Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-02-10
Washington Specializing as
to Reason For Fewer
Vessels Being Sunk.
TONNAGE LOSSES
MARKEDLY LESS
Far Under Amount Estimated as
Necessary to Bring Great Britain to
Y Point Of arvation-Possible Great
Britain Has Succeeded in Destroy
ing Many German Undersea Boats
Flood White House With kilograms.


were scanned by officials today for a
double reason. First, there was the
fear that any hour might bring dis
patch saying an American ship had
been sunk without warning or Amer
ican lives lost. Second, yesterdays
reported falling off in aggregate tom
mage sung produced wonder as to
whether the failure to sink vessels was
temporary or whether Great Britain
already nad done something TO lessen
the force Of the submarine attacks.
Lloyds' reports indicate that not
much more than 10000 tons Of total
shipping was sunk yesterday, althO
about 21,OOO tons were reported sunk
Thursday and about $4,000 each of the
two preceding days. A daily destruc-
ton of $4,000 tons would be necessary
to maintain the rate which Germany
believes necessary to isolate England
Naval observers wondered whether
any great number OF submarines are
being destroyed or whether other
causes are responsible for the reduced
showing Of effectiveness.
Peace Propaoandists Busy.
Thousands Of kilograms from differ
ent parts Of the country urging that
steps be taken, to maintain peace be-
tween the United States and Germany
reached the White House today. Many
iof them were the same in Language and
evidently were the result Of an organ
lied movement.
B Representatives Of the Emergency
Peace Federation, recently organized
at New York, called at the White
House today in an effort to make an
engagement to see President Wtlson
next week. A mass meeting will be
held here Monday. One of the pur-
poses Of the movement will be to Sc
cure referendum on war as suggested
by w. ]. Bryan.
Universal Training Bill Reported.
A universal military training bill
was favorably reported to the senate
today by the military committee.
Chairman Chamberlain submitted the
bill without comment. Senator's
Thomas, democrat, and Brady, repub-
lican, members Of the committee, re-
served the right to submit minority
reports.
Primarily the bill provides that all
men citizens or those who have de-
clared intention Of becoming citizens
shall have six months military or
naval training in the year in which
they reach the age of 10. or In the year
in which they first become liable to
such service up to the age Of 26. All
such men would be held in the army or
naval reserve until they reach the age
of %.
Take Up Convoy Issue.
The questions Of arming and fur
nishing naval conveys for American
were discussed by the
cabinet without definite conclusion be-
ing reached. 1t was made clear, how
ever. that no measures Of this char
acter will be adopted until the presi-
dent decides that Germany has COM
mitted an overt act"
Secretary Of the Navy Daniels and
Secretary Of War Baker presented their
ideas Of the preparations that should
be made to meet the contingency OF
war. These proposed plans, however.
are being suppressed on the ground
that publication would disclose i'm
portant military secrets to a possible
enemy.
Secretary Baker said that the offer
of Industrial plants to the government
would be considered at joint meeting
OF the council Of national defense and
its advisory commission next Monday.
These bodies are to work out plan Of
Of Industrial activities in
aid OF the armed forces Of the nation in
time Of war.
A large number Of reserve officers Of
all arms Of the army is desired, and
Mr.. Baker issued statement intended
to attract men who have had military
training to this service. Only 1000
such reserve officers have been COM
missioned up to date.
Shows Forces Unprsparsd.
Altho army and navy preparations
are. being suppressed, enough has been
disclosed by the administration itself
in formal communication. &c congress
in. the last week to demonstrate that
the nation is inadequately prepared as
usual.
since the president severed diploma
tic relations with Berlin, Secretary. Of
the Navy Daniels has been making
frantic efforts to provide guns. ans
munition, and other equipment, hither-
to ignored as unnecessary, and other
wise to repair blunders and short
siklitedness continuing thruout two
years Of trembling on the brink OF war
with Germany.
NV pscrsass In Unified Orders.
New York. Feb. 10. The untitled or
tiers Of the United States Steel Cor