AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1917, Page 2

AMERICA N PREPARATIONS.

To Prevent Outrages. New York, March 27 The newspaper “Nation” states wide precautions are being taken, following upon the realisation of the necessity to prevent bomb plots and pro-German outrages in the event of the declaring of war. Local governments as well as the Federal authorities throughout United States are cooperating with the police force in New York, Chicago, St Louis, and other cities, with large German populations,

An exhaustive canvas? i? making to ascertain the address, occupations sympathies, and possible activities of German American?, also the surveillance of German restaurants and clubs.

For the purpose of familiarising probable operations in the event of war, ’Ohs New York police have worked out elaborate details to meet any emergency. Many sections of New York are almost exclusively German population. Those are uuder particularly close surveillance, with machine guns and motor lorries in case of emergency.

Members of tbe Cabinet realise the need for rigid precautions for preventing plotting, The first step ia the decision to call out the National Guard to protect public works. Many loading German-Americana are openly proclaiming their loyalty to America and signing the loyalty pledge. Members of one German Club refuse to sign, asserting it is unnecessary. There is much comment at this action. The nation’s precautdns are known to pro-Germans and are causing them intense uneasiness. The knowledge of the intention to inflict crime penalties for plotting is thought likely to have a deterrent effect.

The newspapers point out that the firmest policy is the only way to preyent outrages. Meanwhile the remarkable rush for naturalisation continues. Pamphlets explaining how to become an American citizen gold like wildfire in the streets. Getting Ready. (Received March 28, at 10.15 a.m) Washing ton, March 27 The House of Representative?, Foreign Affairs Committee is preparing a resolution for presentation to the new Congress declaring the time has arrived when United States must vindicate her honour and rights by declaring estate of war with Gormany exists, through German acts, and giving the President power to act. _

The resolution will authorise increases in the Army and Nayy. Armed Liner Arrives. (Received March 28, at 12 10 p.m.) London, March 27 The St Louis ha? arrived ai Liverpool from New York. She is the first Liner armed fore and aft, lo cress the Atlantic. Many correspondents were aboard. No submarines were sighted. Barreds with periscopes set afloat, were hit at two miles range. There were 33 passengers, including five ladies, Lord Farness and Joseph Martin, a Commoner. Captain Hartley and an American naval officer were on the bridge for 71 hoars. Prisoners Refuse Work. London, March 27 In the Commons it was stated the German war prisoners had refused quarrying work unless* they received increased pay and rations. Disciplinary aotioQ was taken and the prisoners returned to work. Soldiers LeaveTimaru, March 26 A question lira arisen concerning the leave to be granted at Eastor to soldiers in the training camps, the present arrangements indicating that South Island men will be at a serious disadvantage. The matter was brought before Mr James Crargie, M..P., last week, and he telegraphed as follows to the Minister of Defence—

“ Several parents have represented to me that Southern boys on Easter leave will arrive here Good Friday afternoon and have to leave on Saturday in order to be in camp on Monday night. Could you give them leave to return Mouday night, arriving in camp Tuesday ? This would be much appreciated."

Sir James Allen has sent the following reply to Mr Craigie:— “ The Twenty-fit’h Rtioforoements go oa final leave March 28, returning April 12. The Twenty-sixth Reinforcemente go on leave April 2, and return April 15. Both these drafts will therefore be on leave for the whole of the Eis’or period. It is presumed your telegram refers to the 27th Reinforcements. Speoial leave for short distances will be granted to this draft. It is impossible for me to extend the period of leave for Timaru men without making the concession general. This I regret 1 cannot do in view of the fact that the Twentysevenths will havefiual leave at a later date.”

HOSPITAL Ship TORPEDOED. 31 Lives Lost. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reece'ved March 28, at 11 25 a.m.) London, March 26 The hospital ship Asturias of 12,000 too?, was torpedoed without warning. Thirty-one lives were lost and twelve are missing. French Official News Wellington, March 28 Thß High Commissioner reports London 27th, at 2.30 p.m.: French official report—Southwards of the Oise we have continued to pro- / gress in Lower Conchy fo:eit occupying the northern part. The enemy has been thrown back bsjoud the line of Barisies-Sarvai?, southward of the forest. We brilliantly attacked during the night, the vii'age of Couchy the Germans energetically defending the Chateau. Northwards of Soissons we took a farm to the north-west of Margival.