New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-04
Water Crenades
Shatter Raider
Daniels Announces the
Fight as Last of Forces
Arrive Safely

DoatS made TWO attempts 10 SINK the
transports carrying American troops
to France. Both submarine attacks
were beaten off by the destroyers con-
yoying the troopshps.
One U-boat is known to have been
sunk, and it is believed that others
were put out Of action.
The work of spies through whom the
Germans knew secrets of the expedi-
tion is disclosed by the news that the
first attack was made far at sea before
the transports and their conveys
reached the point at which a render
vous had been arranged with the
American destroyer fotilla operating
in European waters.
The submarine commanders appar-
emily knew where and when to expect
the Americans bound for the fighting
lines in France, and were assembled
in force TO meet them.
Secretary Daniels revealed these
facts tonight in a statement which
announced the safe arrival at French
port of the last ships o. Pershing's
overseas expedition.
His announcement shows that the
American feet is using grenades In
fighting U-boats. These explosives,
before they are fred, are timed to 20
of at a certain depth. Even IL they
10 not strike their mark, the terrific
, conclusion often skaters the subms.
rine. In this way one raider was de-
stroyed.
The Secretary's statement follows:
ut is with the joy OF a great relief
that ] announce to the people Of the
United States the safe arrival in
France of every fighting man and every
ship.
"Story Of Peril'
"Now that the last vessel has reached
port, it is safe to disclose the dangers
that were encountered, and to tell the
complete story Of peril and courage.
''The transr 7rts bearing our troops
we're twice attacked by German sub
marines on the way across. On both
occasions the U-boats were beaten of
with every appearance Of loss. One
was certainly sunk, and there is res-
son to believe that the accurate fire OF
our gunners seat others TO the bottom.
"For purposes Of convenience, the
expedition was divided into contin-
gents, each contingent including troop
ships and 2 naval escort designed 20
keep Off such German raiders as might
be met.
"An ocean rendezvous had also been
arranged with the American destroyers
now operating in European waters in
order that the ossssge of the danger
zone might be attended By every pos
sible protection.
Attack Far Out at Sea
"The first attack took place at 1o:3o
on the night of June %. What gives
it peculiar and disturbing significance
is that cur sniDs we're set upon at
point well this side Of the rendezvous,
and in that part Of the Atlantic pre-
sumably free from submarines.
The attack was made in force, al
though the night made impossible any
exact count of the U-boats gathered
for what they deemed a slaughter.
The high seas convoy, circling with
their searchlights. answered with heavy
gunhre, and its accuracy stands proved
by the fact that the torpedo discharge
became increasingly scattered and in
accurate. II is not known how many
torpedoes were launched, but five were
counted as they sped by bow and stern.
"a second attack was launched a few
days Liter against another contingent.
The point Of assault was beyond the
rendezvous and our destroyers were
sailing as screen between the trans
ports and all harm. The results of the
battle were In favor of American gun
merry.
One Surely Sunk
"No, alone did the destroyers hold
the U-boats at a safe distance, but
their speed also resulted in the sinking
Of one submarine at least. Grenades
plosive timed 10 go off at a certain
distance under water. In one in
stance oil and wrecAsge covered the
surface Of the sea after a shot from .
destroyer at periscope, and the re-
ports make claim Of sinking.
Protected by our high seas convoy.
by our destroyers. and by French war
vessels. the contingent proceeded and
joined the others in French port.
The whole nation will rejoice that
so great a peril is passed for the van
guard Of the men who will fight our
battles in France. No more thrilling
Fourth OF July celebration could have
been arranged than this glad news that
lifts the shadow OF dread from the
heart Of America"
Last Contingent Safe
This announcement was issued by the
committee of public information:
The Navy Department at o'clock
this afternoon received word Of the