The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1917-03-22
WILSON SPEEDS
UP NAVAL FORCES
Rushes Plans For Attack on
German Submarines.
WILL Spend s175,OOO, 900


Protect Sea Lanss-EarIy Gradua.
tIon Of Naval Academy Glasses Or
dsred-othsr Preparations Hurried.
Washington, March 20-While
President Wilson has not declared his
intention Of calling congress at once
to declare war on Germany. in view
Of the virtual state Of war that exists
between the two countries. prepara-
tions for aggressive action by the navy
against the German submarine men
ace have begun at the presidents d.
rection.
The president authorized the ex-
penditure of the s175.ooo. 900 emery
ency fund provided by congress to
speed up naval construction and pay
for special additional war craft. and
the supension of the eight-hour law in
plants engaged on navy work.
Immediately afterward Secretary
Daniels ordered the New York navy
yard to begin building sixty subma-
rine chasers OF the 110foot type, to
be completed in from sixty to eighty
days.
With the presidents approval. the
secretary also ordered the graduation
Of the first and second classes at the
naval academy. The FIRST GLASS will
60 out March 29, releasing 172 Junior
oficers to fill existing vacancies, and
the second in September, furnishing
f02 more full year before they other
wise would be available.
While the energies Of the navy will
be concentrated for the present on ef-
forts to get into commission craft
designed to destroy submarines and
guard the coast. warship building gen
orally will be spssded up under the
recent agreement with private build
ers and with the funds now made
available.
Engines for the "chasers," to be
turned out by the New York plant,
will be bought from private manufact'
urers in time to have them installed
promptly upon completion OF the hulls.
Bids for 200 or more additional craft
of the same type. coast patrol boats
as they are to be designated. will be
opened next Wednesday. Mr.. Daniels
plans to monopolize the market with
government orders.
A large number Of privately owned
motor craft, manned by volunteer
crews, available for navy use my be
drawn upon at any time.
In this connection officials say II is
planned to establish submarine
proof patrol on the American coast,
insuring safe passage to and from
American ports for all ships. Since
the visit OF the German submarine
U-5s to Newport last summer made II
clear that the underwater craft could
operate across the Atlantic, It is be-
lieved necessary TO provide for protec-
ton OF American harbors In the event
OF war.
Informal negotiations will be start.
ed for a working agreement with Brit
ish and French patrol squadrons now
to protect ships passing
the German submarine zone.
II Is planned to make American waters
safe against submarines for all ships
with the understanding that Ameri-
oan ships will receive full protection
in the zones from patrols OF the allies
On the surface the war department
Is taking no steps toward making
ready for war The facts are, however.
that very complete plans for remobt
lization OF the guard have been pre-
pared, and that provision has been
made TO secure promptly enough ad-
ditional ofpcers to organize force OF
500. 900 volunteers. No move to call
out such an army can be made. how