The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1917-04-18
TORPEDO DESTROYER Smith fired ON
NEAR new YORK; SUBMARINE ESCAPES

Stroyer Smith reported by radio that
an enemy submarine had tried un-
successfully to torpedo her 100 miles
south of New York at $3.50 this morn
ing. Additional reports were receiv-
ed from the destroyer tonight and
were forwarded to Washington.
Nothing of an official nature regard
ing the additional reports was made
public here. Asuggestion in ship
ping circles that the lookout of the
Smith had perhaps mistaken large
fish for torpedo in the uncertain
light of the early morning met with
the reply that the Smiths officers
"stood by their original statement"
The Navy Departments version of
the original statement was:
Reported from Fire Island light
ship to the naval stations at Boston
and New York at $3.50 a. m., on the
18th, an enemy submarine was sight
ed by the u. S. S. Smith, running
apparently submerged. Submarine
fired torpedo at the U. S. S. Smith,
which missed her by thirty yards.
The wake of the torpedo was plainly
seen crossing the bow. Submarine
disappeared"
Whether the swift destroyer dash
Led for the spot where the U-boat was
thought to be lurking was not made
known by offcers WHO had seen the
Smiths report of the incident. Neither
could it be learned here whether there
was chance for the Smiths quick
firers to come into action. It was
learned, however, that another de-
stroyer passed near the position men
toned in the Smiths report without
sighting anything unusual.
All Ships Warned.
Washington, April 17.-Warning of
the probable presence of a German
submarine off the Atlantic coast was
sent broadcast to all ships today upon
receipt at the Navy Department of a
report from the destroyer Smith, on
patrol duty, that torpedo had cross
ed her bows during the night. Fol-
lowing is the statement issued by the
department.:
Reported from Fire Island light
ship to the naval stations at Boston
and New York at $3.50 a. m. on the
18th an enemy submarine was sighted
by the U. S. S. Smith running appar-
emily submerged. Submarine fired a
torpedo at the U. S. S. Smith which
missed her by thirty yards. The wake
of the torpedo was plainly seen cross
ing the bow. Submarine disappeared.
No further word came from the
Smith tonight. Navy officials, some of
whom are strongly inclined to the be-
lief that the destroyer's lookout was
mistaken in his belief that he saw
the wake of torpedo, are awaiting
with keen interest additional reports
received late today at Boston.
Rigid Patrol.
The incident serves to illustrate the
fact that rigid patrol has been es-
tablished off the Atlantic coast. Nc
details Of it's operations have been
made public.
Presumably the destroyers and
heavier craft are operated on the
outer circle of the patrol. Motor
craft from the inner lines, which arc
being extended as rapidly as suitable
boats can be equipped and provided
with crews.
Whatever steps were taken as a re.
suit Of the Smiths report, aside from
broadcasting the news, were ordered
by the commandants Of the naval dis.
tricts involved in cooperation with
Capt. II. B. Wilson, commanding the
entire patrol service. The Navy De.
partment made no announcement or
this subject.
First Information.
First information Of the encounte,
came to the Navy Department in s
roundabout way from the Boston navy
yard, which picked up the Smiths re
port saying she had been fred upor
by German U-boat.
The Navy Department, after com
municating with Fire Island, Boston
New York and other points on thu
Atlantic coast announced that the re
port of the Smiths encounter hat