New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-17
Destroyer Squadron Is
Ready for Business
on Arrival
I
Reaahed Other
Side on May 4
Crowd in Queenstown
Gives u. S. Sailors
Royal Welcome

American torpedo boat destroyers has
crossed the Atlantic and is pstroling
the seas in war service.
A brush between an American de-
stroyer and German underwater boat
has taken place already, according TO
an announcement by the British Ad-
miralty. but the result has not been
made public.
The destroyer squadron arrived IN
Queenstown after an uneventful voyage
across the Atlantic, but almost imme-
diately after a formal exchange OF
greetings with the British naval Off
cials put TO sea again for the hard work
that is before it.
Crowd Cheers Flotilla
A crowd OF several hundred persons.
some of them carrying tiny American
flags, lined the waterfront and cheered
the destroyers from the moment they
first sighted the fotilla until it reached
the dock.
The crowd cheered again when few
moments later the American senior ON
Ger came ashore 70 greet the British
senior officer and Wesley Frost, the
American Consul, who had come down
20 the dock TO welcome the hotilla.
Everything was done in a simple, bust
ness-like manner
The commander OF the British fotilla
was waiting on board his ship, and sent
wireless greetings to the American
units as soon as they hove in sight,
steaming in a long line into the harbor.
After the exchange Of shore greet
ings, and the British commander had
congratulated the American officers on
their safe voyage, he asked:
Ready for Business at Once
When will you be ready for busi-
ness"
ave can start a. once" the American
commander replied promptly.
The British commander said ne had
not expected the Americans would be
ready to begin work on this side so
soon after their long voyage. When
ne had recovered from his surprise,
however. he made short tour OF the
destroyers and admitted that the
American tars looked prepared.
yes" replied the American com
mander, "we made preparations on the
way over That is why we are ready
The equipment on board the destroy
ers was found 10 be in excellent con-
dition and remarkably we'll suited to
the requirements on this side OF the
ocean. In fact. it was said by the
British officer that the only thing lack
irg in the equipment Of the American
sailors was heavier clothing. IL ap-
pears that the Americans were wearing
clothing too light for the varying con-
ditions Of weather they will encounter
in these waters. This lack, however,
was quickly provided for.
American Sailcrs Enthusiastic
After the formalities had ended and
the needs Of the men were attended
TO, the American ships at once put out
10 sea, the men. from commanders to
seamen. looking in the pink Of condi-
ton and apparently enthusiastic for
their task.
They are certainly a fine body OF
men. and. what's more. their craft look
lust as fit" said the British command
er as he watched the destroyers file
seaward.
One Of the American dcstroyers be-
gan war duty even before reching this
side Of the Atlantic. This was when
il picked up and escorted through the
danger zone one Of the largest OF the
Atlantic liners. This action so pleased
the passengers on board that they sent
a message OF greeting and apprecis-
ton TO the commander of the destroy
CT. The message read:
British passengers on board steamer
lound for a British port. under the pro-
lection o. an American torpedo destroyer.
send their hearty greetings TO her COM
nander and her officers and crew, and
desire 20 express their keen appreciation
uf this practical cooperation between the
government and peoples of the United
States and the British Empire. who axe
now fighting together for the freedom of
tue seas.
Moving Picture OF Squadron
Many enthusiastic persons managed
20 get snapshots Of the American vessel
in Queenstown harbor. but the bcs.
pictures. and those that are destined 10
become famous. are moving pictures