The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-01
Safety First Impulse Keeps
American Ships at Home.
British War Fleet OF \. Y. to
Convoy Freighters Across.
REOPEN new YORK HARBOR
Port Collector Lets Ships Sail
at Own Risk.
Many informed German Steam
ships Under Official Guard.

New York, Feb. 1.-The effect of
Germany's declaration of a sea block
ade of the entente nations to be en-
forced with every available weapon
and without further notice." was felt
today in every port on the Atlantic
coast. Owners and agents of vessels
fIying neutral flags were in doubt as
to their future course of action and it
is believed most of them will keep
their ships in port until instructions
are received from their governments.
In the offices of British and French
lines, it was said that there would be
no interruption in the. sailing from
American ports of ships carrying the
flags of the entente allies. To meet
such an emergency as this the British
government has assembled it was
said a large fleet of small fast eruls-
ers to he used as submarine chaSers.
These vessels, said to number 4,OOO,
will be available to keep the sea lanes
clear of raiders and submarines and
act as conveys. Shipping men pointed
out that the most obvious effect of the
German declaration would be a re-
duction in the tonnage which the
freight ships of the European neutral
lines could carry on account of the
increased space which would have to
be sacrificed TO carry coal and provi-
sions for one continuous voyage from
American ports to neutral ports.
Hitherto, neutral ships have relied
largely upon British ports to renew
their supplies.
n. Y. Harbor Closed.
No shipping of any kind was per-
mitted to leave the port of New York
last night. The harbor was closed by
Dudley Field Malone. collector of the
full fn a 81
upon his own initiative in case of
emergency.
From German quarters last night
came the information that Germany
now has 500 submarines ready for the
campaign.
The German view is that the new
policy will improve general prospects
for an early peace. Germany is rep
resented as still being ready to ne
Gotiate peace at any time However.
it is declared that German officials.
both in this country and in Berlin, feel
that the declaration of changed policy
should make it clear that Germany
and her allies are in the war to the
last drop of blood
British Warships to Convoy
The British Atlantic fleet was en-
route to the waters off New York
harbor two days ago, ostensibly bent
on chasing the German raider. The
tllllI Z meet Is now III pOStIlOn TO con-
voy shipping if necessary, according
to admission in British circles here
A strict watch has been placed on
all German vessels interned here. Ru-
nlors that the crews might attempt to
scuttle TIE ships and then flee in the
event OF a declaration of war will be
flying fast. 1t was declared, however,
there would be little use of such a
step, for the ships are now lying vir-
tuallV tie mud. dine no 70 Of
that they have been lying in their
slips two and a half years, with no
opportunity for dredging
In Hoboken, where most of the Ger
man ships are lying. an extra guard
of policemen was stationed around the
piers.
informed German Ships safe"
The huge Naterland. the worlds
largest ship is the only one of the
German vessels, according to reports.
which has coal enough for more than
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