The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-08-14
ISEA FIGHT ABROAD
, IS NAVY YARD GAME
Boys of the Utah, at Brooklyn,
Using Fleets as Pawns,
Wage Strategic Struggles.

BROOKLYN, n. Y, Aug. H.-That
big naval battle, probably off the coast
Of Germany, will so far toward decd
ing the European war, Is the opinion
of the officers in the Brooklyn navy
ward, and their chief interest is spec
ulating as to where and when it will
be. Men on the Utah, which is tied
up being repaired at the first pier, are
certain that the big fight will come
within a week in the North Sea, but
there is just enough belief that the
North Sea is not large enough TO per-
nit of maneuvers by big fleets to make
the discussions very interesting.
Any student Of naval warfare would
have 70 admit that if the German war
fleet met the English fleet in the North
Sea the result would be disastrous
to both countries" said a senior grade
lieutenant from one of the destroyers,
who was asked for an opinion. There
isn't enough room there for the two
big fleets to get about readily and
many vessels would naturally be sunk.
TIN not so sure of that" broke in
an ensign, who was listening to the dis
cussion. The British feet knows the
sea, and II the Germans are near Kiel,
as they are said TO be, they'd have to
20 through the canal to take TO the
omen sea. 1 think that Admiral Jellicoe
wouldn't let the Germans get very far
south of Holland, and would try to bot
tie them up farther north"
The officers have been ordered not TO
talk about the war for publication, and
50 IL was impossible to get an inter
view from any of them, but in brow,
sinx' around the ships in the yard
several interesting points were picked
IN. The American naval men are
naturally anxious to be ordered 10 sea
N homes that they will be able to see
some OF the real fighting. but until that
.;me comes they are contenting tnem-
selves with careful studying OF the war
moves and lengthy discussion OF prooa-
1ilities-
enter of much studying, and maps OF
Eermany France, and the anecteo
var country are at premium Inele-
Especially do the sailors and o1icers
study the maps showing the coasts OF
the various countries, and several OF
he officers admitted today that they
nave already mapped out plans of naval
~ampaisns which they believe VIII De
followed by the fleets OF the powers en-
gagged. It is one OF the amusements OF
he fleet in the yard--besides the dread
rought Utah there are seven destroyers,
n OIL ship, and a supply ship in dock
20 discuss war moves. and an officer
said today that aboard the big Utah
war game, using fleets Of Germany.
France and England as the pawns, had
been invented.
For some reason not given. no one
would discuss the laying OF mines in
the North Sea. the German act which
has caused SO much comment from stu
dents of international law The blowing
Up of the British cruiser Amphion as
she passed over one of the floating
mines was also a subject on which the
American officers weuld not talk, and
they gave as their reason for their reti-
"ence the fact that they did not know
he circumstances which surrounded the
AFFAIR.
But the officers and men of the big
'essels IN the yard are not the only ones
who have felt the effects of the war in
europe and who have been brought to
a pitch Of excitement about IT At the
recruiting station, several men have ap-
0!led during the past week for enlist
nent, and II was said today that the
station has done the largest business
rince the Mexican trouble, although 1t is
well known fact that the navy is very
early recruited to its full strength
Commander Hutchinson, who is now
he only aide to the commandant said
- bad received no orders for moving
II ships, and he was positive that the
tah would not be hurried TO compile
IN and sent out to preserve the neu-
'~ality of this Government
The destroyer Mccall. one Of the new
'ypes Of speedy little boats, was hustled
nto drydock, and as soon as she has
-een overhauled. will be sent south,
Trobably to Philadelphia or Baltimore,
e contraband being sent out from
nose ports