The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-06-10

ade will present any serious problem to the United States remains to be proven. It has been held by naval experts and scientists that such blockade, if ever it should be tried, would fall to the ground from natural ob- stacles. The distance of the scene of opera tions from submarine bases is the greatest of these, carrying with it the question of obtaining supplies, food, torpedoes and other articles for both crew and vessel
 Since the entry of the United States into the war, Germany has been devoting all her energies to the construction of under sea boats which would be capable of great cruising radius and transportation of sup plies sufficient for lengthy voyages In this effort the super submarine has been built, having high speed possibilities, heavier ar mament, and greater cargo space. But even these cruiser-type submarines cannot operate without disadvantages almost insurmountable on the western shores of the Atlantic ocean.
 There must be bases near by available for repairs, for a port of refuge before a close blockade can be established. It is not entirely impossible for bases to have been se- cured, but such bases cannot go long with out being discovered. There are hundreds of points along the American coast on islands ill the Caribbean, along the shores of Mexi- can territory where pro-Germanism is strong, that would be available for the establishment of bases. But supplies must be conveyed to these places, and the submarines themselves are not capable of stocking up these places Cargo vessels of some class must be eln- ployed for the purpose, and these are sure to be detected early in the hunt which is sure to be made
 Yesterdays dispatches indicate that most of the harbors along the seaboard have been closed, all outgoing shipping being held up. This is state of affairs which cannot exist very long. To keep these vessels in port for more than few days at time would con- cede the effectiveness of the blockade. The transatlantic shipping must go on without restriction in order to assemble America s resources on the European battle6elds.
 The only means of combating the sub marine effectively SO far found is the patrol system. This has reduced the sinkings in the European submarine zone below the ship building rate and proven that there is no hope tor German victory from the use of this weapon. It is the evident hope of Germany that her bockaders will be more successful along American coasts
 It is the task of the United States navy to meet this new campaign in as short time as is possible The record of American units in European waters is good indication that it will not be found wanting now that it is called on at home. It is inconceivable that Germany will be able to stop transportation between America and Europe Our shipping losses may and probably will be larger for a while. Greater economy may be forced OH us in order to make good the stores lost in these vessels, but there is no possibility of a successful German blockade on American ports
 Whatever sacrifices are needed to coull- teract the effects of this new campaign will be cheerfully undergone by Americans. The submarine operations near our coast line will awaken Us to the reality of the war, and the threat of German imperialism, as no other thing could have done. America is about to go to war in earnest.