New Britain herald., 1918-05-31

ports and r1ddlng the sea lanes or the lurking submarine.
 Detailed description or narratives of the work and exploits of Vice Ad- nlral Sims fleets have not been re- vealcd. Sporadicany the news cables have carried q succinct despatch tell ing of an engagement between an American destroyer and a submarine, but the navy department still con- fines to it's archives the running story Of American naval achievements during the first years participation il. the war.
 Some day the entire story will be published, and the nation will thrill with pride for the boys who wore the blue. To tell effectively, yet briefly, how successful has been the watch Of Brtaits and Americas destroyer fleets, it is necessary only to point cut that the Vaunted submarine of fensive which was to have accom- panied the great drive in the West this spring in bringing the Allied world to it's knees. has not mater ialized. Even, may it be said, it has proved an almost utter failure.
 Chasing U-Boats Home.
 During the past winter. German
 
 the sea marauders were being re- called to their home ports so they might be repaired, reftted and over hauled in preparation for 8 cam paign that would sweep the Atlantic routes clear of all transports and supply ships. Presumably Won Tir- pitz, the apostle of ruthless subma rine warfare. had his sea-rovers carefully repaired. Presumably the raiders left port with the plaudits of cheering crowds ringing in their ears. And. now, presumably, the U-boats have returned with a mighty slim list of "victories'' to report. :. = "
 The destroyer fleets have been on the job. <: ...
 Warfare on helpless merchant craft still continues. But, the Ger man submarine commander has grown exceedingly wary about com ing to the surface upless assurance is positive that no Allied destroyers are in the vicinity. In fact, the sub marine is getting increasingly re- luctant about exposing any part of it's hide to the disconcertingly ef~ fectiNe gunfire of British or Ameri can naval craft. Weekly few labor ing tramps fall victim to the Uboats.
 
 decreasing at 8 rate that induces confidence in the ability of the Allies to minimize the subTuarfTIe menace. The destroyers patrol the trade routes with vigilance that does not permit the submarine to break surface very often. A periscope draws a deluge or gun-fire, while the area in which the undersea craft last was seen is converted rapidly into wh1rllng field of spray by depth bombs. Dur ing the year that the American de- stroyers have been "gunning for U-boats there has occurred one incl dent that will live in naval annals. It's the story of the Tanning.
 Runs Up White Flag.
 When the enemy was sighted by the ever-vigilaht>~ lockout. shells from thea American guns were rained' on the submersible in such volume that she was compelled to. come to the surface and run up the signal of surrender: The creW-men who glee- fully had watched a torpedo blast it's way into the bowels of a helpless merchantmen-lned up on the deck of their fast-sinking boat held up their hands in abject terror. and begged for mercy They were saved, but American boys were compelled in some cases to leap overheard to save their enemies from drowning.
 The announcement recently by Secretary. Daniels that American warships are operating now with the British high seas fleet in keeping the German navy safe behind the bar riers of Kiel. brings renewed assur- ance that the American navy is main taining it's glorious traditions.
 Apparently the German general staff is desirous of keeping the fleet intact, so the prospect of American dreadnaughts~ enga ging with the en- eny craft is not encouraging at present
 The British have been watching and waiting for four long years for the German fleet to come out and give battle. If the Germans ever are induced to leave the protection of their mine fields and get out in the wide reaches of the North Sea, a sea Lattle will be staged, it is predicted, that will make the encounter at Jut- land resemble a skirmish.