South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-05-01
Daniels Reveals Gallant Cre70 of Scorpion
i We're First Men to Shed German Blood

CONTINUED FROM PAGE al
broken and American naval ship was named after
an enlisted man
rather think the American people will say I was
justified in breaking the precedent.
Ihere were so many deeds OF daring. many in
stances OF personal bravery. that these
acerize the entire service so strongly that
only opportunity was needed for any OF the half
million to distinguish themselves. that might write
beside the whole servce-"Heroes An
CONSTANTINOPLE. March 25-CDeayed)-The
Scorpion. veteran of the Spanish American war in
termed here when the United joined the allies
and now Admiral BristOs flagship. has been ordered
sold by the navy department The Scorpion has been
stationed here much of the since 1905 when it
became dispatch boat for the American embassy II
is converted yacht.
AMERICANS IN GRAND STAND
When the German cruisers Goeben and Breslau made
their sensational escape at the opening OF the
raced down the Mediterranean TO deliver themselves
Turkey. it American audience on an American
grand stand which watched the thrilling in the
harbor of Constantinople
From the deck gunboat Scorpion flying the
flag Of the United States. the officers men, no
amusement behed the evidently Teutonic crews
Of the erstwhile ships of the German navy hastily
fng their German and donning Mosem fezzes as
the Turkish flag was hOsted TO the masthead
Throughout the the Scorpion a vantage point
observation for the events which occurred in the
east When the United States beligerent it
quietly informed, since there declaration of
with Turkey and nothing to be gained by this little
vessel risking almost certain destruction by
run the Uboat gauntlet in the Mediterranean
to reach the naval forces of the allies
THRILLING TIMES FOR CREW
This. however does not mean that the Scorpion s
wartime existence wholly monotonous II had its
thrills and its opportunities service. When Turkey
entered the war the crew of the Scorpion invau
able to Mr.. Morgenthau guarding embassies and
helping TO get the retiring allied officials and thou
sands of Observation-Disclosures, women and children
safely of the city.
The American flag was temporarily hoisted over the
British embassy, and of the Scorpion stood on
guard about the building because there
that attack to be made upon it, and Mr. Nor
genthau had been requested by the British
10 charge British interests
But the most thrilling episode in the Scorpions long
sojourn in the Bosporus occurred May 25 1916.
Long lines of transports, with 10000 $4,000
troops aboard at the ready TO sail for the
reinforcement of the Ottoman armies the Oar
daneles An escort of destroyers and patrol had
been ahead into the Marmora and or
two destroyers were racing about jim the Bosporus
The opportunity for sudden blow by the allies
excellent if anybody could get enough to strike
of mines and shore guns and other defense
which. thus far had made the Dardanelles impreg-
nable
So the Turks felt fairly safe
WARNING FROM SUBMARINE.
A spread. however, May "a that the skip
per Of submarine had addressed letter 20 the neu
trail embassies requesting that all neutral ships for
their protection should Immediately withdraw
from the open harbor.
1t was said letter given the cap
tain of Greek ug-boat This assertion, however has
never verified has a copy of the letter
been seen. SO far is known it never delivered
Suspicion exists that it fell into Turkish hands This
suspicion strengthened by the fact that almost coin
cdeny several ugboat captains of Hellenic race dis
appeared"
1t with sense of expectancy quickened by this
the Scorpions lookout watched the early
morning preparations Turkish transports sail
The moment for departure had almost arrived when
sudden the quarermaster of the Scorpion
brought all hands scrambling deck.
British submarine" rang out the cry.
Sure enough heading at full speed for the troop
ships rifle of water white around its peris
cope British submarine.
The Turks had made simultaneous discovery of it,
their artillery opened fire. The craftsmanship
Door however, for all the shells fell harmless
BLOWS UP RKISH CRAFT.
The made a full sweep of the harbor and
when only 90 yards from the Turkish field guns fired
torpedo.
A moment later there was terrific explosion.
81 vanished water presently
fell back again in fragments. big hole was blown
in the side Of empty transport.
The first torpedo followed almost imme datey by