The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-11-22
Equalization on Such a Gigantic Scale Has No
 Precedent in History.
FIVE AMERICAN
 SHIPS IN LINE
Minutely Detailed Program of Submission Carried Out
 According to Plans.
1st Page. Second Section

1st Page, Second Section
 Edinburgh, Nov. 21, Thursday-(By the Associated Press)-Germany as a naval power ceased to exist today. The heart of her mighty fleet-fourteen ships of the line, seven light cruisers and 50 destroyers-surrende to an armada of British, American and French vessels, the greatest fighting force that ever stood out to sea.
 The mlnutely detailed program of submission laid down by the com mander of the British fleet was car ried out strictly according to plan. | The German warships strung out in | single column almost 20 miles long, l appeared at the rendezvous at the ap- pointed time and were led into the Firth of Forth between twin col umns of Allied ships which over Tapped the Germans at each end. To- night, the enemy craft are anchored in the Firth, under guard as prisoners A surrender on such a gigantic scale has no precedent in naval his tory. Although the wonderful naval spectacle was the same as a peace time review and evoked little enthusi- asm, the haze plotting out the hori- zon, American and British officers could scarcely credit the evidence of their eyes. It was an event which shattered all naval traditions and ideals >... Men animated by the spirit of Law rence's Don't give up the ship" and Nelsons England expects every man to do his duty" could conceive as such a glorious fate asSthat to which the great enemy sea force was submitting. The Associated Press correspondent, standing on the deck of an American dreadnaught, heard an officer ex- claim: Even the poor old Span iards, knowing they hadn't a chance came out of Santiago" But for the most part both officers and men were silent. They realized they were wit messing the climacteric act of Ger many's downfall. They knew that the surrender of these vessels automatic ally raised the United States to second position among the worlds naval powers-zbut they showed no elation and seemed to feel a sort of con- temptuous pity for the fallen giant of the sea who had refused to fight
 
 shame.
 The German ships were sighted by the Allied columns at 9:20 o'clock, docilely following their British pilot, the light cruiser Cardiff, which, with destroyers and other small craft, had ranged ahead of the Allied fleet Every vessel steaming out to meet them flew battle ensigns and was ready to anni- hilate the enemy's forces if their mis- sion proved to be other than peaceful. Five American battleships, the New York, Texas, Arkansas Wyoming and Florida, were prepared to fire every gun, if the signal was given by Rear Admiral Rodman.
 When the leading German ship had reached tho western end of the flank ing columns. the Allied ships put about in squadrons. Quickly reform ing their lines, they proceeded 10 es- cort the enemy into the Firth of Forth. Holding steadily to its course the great fleet reached May Island al 2 o'clock. The captive Germans were piloted to ancholages assigned tc them and British ships from the southern column closed in as guards The northern column steamed on tc the regular anchorage higher up the Firth.
 Inspection parties from the Grand Fleet boarded the Germans to make sure that all conditions of the armis tice were observed. The enemy yes sels will be 1nterned In Scapa Flow Part Of the crews will remain fol maintenance work and the remainde will be returned to Germany soon.
 King George. the Prince of Wales Admiral Beatty and other members O the visiting party were received b Admirals Rodrnan and Sims and othe officers of the fleet. They passed be tween long lines of marines and sail ors standing at attention and wen below to the admirals cabin.
 Tb7 visit lasted a half hour, durfn which formalities were abandoned.
 King George voiced the brotherl feeling of the two navies, with 0 SUE gestion that arrangements might we be made for joint manoeuvres ever year by the American and Britis fleets. The proposal was heartily sec onded by the American officers.
 As the King entered the royal bare the order came from the officer on th bridge to the sailors and marine Three cheers for the King of Enl land" Cheers were given with sue Q will that they brought an answeI ing cheer from the men on the distal Ships of the American squadron.
 The main allied fleet extending ov line fourteen miles lo4lg in u Firth of Forth began to weigh a chor at l o'clock this morning.
 was moonlight. The ships quick took their stations in the long do ble line they held throughout t day, British battle cruisers led t, way. followed by dreadnaughts. A Hiral Beatty's flagship, the Que Elizabeth, led the squadron in O column. The American warshi fell into line behind Admiral Beatt, craft, balancing a British squadr sinnilsr in power in the opposite l!1
 The rendezvous was approximate 50, miles distant and the ships gau ed their speed to arrive at the a pointed place at 8 o'clock. At
 o'clock a signal summoned the m
 in to battle station and except
 the officers on the bridges, the shi
 companies were hidden behind b
 wsrks of steel
 Close behind the Cardiff came {
 first of the German ships, the gr,
 battle cruiser Ssydlitz, flying the f