Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-20
u. S. MdrshaIs Naval
Forces to Fight U-BOdtS


These members opposed Fastening the &C.
tual session of Congress.
Other members assumed different view.
They argued that even though IT was con-
oeded that a state of war actually existed.
congressional action would be required be-
fore any reprisal could be undertaken. The
President was understood TO have main
tanned open mind" and to have asked
every Cabinet member to express his views
freely for his guidance.
The general opinion in official circles
while the Cabinet was in session was that
no change in attitude was likely for the
Immediate present at least. White House
officials said that they did not expect that
any official statement would be forthcom-
Ing when the Cabinet meeting finally broke
up. although they admitted that this de-
pended entirely on President Wilson him.
self.
The Cabinet meeting ended at f:49, after
the President had held its members in
session for more than two hours.
In the tentative plans to meet the subma-
ripe menace the United States Great Brit
ain and France will be linked in guarding
the ocean lanes against the U-boats. it is
believed. although no official announcement
has been made and none is expected soon
The Administration expected to begin to-
day the work of informally negotiating
with these allies This will probably be
undertaken through the state Department
and the British and French embassies here
With its proposed big fleet of patrol and
chaser boats plus larger navy vessels, the
United States will be in position to offer
protection to commerce off the American
coast, while Great Britain and France will
be expected to reciprocate in the barred
Bone.
Navy men believe that the submarine
menace may be brought directly home that
feats such as the U-53 performed of Nam
tucket last summer will be repeated.
Navy and army departments buzz with
Preparations these days. The navy bears
the brunt of the work, but under the sur
face the army has shaped its plans whereby
II can call out the National Guard anew,
and also provides sufficient officers for the
training of half-millon army.
The New York Navy Yard began work
today on sixty submarine chasers. hastily
ordered. while tomorrow bids will be opened
for 200 or more 1l0-foot speedboats, avail
able for coast patrols and submarine chas-
ing.
Nothing will be permitted - stand in the
way of Fastening navy preparedness. The
eight-hour law has been east aside and IL
communicating is needed 1t will be under
taken.
Mobilization of the Atlantic fleet and
for two weeks or more, and 1t may be nec-
essary to accomplish this before long At
any rate. the Navy Department, inspired
by President Wilson. intends to do all that
- possible to thwart Germany's ruthless
mess.
The action of the President in making
q immediately available the $4,000 900
q emergency fund carried in the naval ap-
Preparation bill has greatly pleased naval
z oflcers. They declare that It now will be
Int IN aaI oil ,,I
: construction. Details of such speeding up
are not for the public to know, but the
~of1cers responsible say that II will be of
the most intelligent character.
The tenseness Of international affairs has
= apurred both army and navy recruiting
The navy now has so 500 men. though il
still must raise about $1,000 others Early
\ graduation of two Annapolis classes will
provide officers for the unframed.
Again and again officials today en-
4 phasized that when the war considered in
4 :evtfabIe. comes il viii be war of defense
Il ~ the honor of the United States. The in
n elernble situation is OF Germany's own
4 GCeking
No Official professed to know whether the
Y 1tesident had yet made up his mind to ad-
x ppnce the extra session of Congress In
4 this connection 1t Is known that while there
z oa9 been a popular demand that this be
lone. certain Official sources which are
! 4oepty concerned In the defense of the ma
11on have. raised their voices avainst the
Nm. They argue that II Is certain that
(4ore are German feet submarines on this
~ Of the Atlantic At n secret base These
e ut1Qafines are In communication with
I<oo without doubt. Advancement OF the
Mira session could be regarded as tanta-
cnpt 70 n war declaration these officials
~ = and Immediately these submarines
~ be depended on to raid all American
pknG. especiaily coastwise vessels
~. r 4 y, ~