Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-17
der Tag" Calmly Awaited
as Great Navy Plans to
Deal Blow to Germany's
Fleet of Undersea Raid
ers.
Teuton Civilians Now Believed
Starving and Britain Hopes
to End War by Effective
Moose on Trade in Foods.
Blockade Scheme.

LONDON, Feb. 17.--with Its naval plans
completed to meet the submarine cam
paien which Germany is expected TO
launch tomorrow. Great Britain awaited
the Issue today with all calmness, conf
dent in its ability not only to ward on
the German attacks, but also to effect
, blockade of the German coast that Will
shorten the war
Rejoicing over the latest successful raid
OF the British aviation corps upon the
= German naval base at zeebrugge, Bel
Riufn, was Increased by reports that the
bombs dropped by tho aeroplanes. had Sc
rIously damaged three German subma-
rines. Advices to this effect we're re-
celved from Amsterdam. the dispatches
also stating that it will be impossible for
the Germans to repair these submarines
at ZeebrugEe
The attack upon zeebrugge and the
placing of a prize crew upon the Ameri-
/. can steamship Wilhemina, which is at
Falmouth with cargo of foodstufs con-
, signed to Germany, are taken here today
as the answer of the Government to the
German proposal of compromise.
- The next active step Is expected to be
the establishment of a blockade of the
German coast that will prevent any food
supplies reaching Germany by water.
The admission made by Admiral
: Behncke, OF the German Marine Depart
fncDt, that Germany had not enough food
Ito feed its civilian population since
Britain cut off It's supplies has strength
ened the determination of Great Britain
t9 wage a relentless campaign. The Brit
ish Government is confident that II will
be able to place an unbreakable embargo
upon the food supplies which Germany
needs.
For the last "a hours there has been
great activity at the Admiralty. Winston
Spencer Churchill and his associates
spent the greater part Of last night there.
No Information as to the cause of this
activity was given out. but the quiet air
of confidence by the Admiralty attaches
: today spoke louder than words There Is
a unanimous belief that If the German
submarines enter British waters they will
= receive great surprise. What the nature
OF this surprise is cannot be divulged, but
there is no doubt that Britain has been
preparing for this submarine warfare for
months
Steam trawlers have been enlisted as
Z auxiliary vessels through the proffer of
rewards. rive thousand dollars Is to be
given to any of these vessels that sink
German submarine. A similar amount
Wan be paid for information that results
Z in sinking or capturing of a German
warshlp, Smaller rewards will be paid
for other services in behalf of the navy
With these trawlers on the lookout, the
British navy will be equipped with O
mosquito feet that Is invaluable.
Many applications for additional in
suranee poured ito Lloyd's today. They
came from owners of merchant vessels
who intend TO keep their ships in opera.
( ton.
The Westminster Gazette makes the fol-
lowing statement as to the attitude of
Britain on the eve of Germany's subma-
rine operations:
.All we can say about the day Der
Tag is that this country faces the pros
pect calmly and coolly. The pirates may
do some damage, but we are none the
less confident that our sailors, whether in
the navy or merchant marine. will be able
TO deal effectively in the long run with
the threatened terrors of torpedoe and
mine"
The Evening Standard says
ANY further attempts at accommoda-
tions seem somewhat misplaced 1t is
evident that Germany most appreciates
the argument OF the big stick"