Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-05-04
100 DOCTORS AND
AMBULANCES WILL
BE SENT TO FRONT

tion that Germany is eating into the
worlds tonnage alarmingly fast, the
government prepared to push through
congress at once it's bill giving Presi-
dent Wilson a dictatorial power over
ships and shipyards.
Food questions, serious as they still
are; discussion of dispatch of troops
to France-all these matters went by
the board in the overwhelming problem
of more shipping in order that Germany
may not triumph in her plan to bring
England to her knees.
The government bill, ready for def
mite action, proposes that the president
if necessary. can commander all ship
yards. all ships, and control the use
of steel mills.
Government statistics showed that
even its present program of turning
out 100000 tons of wooden ships a
month is Inadequate. to keep pace with
Germany's now admittedly devastating
U-boat toll
Sexenty-one German ande Austrian
ships. of $4,000 tons. now interned
will be ready to augment the Ameri-
can fleet within five months, it was
officially announced today, and it IS
assumed, these will be put into service
at once. Repairs are going forward
rapidly on all vessels damaged by the
Teutons before seizure.
AS the government plan now stands
shipyards will be forced to grind out
standardized plan at a rate far high
er than ever before estimated
MAKING SHIPS FOR ALIENS.
Incidentally. the government has
learned with a shock that many yards
are accepting slow time contracts for
ships for alien owners, sweeping aside
patriotic requests under a mercenary
desire for perhaps more lucrative bust
ness.
Aside from official warnings of the
seriousness of the submarine situation,
voiced by cabinet men for the first
time yesterday, the shipping board dis
closes that the whole worlds ship out
put the next four months can not ex-
coed one-fifth of the monthly losses
by torpedoing- the present average
of Prussian destruction continues.
There is a very distinct feeling here
that unless the shipping question is
solved-unless everybody helps to the
utmost-Germany will be a practical
victor in the months ahead.
The near-panic evidenced by authori-
ties followed conferences with allied
commissioners. and receipt of figures
showing that Germany's U-boAt harvest
is hitting far more grim totals thar
perhaps even the Teutons themselves
had anticipated.
The practical upshot OF the official
warnings, it is thought by many, will
be to shunt aside the clamor for send
ing troops to France Immediately, and
TO force upon the nation the realiza-
ton that, as Secretary Lane said, the
war will be fought on this side OF
the Atlantic if we do not beat the Ger
mans TO it."
The vital topic of food control is still
Under senate consideration and the out
come appears likely to be short shrift
for INSCRIPTIONS food specula tors.
Commerce department figures issued
today show that in March the nation ex-
ported $41.sss.10S worth of breadstuffs
and $39.590,02s worth of meat and dairy
products.
To carry the supplies represented
above. ships must be had. And, the
government proposes that within six
months. at least three vessels a day
shall be down the ways at American
yards.
DISAPPOINTED IN SMALL BOATS.
The British naval officers in coming
to this country hoped to get a consid-
cradle number of small boats to use
as submarine chasers, but they have
been disappointed to discover that the
few available are needed here. The
British shipping experts, however, have
found encouragement in the emergency
efforts Of the shipping board and the
availability Of many German ships.
Proposed curtailment of the non-es-
sential freight now being carried to
Europe would give increased tonnage
for necessary supplies. The American
government has agreed not only to re-
strict imports, the British already
do, but to impose export restrictions
authorized by the hill now pending in
congress.
One of the greatest uncertainties OF
the situation is a total of ignorance
Of the number of U-boats Germany is
building. Admiral de Chair has esti-
mated this at two or three a week, but
many officials here believe it possible
to turn out many more on standard
plans.
The French mission expects to COM
plete its work here soon after it's re-
turn from the tour which begins today.
Technical experts will remain here and
report daily to the mission heads. Upon
the work accomplished by the experts
depends the length OF the missions
stay here.
Many OF the broad military, naval
and financial problems are understood
to be settled to the satisfaction OF the
French, and it is expected that the few
remaining will be disposed of soon aft
er the missions return.
Several of the officials will not re-
turn to France for several months al
least. Emile Hovelaque, general coun-
sellor. will remain to coordinate French
benevolent activities here.
NJ. Viviani spent several hours before
the departure from Washington today
writing reports for Paris.
Vice Admiral Chocheprat spent the
entire forenoon in conference with navy
department officials.
Marshal Joffre conferred with repre-
sentatives of the war department and
received the newspaper correspondents
biding them au revoir.