Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1917-03-28
NAVY IS PREPARING TO FIGHT.
Increased Activity Follows Wilson's
Call to Congress.

increased activity to-day WIN tne au-
vancemcnt to April 2 Of the date Of
the extra session Of Congress-. No
actual war steps were taken by either
the war or navy department, but
there were many indications that pre-
liminary plans have been worked out
f)r rapid mobilization Of both ser
vices if the call comes.
The navy's task is simple. Its
problems are those Of material ra-
ther than personnel. at most little
more than 100000 men would b, re-
CURED for manning every available
ship or scouting craft. They could
be obtained almost overnight by mo-
bilization OF the naval militia and
the various sections OF the naval re-
serve, supplemented with volunteers.
Only highly trained officers would be
lacking.
The army's problem is just the re-
verse. 1t Is men that will be needed,
and no definite step toward securing
great force for training can be taken
until Congress expresses it's will. Full
equipment can be obtained long be-
fore the men are ready to use it.
Steps Taken by Navy.
Steps actually taken by the navy
to-day included the advancement Of
the date Of opening bids for addi-
tional destroycrS and notification to
ShipbuilderS that their full plant ca
pacity would be utilized in this work.
There is no way Of estimating how
many destroycrs will be ordered ur.
til estimates called for show how
many can be built. Secretary Dam
iels said every available plant would
Ot utilized to its utmost. The build
c., Will present their figures next
Saturday and awards will be made
immediately.
Bids for the first large consign-
mcnt Of li0foot submarine chaEe ers
or coast patrol boats also were re-
ccired to-day. but will be held conf
dental until next Wednesday, when
100 additional builders are expected
to submit figures. The navy hopes
to find facilities available for more
than 200 boats, the first Of them to
be delivered in two to three months
Meanwhile the work OF surveying
private yachts and motor craft is be-
ing pressed in every naval district,
and the enrolment Of volunteers to
man the boats proceeds rapidly.
The department has no present in
tcntion Of taking over merchant craft
for naval use, Secretary Daniels said
tonight, amplifying earlier assur-
ances given to American shipowners
by Chairman Denman, Of the ship
ping board
All American merchant ships. how
ever, have been surveyed and CLASH
fed by navy officials for possible use
in time of war. The guns being
placed aboard transatlantic craft
were destined originally to arm aux
iliary cruisers withdrawn from mer-
chant fleets for that purpose. Other
vessels were classified as GOLFERS,
supply ships or transports, as they
were found sTl:ahle. In man, in
stances the officers Of these ship;
have enrolled as reserve naval Off
GERS and would accompany their yes
sells in the government service.
Not to DemoraliZc Commerce.
No definite policy has yet been
adopted" Mr.. Daniels said. 1--WE
will not. however, demoralize COM
mcrce. None of the ships engaged in
trade will be taken over except in
case OF vital necessity. They would
all be taken in that case"
a board OF navy officers already is
dealing with the merchant marine
question. and will cooperate with
the shipping board in whatever is
done. 1t was indicated. however,
that no plans the Navy Department
is now making will require the acqui-
sition OF any important portion OF the
merchant marine to navy uses. Some
ships may be diverted under charter
to supply the fighting fleets or scout
patrols, II necessary, but because OF
the fact that it is believed the major
SHIPS or the navy would not be ac-
lively engaged, it is improbable that
great supply line will be set up.
Navy officials were disturbed b,
press reports OF a strike in the Cur
tiss Aeroplanc Company's factory
with which the government has
placcd large orders. Tomorrow q
| conference Of tho uarinuc nnrnnnnti