The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1918-08-14

Chase to the naval district command
ant. Smith Island is off the mouth of
the Cape Fear River, near the en-
trance of the channel to Wilmington,
N. c."
Officials Puzzled
Assuming that the attack on the
island was deliberate, officials plain
ly were puzzled as to its purpose. The
only explanation was that the subma-
rine commander sought to put the
lighthouse out of commission with the
attendant danger to passing ships Ii
that were the purpose, however, off
cials could not understand why the
commander did not destroy the light
house with his guns.
On the basis of reports received
concerning the attack on the subma-
rine off the Virginia coast. officials
would not venture an opinion as to the
possibility that the U-boat was de-
stroycd. The time Of the attack was
not given in the dispatch and conse-
quently, it was not known whether it
was before or after the gassing Of the
men on Smiths Island.
The attack may have occurred Sun-
day and been reported by radio. but
the more generally accepted belief
was that it took place several davs
ago, and since there was no conclusive
proof of destruction Of the enemy,
the destroyer waited until returning
to its base before report ing 10 the
district naval commander.
UBoat Submerges
When the destroyer sighted the
raider at some distance, it dashed for
ward at full speed. The German evil
IDENTIFY was maintaining sharp look-
out, Tor the U-boat soon submerged.
The destroyer circled the spot and
dropped fifteen depth charges.
When the uphearal Of the water
caused by the terrific explosion mad
subsidized, an oil scum was seen. As
this is a ruse long employed by hte
Germans when attacked, the DESTROYER
dashed in and discharged two more
bombs. The warship then cruised in
the vicinity some time, but no further
trace of the raider was seen
In discussing the submarine rai,:
with newspaper correspondents. Sec
retary Daniels said he believed that
there are two U-boats oDcfating on
this side Of the A Atlantic. He sa,l ne
did not believe that they have q base
on American shores and explained
that they frequently replenish their
stores and supplies from vessels they
destroy.
Effective Patrols
Naval patrols on the coas: are :.y
effective as can be, Mr. Daniels De.
clared, adding that it is impossible
for them to be everywhere. Thus far
the raiders have done no military
damage, the Secretary said. and the
navy is carrying out successfully lis
paramount duty of safely cn.v02inp
American troops overseas.
Since they began operations Ju!y ID
IN the second raid in American ate RS
since this country entered the ;yar
the submarines have accounted fo,
thlrty-onc vessels, Of which al exrep1
three have been destroyed in New
England and Canadian waters. The
three exceptions were the American
steamers, o. B. Jennings ay.8 hierak
and Diamond Shoal lightship No. -
sent down off the middle Atlantic
coast.
Presence Of the RAIDERS was first
made nown by the sinking OF the
American armorcd cruiser, SaY, Diero
orr Fire Island, New York. by a nine
laid by a submarine. Since then III
.2cen fishing smacks, thre coal oa.res
"a tug, 1ightship, four schoonecs and
SIX steamers have been DESTROYED
Most of the vessels were Of A;r,~;c.c
registry.
NnY Sn,..n,..l,,