The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-03-16
LAST ORDERS TO GUNNERS
OF NAVY READY
nv F. R. SartWell.)

NaSnu0lOu. iA4oA "
de,s to the navy gunners VINO VIII
u..k he guns Of armed American
merchant ships defying the German
submarine zone were framed tonlSht
at a conference between Secretary OF
State Lansing and Secretary OF the
Navy Daniels. ~
The orders will be transmitted dl-
rectly to the gun crews by the secre-
tary of the navy.
Thev provide in detail for conpli-
ance with the attitude of the United
States in the whole long internation-
al controversy over the use OF SUD-
marines against merchant craft.
The merchant ships gunners Will
fire at sight on any submarine ap-
preaching in a threatening manner
but will respect the right of the sub
marine to visit and search" for con-
traband, if any effort is made to exer-
else that right.
Further than this statement, the or
ders will be kept absolutely secret.
The final form of the orders to gun
ners was framed after the State De-
partment had communicated to every
representative Of a foreign govern
ment in washington the intention VI
the United States to arm its merchant
vessels. These two formal actions
cleared away the last Formally nee
essary before American commerce re-
sumes it's place on the seas. The
NAVY Department and the War De-
nartment at once settled down to the
vigorous prosecution of all steps TO-
ward placing the nation on a war
basis to meet whatever the suoma :
rine controversy may bring forth.
The armed ships starting for the
war zone will be absolutely under the
control of the federal government.
Their course, their departure and ar
rival will be governed by orders from
Washington. The masters OF the
ships will take their orders direct
from the Navy Department. The State
Department said today that the Navy
Department could use it own Judg-
ment as to the need for putting COM
missioned officers on the merchant
ships in connection with the gun
crews.
Today's notification to the govern
ments of the world of Americas inten-
.tion to protect her sea commerce was
clear. specific and to the point. 1t was
addressed to each Of the governments
represented here and said:
'In view Of the announcement OF the
imperial German government of jan
uary 81, 1917, that all ships, those OF
neutrals included, met within certain
zones cf the high seas, would be sunk
without any precautions beink taken
for the safety Of the persons on board
and without the exercise OF visit anu
search. the government Of the United
States has determined to place upon
all American ships sailing through
the barred zone an armed guard 1oF
the protection of the vessels and the
lives of the persons on board
Guns Guard Munitions.
The>note and explanations made at
the State Department made it clear
that every American ship sailing for
the war zone will be armed. This dis
posed completely of speculation as to
whether ships carrying munitions OF
war as a part of their cargo would De
accorded full protection. The State
Department has always contended
however. that munitions ships as well
as all other merchant vessels were Ell
titled to the full protection Of inter
national law, and they will be armed
in accordance with this attitude.
Pressing his plans for the complete
naval preparedness of the nation, Sec
retarry Daniels today took up witt
builders of small boats the problem o
supplying at once vast fleet OF SUD
marine chasers. of the motor boat
type now used by Great Britain. Rep
resentatives of the Adams Shlpbulld
ing company, of East Booth Bay
Maine; NJ. B. Calderwood, OF Man
>~.Ar. y. H.: Eastern Shipyaro
Shelter Island, n. Y; Elco company
Bavonne, n. Y; Essington Shipbuild
inc company, Essington, Ga; Gas En-
CINE and Power company, Morris
Heights, n. Y; Great Lakes Boat
building corporation, Milwaukee
Wis: Greenport Basin and Construc
ton company, Greenport, L. l.; Her
reshoff Manufacturing company, Brls
tol. R. l.; Robert Jacob, City Island
Y. Y; Lawley &; Son. Neponset, Mass.
Luders' Marine Construction company
Stamford, Conn.,; Mathis Yachtbulid
ing company. Camden, n. j.; Mat
thews company, Port Clinton, ONO
Murray and Tregurtha company
South Boston, Mass; New York Yacht
Launch and Engine, Morris, n. T.
Smith and Williams company, Sails
bury, Md, and the Mann YachtDulld
ing company, Baltimore, Mr., were
the conference. :,
After reviewing the facilities avail
able for the type of ship the depart
ment wants, the builders were unabl
to promise more than 100 boats i
four or FIVE months This was far Dc
low the desire of the department. Tn