The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-03-22
NAVY RUSHING PREPARATIONS
 TO MEET WAR

putting the American Navy in posi-
 ton to deal effectively with the Ger
 man submarine menace are being car
 ried forward as rapidly as possible
 under the direction ok Secretary Dan-
 iels and Admiral Benson, Chief of
 Naval operations, and contemplate
 the quickest possible augmentation of
 the mosquito craft of the navy,
 The destroyers, submarines, and 1 submarine chasers now under con- struction are to be finished as rapidly
 as use of the naval emergency fund, 1 including extra pay for overtime, will speed the work. Contracts for all the small craft authorized by the ] Naval act of March 3, 1917, and for additional small craft for use in the emergency confronting the govern ment are to be awarded immediately and a complete survey of pleasure yachts, motor boats, and other vessels l is being made by the Navy Depart ment, with a view to the immediate purchase or use under contract of many small craft for coast patrol work, as we'll as of such fas& and swift motor boats of ocean-going qualities as can be used for hunting German submarines.
 Destroyer Bids Put Forward The Naval Appropriation act of March authorizes the construction of fifteen new torpedo boat destroyers. Bids for these units were advertised the day after the bill was signed by President Wilson. They were to be opened on April 4. On account of the national emergency and the desire of the government to obtain the use of these, as we'll as of all the des- troyers now being constructed, as soon
 as possible, Secretary Daniels today directed that the bids for these fifteen new destroyers be opened next Sat-
 urday, March 24. Telegrans to this
 effect were sent to prospective bid
 ders by Secretary Daniels, and in
 view of the fact that the naval emer- gency fund of 5,000,000 is now
 available for the construction of ad-
 ditional destroyers. the shipyards were
 notified to send representatives to
 take up the question of the building
 at once of more destroyers.
 A considerable portion of the naval emergency fund of $115, 100000 will be spent in the rapid construction of small craft. Part of it will be used in the construction immediately of de- stroyers, in addition to those specih- cally authorized by Congress, and a considerable section of the fund will be spent on the construction of 11O- foot and 130-foot motor boats for use in coast patrol protection against sub marines and in trans-ocean use against German submarines.
 There is no way of estimating how many destroyers will be ordered until estimates called for show how many can be built. / Secretary Daniels said every available plant would be utilized to it's utmost.
 Bids for the first large consignment of 110-foot submarine chasers or coast patrol boats were received yesterday, but will be held confidential until next when 100 additional build CTS are expected to submit figures. The navy hopes to find facilities avail able for building more than 200 boats, the first of them to be delivered in from two to three months.
 The department has no present in tention of taking over merchant craft for naval use. Secretary Daniels said today, simplifying earlier assurances given to American ship owners by Chairman Denman of the Shipping Board. All American merchant ships. however, have been surveyed ana classified by naval officials for possi- ble use in time of war. The guns be- ing placed aboard trans-Atlantic craft were destined originally to arm aux Hilary cruisers withdrawn from mer- chant fleets for that purpose. Other vessels were classified as colliers, sup ply ships or transport as they were found suitable. In many instances the officers of these ships have enrolled as reserve naval officers and would ac- company their vessels in the govern ment service.
 'tNo definite policy has yet been adopted dr. Daniels said We will not, however, demoralize commerce. None of the ships engaged in trade will be taken over except in case of vital necessity. They would all be taken in that case.''
 A board of navy officers already is dealing with the merchant marine question and will cooperate with the shipping board in whatever is done. It was indicated, however, that no plans the navy department is now making would require the acquisition of any important portion of the mer- chant marine for navy uses. Some ships may be diverted under charter to supply the fighting fleets or scout patrols. if necessary, but because of the fact that it is believed the major ships of the navy would not be ac. lively engaged, it is improbable that a great supply lire will be sent up
 Secretary Daniels has appointed the members of the Compensation Board. which is to pass upon all questions involved in the cost of those of the new warshfps which are to Joe built on the basis of actual cost plus 10 per cent. profit. The five new battle cruis CTS, which will cost more than s125.- coo, 900, will be built on a profitable basis.
 The members of the board a;rN L. Capps, chief construc- tor, with rank of Rear Admiral; Harry H. Rousseau. civil engineer, with rank of Rear Admiral, and Pay Inspector David Potter. GOVERNOR HOLCOMB
 WARNS OF PLOTTING