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Newspaper
New York Times
Location
New York, New York, United States of America
Date
Jun 06, 1918
Page
3
Arthur Pollen argues German raids on American shores threatened civilian casualties, detailing why U-boat attacks near New York and other resorts could occur. He cites strategic motives and historical context, asserting such actions were plausible before U.S. entry into the war.
The article notes Germany has not yet launched a coup in American waters for fourteen months but warns of a potential shift to more frightful action with bigger submarines and guns. It credits the Navy Department for staying prepared a year ago and remaining alert as the war progresses.
Archibald Hurd in the Daily Telegraph says a small number of submarines traveled about 3,500 miles to the American coast and may visit sporadically for a week or two. The raid seeks to unsettle U S shipping and force changes in European patrols, potentially easing pressure on German naval efforts. The U M vessel near Newport is around 500 tons, with others possibly twice that displacement, similar to the Deutschland model.
An American armed freighter arriving from an Italian port fired on what was believed to be a German submarine about 100 miles off Barnegat Light. Officers reported a periscope sighting near wreckage and said guns were fired after warnings to look out for U boats. Submarine chasers had earlier depth bombed one submarine.
London reports captains of ocean liners expect submarines off American ports and have prepared for emergencies. Lifeboats stayed lowered on Hiners ships, passengers briefed on lifejackets, soldiers don gear from boarding, lookouts doubled at night, and vigilance remains high across the voyage to Europe.
The Treasury said only submarine danger today justifies no rise in government marine insurance. Life insurance rates for officers and crews on merchant ships in war zone traffic were cut from 2 cents to 15 cents per $100. A Guadalajara paper falsely claimed fifteen American warships were destroyed, a claim the State Department dismissed as propaganda.
The encounter left the Texel damaged and sinking after three salvos. Eight officers and twenty eight men were saved by lifeboats reaching shore at 12 30 P M on June 4. A second account from the schooner Samuel Mengel described a U-boat approaching near New York, boarding, plundering stores, and making the crew abandon ship before bombs exploded and the vessel sank.
German submarines placed mines near the Delaware Capes to block Philadelphia harbor. Eleven mines were found, eight recovered and eight brought to the naval station. The tanker Herbert L. Kat t survived after mine damage, four tanks of oil dumped, cargo valued at $65 000, and the vessel sailed under its own power to Philadelphia. Divers and oil pumping stabilized the Pratt, a $1 500 000 ship, with $45 000 cargo salvaged as sailors cheered for the recovery efforts.
A large war craft with black smoke was seen off Atlantic City and rumors of a sunken steamer near the Delaware Capes circulated before official denial. Samuel P. Leeds said a dozen Atlantic City fishing fleet tacks were safe in Southern waters and Curtis Milton reported being at Chincoteague, easing fears of a larger loss to German raiders.
Due to German submarine threat vessels leaving Philadelphia must anchor at Brandywine Light for the night and may go to sea after daybreak if scouts deem conditions safe. Crew shore access restrictions in the Philadelphia naval district have been lifted.
German U boats off the Atlantic coast spurred a hiring wave at New York recruiting centers. Naval Cmdr W T Conn reports a record week possible as 225 men joined naval reserves Tuesday, 170 Monday, and near 200 again yesterday. The navy insists it needs more men, with reserves serving four years or wartime active duty, earning 35.90 monthly plus 40 clothing allowance.
Lewes Delaware June 5 The claim sixteen lost aboard the motorboat with Carolina survivors is disputed by Chief Engineer Christian Nelson who states seven were lost. He recounts the perilous night at sea with a lifeboat crew of nineteen survivors rescued by a British steamer after the motor launch overturned in a gale.
Women volunteers are asked to report to the American Chocolate Fund at 4 West Fifty-seventh Street to cover districts under Miss Gertrude Wehr. The fund ships a thousand pounds weekly to American troops in France via the Red Cross, aiding 4,000 men at a time and boosting comfort next to tobacco.
Navy officials acknowledge at least two submarines operated near the coast for ten days, sinking the Samuel Engle on Monday and the Eibsvold on June 4. Vessels like the Edna and Radioleine faced attacks. some were warned to alter course and escape. Authorities urge steady protection of transports as arrangements for coastwise defense continue.
Vice Admiral Sims reports the transport President Lincoln was torpedoed on May 21 and sank in eighteen minutes. Twenty six crew and passengers died, but survivors were saved due to ship discipline and captain P. W. Foote's seamen ship. Destroyers aided in rescue and will transport survivors home. None seriously injured.
British papers view the U boat operation as confirming the United States will mount a tougher war effort. The Daily Chronicle says Americans will not be cowed and will respond with renewed determination. The Daily Mail notes disruption but not decisive sea changes, while The Daily Graphic regards distant raids as a sign of Germany’s jeopardy and a boost to allied resolve.
The United Fruit liner Sixaola diverted from its course and entered Baltimore for safety after learning submarines were off the coast. She arrived near the Virginia Capes, then moved into the lower bay before reaching port with 81 passengers returning from Cuba and the West Coast of South America, cargo bananas, and mail.
Philadelphia dispatch from Cape May says aGerman U boat pirate was caught forenoon off the Overalls Lightship. North American reports the sinking news with details pending confirmation.
At Cape May Point a work crew and a contractor witnessed a scout patrol and airplane fire on a watercraft, with a geyser and explosion about 11:30 AM. The scene was near Schellengress Landing and Sewell's Point, but there is no official confirmation of a U boat attack.
Chief of Police Sanguiry issues instructions for urban defense if enemy ships appear. All lights seen from sea to be extinguished. Restaurants and theatres to close. Civilians to seek shelter and citizens not on duty to report to stations at alarm.
Detroit June 5 Henry Ford aims to speed production of eagle boats for coast patrols against submarines. A Ford representative heads to Washington to discuss faster vessel output. Ford expects first ship ready within a month though orders may rise. equipment delivery is a current hurdle. Naval officers say the boats with special devices could significantly bolster the defensive fleet.
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