New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-04

The technical problems connected
with the projected blockade Of England
we're among the stiffest that the Ger
mans have grappled with and among
those most pressing for solution. win
the issue Of each new type OF ration
card, the people increased their ciamor
for an unrestricted retaliation by SUD
marine. The problem was that OF es-
tablishing vigorous, telling BLOCKADE,
vet conducted in such way rs 10 mees
Americas demands that the llves OIL
civilian travellers must be respected OF
the seas. The attitude of the American
ooyernment. moreover, played no unim-
portant part in the hnal INVENTION VI
The sub-surfsce warship.
Reports that reached the Germans
convinced their leaders that America
would not endure in the role Of friend
lv neutrality any resumption OF the So
called ruthless submarine campaign
The early type of submarines, however,
we're at the mercy of the guns carried
bv merchantmen for defensive pur-
poses. Living up TO the requirements
Tor "visit and search" and for allowing
suflcient time for the escape OF pas
sengers and crew often involved the
question Of life or death for these frau
craft. One hit from the merchantman s
guns meant destruction. These small
boats were also exposed to the menace
of q sudden maneuvre on the part OF
the intended victim TO ram them. For
this type of boats, the only effective
campaign against England must neces-
ssriiy have been more, or less, ruth
less one.
Merchant Ships Helpless
Tho new submersible cruiser, on the
other hand. is 9 powerful armored ship,
armed with heavy guns. II would De
madness for a defensively-armed mer-
chant vessel TO engage one OF these
craft in combat. II is far removed
from the easily-punctured underwater
fighter of yesterday. 1t is built 10
stand its ground on even terms against
a cruiser of the middle class. Armed
merchantmen and patrol boats are no
match for it. The new submersible
was built to carry on an intensified war
against merchant shipping, within the
letter Of American limitations. Whether
IL will be successful in carrying out
its work in the present gigantic contest
of blockades without resorting to the
ruthless tactics of the first blockade
should be fairly indicated before many
days OF the new struggle have passed.
German naval commanders, at least,
believe that this latest creation of war
technique solves the sorest problem
that has arisen between their country
and the United States since the begin
ming of hostilities. They believe that
the submarine issue will never again
become acute and full of danger be-
tween the two countries. II is felt that
the new boat should be able TO live up
strictly 10 the requirements of inter-
national law. II should be guilty Of no
sinkings of merchant vessels without
warning, and without giving adequate
opportunity TO passengers and crews to
escape. There still remains, however,
the question OF Illegal destruction of
property.
Agitation for the renewal Of the at
tempt to blockade England by sub
marine broke out bitterly in Germany
in the spring Of last year. 1t came with
the pinch of shortage in most of the
staple foods. This demand increased
in volume and vigor all through the
lean months of summer and early au-
tumn. II formed the foundation Of all
criticism Of the Chancellor; in fact,
this question was somehow mixed up
with every political controversy.
Felt Blockade Keenly
The British blockade was grinding
hard upon the comforts, the endurance
Of the German people. II had made life
in Germany a drsb, dispirting routine
of getting along without" without but
ter, milk, eggs, meat, clothes, shoes,
soaps and innumerable other things.
The naval officers urged that a free use
Of the submersibles would soon change
all this. They asserted that it was in
the power of their service, IL given
loose rein, 20 force England In few
months 70 sue for peace, thus sparing
their people an endless weary future Of
sacrifice and privation.
Quite naturally the people demanded
that the navy be given It's opportunity.
The women grumbled that their hus-
bands were being held TO an intermina-
bic service in the trenches, when a few
months OF determined submarine ef-
fort might bring about their release.
The men grumbled over their beer and
skat cards, in the streets and in their
places Of business Many Of the lead
ing newspapers fostered the agitation.
Pamphlets attacking the Chancellor for
iDdecision and weakness were printed
and circulated from hand 20 hand. The
Agrarians and National Liberals, two
Of the strongest German parties, with
.ha .uhyoariua ouesfion aa bark-