The Devils Lake world and inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1915-1920, 1918-08-14
MASTERY OF SEA
FIRMER THAN EVER
Allies Grip on the Enemy Con-
stantly Increasing.
As NAVAL EXPERT VIEWS II

Seven Million Tons Of Shipping Enter
or Leave British Ports Monthly
Supplies Are Being Carried In Great
er Volume Than a Year Ago-Sub-
marine Menace Being Held-strenath
Of Allied Armies Growing Rapidly.
The necessity of keeping an y
upon the Importance of sea power in
the present conflict, despite the close
attention claimed by the land battles,
is emphasized by Archibald Hurd, the
naval expert, writing in the London
Daily Telegraph.
"We have been apt during the recent
offensives On the western front" Nj.
Hurd writes, ito overlook other as
poets of the war-notably the funda-
mental factor, which is sea power.
After a period Of fifteen months. dur
ing which u strength in ships has
steadily declined, the downward ten
dency now has been definitely arrest
ed. Not only is our sea power increas-
ing, but our grip on the enemy is firm
er than at any previous period of the
, war.
100000 Tons Of Shipping.
Seven million tons Of shipping en-
ter or leave our ports monthly. Each
ship is the target for enemy subma-
rines, vet there have been days in the
present week when the enemy has not
Socnra6 a Sino1o shin
Twelve months ago We were with
difficulty maintaining one stream of
traffic, namely, that which brought us
food and raw material. Today sup
plies are flowing through this main
artery in greater volume than q year
ago. At the same time another stream
of traffic has started and merchant
shipping has been made available for
the greatest transport movement which
has ever been carried out.
"For three months past American
troops have been coming across the
Atlantic by tens Of thousands, far fast
er than at any time the balance be-
tween the allies and the central pow
ers is being adjusted in favor Of the
former. -
Reason for Confidence.
"Viewing the war in its various as.
pects-naval. military and economic
we have every reason for confidence.
The tide is distinctly, turning, and turn.
ing, let us hope, for the last time. The
submarine menace is being held. The
allied armies are increasing in rela.
tive strength. Tie food position Of
this country, Of France and of Italy is
improving, and slipbuilding, both i.
British and American yards. is pro.
ceeding at a greatly accelerated pace,
There is assurance that by the end Of
December at least 100000 tons will
have been put into the water here and
in the United States and that figure
may be considerably exceeded.
ION the other hand, the enemyl
sinkings Of British and allied tonnage
have been 80 considerably reduced ow.
ing to the activities Of the allied. naviea
and the courage and resource Of thei.
merchant seamen that It is practical,
certain there will be q balance Of ship.
ping on the right side.
In a word. the, relative naval. mill
tary and economic strength Of the al
lies is steadily increasing at a moment
when the enemy IL, feeling the cumula.
tive effects Of the blockade maintained
over a period Of nearly four year,
with increasing stringency, and Of thu
war on land, which not only has n
suited in heavy casualties, but hal
drained the central powers Of indus
trial workers."