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92, took his seat, and was driven swiftly to the City Hall. It was early for an official call (9 A.M.), but the emissary guessed rightly that the Mayor would be in his office. His name and mission gained him instant audience.

Five minutes later a call went out from the Mayor's office, requesting the instant attendance of the heads of New York's great banking houses and financial institutions.

When that distinguished company had gathered the Mayor said: "Gentlemen, it is my painful duty to announce to you—if indeed you are not aware of it already—that the fortifications protecting the approaches to New York are in the hands of a German expeditionary force, which, by a surprise attack (following a declaration of war by Germany, that reached the Secretary of State, at Washington, early this morning), has obtained full possession.