The Monticellonian., 1917-05-24
American Destroyers Already Are Taking Part in the War on
 German Submarines.
FIRST TROOPS GOING SOON
President Orders Division Under Pershing Sent to France at Once Draft Registration Set for June 5-Hollweg Refuses to Discuss Terms
 Russian Crisis
 Over.
By EDWARD w. PACKARD.

The American navy is represented in the war zone, and an American war ship has had q fight with German submarine.
 So much was revealed on Wednes- day by the British admiralty, which announced the presence in British Wa ters of squadron of American de- stroyers. It mentioned the brush" with the submarine, but did not tell the result. Both the British and the American naval authorities maintain Il policy of silence concerning the cap ture or destruction of U-boats.
 The destroyers, which are under the general command of Rear Admiral w. $. Sims, arrived at Queenstown and were inspected by British officer, who asked the American commander when he could be ready for business.
 We can start at once" replied the American, and they did.
 There is reason to believe some or these destroyers took part in the re- cent big raid on the German subma- rine base at Zeebrugge.
 The American vessels and their crews were given an enthusiastic wei come at Queenstown. and Vice Admiral Beatty and Admiral Mayo exchanged congratulutory cablegrams.
 Pershine to Lead First Force.
 Friday evening, President Wilson is sued orders for the dispatch to France of the first American eXpeditionary force IL will be about one division of 2S,00o men, all veterans of the regu- lar army, and will be commanded by Maj. Gen J. ]. Pershing. This force will be sent aCresS as soon as is prac- ticable, in response to the appeals of the British and French war missions. The army conscriptien bill, having been accepted by both house and sen ate, was signed by the president, but he announced that for the present, at least. he weuld not accept the Roose- velt volunteer divisions. h Il public statement he handed some bouquets to Colonel Roosevelt but said that the business new in hand k undramatic, practical and of scientific detiniteness and precision. he was acting under ex- pert aud professional advice from both sides of the water. The prestdent.atso issued a proclamation calling on all men subject to selective conscrintion to register on June ,.
 Japan also began taking an active part ln the warfare in Europe last week. number of Japanese gun boats arrived at Marseille to aid in the fight on submarines and to convoy French merchantmen, and il was un- officially stated that q contingent Of .faD4aFse Er1ops was landed at the same port and would fight on the west front alongside the Russian division that has been there for some time.
 Building Up Our Armies.
 With no Illusions as to the serious ness of the task confronting ii, the administration Is proceeding steadily in us preaaratlon for ihe part the United States is to play in the war. President Wilson has ordered the reg ntar army brought up to full War strength. and III the machinery for raising the great selectiye draft army k ready. All over the country the training camps for officers were opened at the beginning of the week, ana thousands of efficient young Americans are being drilled in the du- lies of commanding officers. The sale If .I.ibertya bonds ia denominations as low as S50 is i'll full swing. To pro- vide fer the couuuy's own expenses as I beIlIserent. the appropriations com