The Washington herald., 1917-04-03
Army and Navy News

The Navy Department has approved p
plan, proposed by Mason Peters, head of
Mason Peters & Co., investment brokers
at 5l1 Fifth avenue, New York City.
which experts agree will result In speedy
actions In getting well-trained men fo-
duick-firing guns on boats of the
mosquito fleet
These boats win protect the New York
zone against the possible intrusion of
submarines in the event Of trouble with
Germany. The plan Is simple and is
bound, 1t Is believed, to attract red
blooded young Americans who are
anxious to equip themselves for a splen-
did service to their country in the
shortest possible time. The work ,got
organization will be started immedl-
ately.
The plan calls for the opening in va
cant stores in NeV York City of schools
of gunnery. Two naval gunners from
the New York Navy Yard will be de-
tailed to drill civilians in the art which
has stood Uncle Sam in such good stead
in years gone by. Instruction will be
limited to handling of only those guns
which will be used aboard the boats of
the mosquito fleet, namely, three-inch
guns, one-pounders, three-pounders. six
Founders and Colt automatics, which can
send 400 shots a minute.
The sole qualification required OF men
desiring to join classes is that they shall:
be able to pass the usual physical ex-
aminations and shall enlist in the Ma
val Reserve or Naval Militia. Naval
officers are especially hopeful tHet many
men who are automobile experts and
others familiar with machinery will en-
list for the service early.
After working two weeks in a land
-, Of a.
ton by regular navy officers that he Is
familiar with the mechanism Of a gun'
he will be passed along for actual tar
get practice at sea. These men Will be
placed in squads aboard boats. They
will have practice shooting at dummy
periscopes to test their skill at sight-
ing They will have a chance also 10
blow the stuffing out Of dummy mines
and other floating targets.
When a man shall have been gradu-
ated after n course in intensive training
he will be appointed as chief gunner's
mate and will be assigned to boat In
the MOSQUITO fleet. The fleet will be
big one. but Just how big nobody Is say
ing now. 1t Is known that 1t Will De large
enough to make 1t practically imposslple
for any submarine to come in and make
mischief. The present plan calls for l,VO
or more submarine chasers. ranging from
4O-fOot mOtOrDOalS 10 fVO-loON yoSASo Va
the fastest type.
Mr., Peters, who is very enthusiastic
over the project of helping Uncle Sam
to help himself. has been aided in the
preliminary work by William Greenough.
a lawyer: Junius Spencer Morgan. George
T. Baker. jr.. Paul Hammond and other
young Americans who are anxious TO
serve their country. 1t is known that
MANY well-to-do young men intend to
in Those in
clude many natural-born sailors. some of
whom have yachts of their own. who are
anxious to add to their other accom-
plishments the art Of gunnery.
Can't. Philip Andrews and Lieut. Will
son, both OF the United States navy. ac-
companied by Swepson Earle. chief en-
gineer of the conservation commission.
yesterday called on Gov. Harrington, OF
Maryland and asked him whether the
State fishery police force could be de-
pended on to keep a lookout for hostile
submarines that might get into the
Chesapeake Bay. The governor replied:
I'VE certainly will cooperate. The
oyster police not only will keep look
out for submarines, but also will fire at
any on sight"
Maryland has two police steamers. the
Thomas and the McIane. The McLane
only Is now in commission. but the
Thomas can soon be manned and put in
service.
Each steamer carries on its forward
deck a mounted one-pounder and It is as
serted by the governor that these guns
can make a submarine uncomfortable at
two miles or more. Be that as It may.
the members fthe crew Of the McLane
are expected to brush up on gunnery and
learn how to pick up a periscope at
| long range.