New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-15
Results of Six Weeks of
War Demonstrate Eng
lands Strength
Imports Increase as
Sinkings Decrease
Two Years Needed to De.
stroy Commerce Fleet at
Present Rate

LDNuOl. shdiAh y ANfAN" ~
highly competent authority Of the first
six weeks Of the German unrestricted
submarine campaign, with figures taken
from the Board of Trade reports, was
made public here to-day.
"The German submarine campaign,
reported TO have assumed enhanced
vigor on February !, must be singular
ly disappointing to the Germans them
selves" says the review. AT the be
ginning of January, 1917, Great Britain
possessed approximately 1871 vessels
of | 500 tons and over. Many others OF
lesser tonnage are not taken into con-
sideration, owing 10 the Importance OF
restricting the question to overseas
traffic and cargo. judging the results
carefully and looking to possible future
developments.
From February until March (l4D
the losses of British ships of over l,oOO
tons were approximately rs, which num-
ber. deducted from the total, leaves the
British mercantile marine with 9,6o3
ships of over 1900 tons after SIX weeks
German submarine warfare
MANY Ships Building
at should be remembered that very
large proportion of tonnage is on the
stocks building for the British mercan-
tile marine. and fair percentage OF
the total is being turned out monthly.
In the fatal above mentioned no account
is taken OF ships completed or oought
in neutral countries.
"During the period from February
I 10 March 10 no British ships nave
been. In any way blockaded IN harDor
Every opportunity Of carrying ou'
their plans has been at the disposition
of the Germans after their declaration
Of unrestricted submarine warfare. II
is extremely improbable that the Ter
man authorities will ever have the
same opportunity, for the following
reasons:
"First-A large number Of old tramp
steamers. slow of speed. have been
sunk. as they afforded easy prey.
"Second-Their efforts would be
directed for the first six weeks or two
months toward producing the most con-
siderable results BY careful organlza-
ton and administration, with view 10
affecting the morale of neutral ma
tions. A careful study of the German
methods has been made by the British
naval authorities, and anti-submarlne
measures have been adopted which, as
the outcome of experience, have at
tanned a large measure Of success.
Armed Ships Effective
"Third-The armng Of merchant yes
sells is rapidly taking place. and 1t IS
capable of proof that a submarine takes
particular care in attacking armed yes
sells. a large percentage of which al
ways escape.
"Fourth -Anti-submarine devices are
being daily perfected. but little time
must necessarily elapse in order that
they should receive a proper trial.
"Fifth-The German naval authorities
arc bound to find some difficulty in re-
placing the trained personnel. Of which
thew have lost a considerable portion. IL
should be remembered that there is
considerable difference between the eifi .
cheney of individual commanders, and
the greatest losses have been incurred
through the action of few German
submarine commanders, who, by their
skill and training. stand far above the
average U-boat officers who leave Ger
many on missions of destruction.
"The losses of the British mercantile
marine are being steadily reduced. Dur
ing the last two weeks only twenty-nine
have been sunk, as opposed to forty
eight in the first two weeks.
World Shortage After War
"The vessels engaged in the coastal
trade are continually exposed TO Ger
man submarines and are naturally in
cluded in a German commanders re-
ports.
"The most serious aspect of the Ger
man submarine warfare is that re-
Aected by post -bellum conditions with
regard 10 shortage of world tonnage.
Resides affecting the whole world, II
is likely 10 affect most seriously the
smaller nations who have no mercan-
tile marine of their own TO rely upon
and are dependent upon that OF other
nations for their sea traffic.
"However much the Germans may de-
Giro 70 force neulrals 10 lay up their
vessels and close neutral harbors, such
a state of things cannot exist long, be-
cause the neutrals themselves must OBJ
tain certain necessaries IN order 10
avoid the intense economic situation
which AZ present obtains IN Germany.
This fact is necessarily better known
10 the neutrals themselves than TO
those not Immediately concerned.
Neutrals Hardest Hit
"As regards the general situation Of
the submarine warfare, II may thus be
summed up: II is having more
serious effect upon European neutrals
than upon belligerent mercantile ma
rine. The continual losses OF ships VIII
seriously affect post-bellum trade. The
losses OF British mercantile vessels in
the first six weeks represent percent
age OF 2.3. while the average daily
movement of vessels in United King
dom ports is 7l0. This figure excepts
fishing and local craft.
"If the same rate OF destruction
were 70 continue at this average II
would take at least year to reduce the
british mercantile marine by one-half,
without taking into consideration add
tional tonnage procured from building
or purchase. p-..
are very necessary and have been I'M
nosed in order to avoid the effects OF
the war pressing too hardly upon the
noorer classes Of the country, and they
further curtail lavish expenditure and
the waste of provisions.
al. is tho custom of the German au-