FIGHTING RUM RUNNERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 12 May 1925, Page 9

FIGHTING RUM RUNNERS.

Orders to “Shoot and Kill.”

PRESIDENT COOLIDGE’S VIGOROUS POLICY.

By Cable—Brest Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cabio Association NEW YORK, May 9.

The war between coastguard officials and rum-runners, which has now lasted five days, represents a determined effort by the Government to stamp out. the illicit liquor traffic which is carried on on a gigantic scale along the New; York and New Jersey coasts. It is understood that President Cooiidge is behind the latest offensive, which is on the largest scale since Prohibition was enacted, he having decided that it is essential to compel the big liquor ring to respect the law of the land. Scope of Blockade. The blockade against Rum Row, situated 3U miles from the New York coast, has so far proved most effective, 3U vessels laden with liquor having been unable to laud a single case since May 5 th, not daring to attempt to break through the line of 50 Government craft of all descriptions drawn up opposite them. The latter have the advantage of being furnished with food from the shore, -while the runners’ supplies are daily growing scarcer according to the latest information. This situation will force the liquor ffeet to disperse and try a last chance by attempting to land their cargoes along the Massachusetts coast or-at other points near the centres of population. But coastguard headquarters at Washington who aro directing, the blockade are already preparing to rush as many vessels as possible, to these and other inlets to checkmate the move. The coastguards are also operating a number of patrol boats, armed with machine-guns and one-pounders, along the Great Lakes, attempting to stop the traffic there. The Canadian Government has not yet protested, although an unofficial observer claimed that such armament violates the. Canodian-American Boundary Treaty. Big Task Admitted. Washington officials admit that it is impossible to encircle the 10,000 miles of the nation’s coastline with them personnel, -which consists of. 8000 men and 5000 craft of. ail descriptions, but nevertheless believe that the profitably liquor points can be effectively shut off from the source of supply. The officials admit that the latest campaign is essential to prevent the demoralisation of the coastguard service,' which has been seriously intimidated by the liquor ring. Numerous Government vessels have reoently, been sabotaged, and coastguards and their families have been terrorised and kidnapped, and even reecived threats of death.

One Government boat was sunk by a mysterious gasoline explosion, and another severely damaged when a small piece of iron was cleverly inserted in the steam turbine. Another ■was scuttled ia dock, and another ruined when ground glass was placed in the bearings, while explosions in others have been frequent, and have occasionally caused deaths. Officials are convinced that the liquor ring are employing expert machinists to’ do this damage. The crews of the liquor boats are composed of such desperate, murderous men that the Government officers have now been given orders to sllObt and kill if necessary.

HAMPERED BY FOGS,

BIG VESSELS DEPART FROM ROW. :: By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Aasociaiion., NEW YORK, May ( JZ Wireless reports received by the coastguard headquarters state that with the arrival of the fog im-the rum row on Saturday, several of the largest vessels departed seaward to parts unknown. The fog resulted in the Government forces being increased by a dozen patrols and a fow chasers. The rum runners are expected to take advantage of the mists in an attempt to land the liquor to relieve Broadway’s aridity, which it is reported has greatly increased during the past few days.