notified me that h' planned to bring his gunnery exercises and maneuvers to an end by Aprli 3 and to start north for home waters. w were anxious to interfere as little a possible with the important practic work off Cuba. but when it was settled beyond reasonable doubt that we were | become a belligerent. we decided tp cal the Atlantic fleet northward at once. So following the March 20 meeting, l dis matched an order which headed the flee for Hampton Roads.
 PLANS TO PROTECT SHIPPING That same afternoon. accompanied p' Admiral Benson. chief of naval opera tions, attended a meeting of the gen
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