Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 98, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 March 1918 — GAINING ON U-BOATS [ARTICLE]

GAINING ON U-BOATS

U. S. AND ALLIES DESTROYING LARGE NUMBER OF “SUBS." More Submarines Sunk During Month of December Than Enemy Was Able to Build. Washington, March 8. —More submarines were destroyed by the allies and American naval forces in December than Germany was aide to build during that month, according to information reaching Washington. This fact developed in discussions of tlie statement made to parliament Tuesday by Sir Eric Geddes, first lord of the British admiralty, that the submarines were being checked. Whether succeeding' months have shown a net loss in German submarines is not known here. It i» believed, however, that the antisubmarine campaign ha,s proved so effective that increased efforts this spring will see a steady decrease in the number of U-boats available to prey on allied and American shipping. What officials know of plans for pressing home the attack with increasing vigor explains the feeling of optimism that now prevails in official circles, despite continued heavy drains on ship tonnage through U-boats. The gradual decline in tonnage losses was graphically pictured to parliament by Sir Eric witli curve charts. American naval officials appear to be satisfied that the weapons with which they expect to crush finally the submarine menace are forthcoming. Increased numbers of patrol vessels of various typt% appliances and devices to make them more effective against underwater craft and the increased skill of navy personnel are among the tilings op which they count. It’ has taken time to devise ahd lrtillVT dnrt-they are beginning to become available now. Now America's real contribution to the naval warfare is about to be felt. With every passing week the strength of {lie force will grow, for it is embodied in the most extensive construction program ever undertaken for the navy of any power. The new destroyers and other craft must be added to the patrol fleets gradually as they are completed. Therefore no sudden falling off in tonnage losses is to be expected. It has been stated publicly by high British naval authorities, however, that next August will show beyond question that the U-boats have been overcome. There are officials here who are hopeful that decided results will be apparent before that, perhaps as early as May or June.