WAR MEASURES IN AMERICA

Evening Star, Issue 16550, 9 October 1917, Page 8

WAR MEASURES IN AMERICA

NEW ZEALANDER'S OBSERVATIONS. CROSSING THE ATLANTIC, Mr J. B. Clarkson, of Wellington, who has recently, returned, from England via America, talk's interestingly of things seen en route. He loft here for England in April. ; - "On my arrival in America," ho.says, "I was_ very interested in wh'at they were : doing in the way of war preparations. Small cottagers and business peoplo were making preparation to supply themselves, with vegetables, in order to 'keep down the cost of living. The registration had beon just completed. It showed 9,600,000 men between the ages of 21 years and 31 years. The people anticipated no difficulty in carrying out Conscription. Already those partial to German influence were being watched very closely, and tho police were giving special attention to German and Austrian gatherings. In New York it was found somewhat difficult to secure a passage for England, but after some delay this was arranged. In one of the shipping company's offices we were shown a lifepreserving suit which we were very interested in, as there was a submarine scans in New York. This suit makes travel perfectly safe. One can put it on in from 40 to 50 seconds (over ordinary clothing if necessary), and can withstand the cold and keep afloat for days. "The liner in which we crossed the Atlantic was equipped with a 6in gun, and there was regular gun practice. . Every day there was boat drill, during which .passengers equipped themselves with "lifebelts and took their places on tho deck. Although this boat could carry 500 first saloon passengers, she carried only 40 or so. "Nearing the coast of Ireland wo saw a considerable amount of debris from torpedoed vessels, and saw a cordon of mine-

sweepers in action. In England tho munition and aeroplane factories wero very busy. The progress made in the munition factories was extraordinary. To-day they could supply the 6,500,000 British men in tho field, and also supply some to the Allies. " The American liner 'in which we crossed the Atlantic on our return trip loft Liverpool at something over 20 knots per hour, and took a zig-zag course for a time, and was constantly in touch with other merchantmen and cruisers. There were 'never less than 40 men on watch, and the ship was equipped with four 4in guns and one 6in gun, and there wero about 50 men in the capacity of gunners and . assistants. This boat, on her inward trip to Liverpool, had beon attacked by a submarine, which fired 30 to 40 rounds. The American liner, fired 40 to 50 shots in reply. The firing concluded without definite result to either side. The only incident on this trip was the firing by" mistake of- one of the 4in guns at 10.30 one night. All i bands got into lifebelts, and there was a little excitement. There wero only 24 passengers; tho vessel could hold 400 in the saloon. Elaborate precautions are beins; taken to protect life and propertv on the trip over the Atlantic. The Americans spoak very hopefully of what Edison may evolvo soon to combat submarines. "Coming back through America it was noticeable what a large number of men there were in uniform, and what measures they were taking to play their part in thu world struggle. They are now providing money, munitions, aeroplanes, and men. and are determined to see the war through to a successful conclusion." - : i

A "lifer" who has returned to prison as an official is the position of a certain doctor. He was serving a life sentence in tho Michigan State Prison, and was given a full pardon by the State Governor. Recently the Prison Board of Control appointed him as prison physician.