Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-05-28
YEAR Y SINCE IN
l. 5. SHIPS SHIP
WENT OVER \
This Month Marks Ami
versary Of Arrival Of De
stroyers in War Zone.

Washington, May 2S.-This month
marks the first anniversary Of the ar
rival Of Americas destroyers feet in
foreign waters.
In the year that has elapsed-dur-
ing a year that an inert nation has
shaken, off its lethargy and modified
its resources in men and materials for
the great war-the fleets have oper-
ated effectively in conveying trans
ports and Kidding the sea lanes Of the
lurking submarine.
Detailed description or narratives
Of the work and exploits of Admiral
Sims fleets have not been revealed.
Sporadtcally the news cables have
carried a %succinct dispatch telling of
an engagement between an American
destroyer and a submarine. but the
navy department still confines to it's
archives the running story Of Ameri-
Arst years participation in 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. vet briefly,
how successful has been the watch Of
Britain's and Americas destroyer
fleets. it is necessary only to point out
that the Wanted submarine offensive
which was to have accompanied the
great drive in the west this spring in
bringing the allied world to its knees.
has not ma~terialized. Even, may it
be said, 1t has proved an almost utter
failure.
During the past winter German
newspapers frankly disclosed la the
sea marauders were being recalled to
their home. ports 80 they might be re-
paired. reftted and ~overhauled in
preparation for a campaign that
would sweep the Atlantic routes clear
Of all transports and supply ships.
Of ruthless submarine warfare, had
his sea-rovers carefully repaired. Pre-
sumably 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 re-
port.
The destroyer fleets have been on
the Job!
warfare on helpless merchant craft
still continues. But, the German sub
marine commander has row eX-
ceedingly wary about coming to the
surface unless assurance is positive
that no allied destroyers r in the
vicinity. In fact, the submarine is
getting increasingly reluctant about
exposing any part OF its hide to the
disconcertingly effective gunfire Of
British or American naval craft.
Weekly a few laboring tramps fall
victim to the ,U-boats.. However, the
number Of sinkings is decreasing at a
rate that induces confidence in the
ability OF the allies to minimize the
submarine. menace The destroyers
patrol the trade routes with a vigil
lance that does not permit the subma-
rine to break surface very often. A
periscope draws a deluge of gun-ire,
while the area in which the undersea
craft last 81 sesn is converted rap
idly into a whirling field Of spray by
depth bombs. During the rear that
the American d~estroyers have been
CURED one incident that will live in
naval annals. It's the story Of the
flaming.
When the enemy was sighted by the
ever-v1gilant lookout. shells from the
Americana guns were rained on the
submersible in such volume that she
was compelled to come to h surface
and run up the signal of surrender.
The crew-men who gleefully had
watched a torpedo blast its way into
the bowels of a helpless merchantmen
sinking boat, held up their hands in
abject terror and begged for mercy,
They were saved. but American boys
We're compelled in some cases to lear
overheard to save their enemies from
drowning. ~
The announcement recently by
Secretary Daniels that American war
ships are operating o with the
British high seas feet in keeping the
German navy safe behind the barriers
II Kiel brings renewed assurance