AMERICA'S PREPARATIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13464, 19 April 1917, Page 5

AMERICA'S PREPARATIONS

AMENDED CONSCRIPTION BILL. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received April 19, 1.40 a.m. WASHINGTON, April 18. Mr Baker has amended the draft of the Conscription Bill, providing that the classes be called up as follows: First 20 to 25 years, second 2G to 32, third 33 to 37, fourth 38 to i2, fifth 43 to 48.. BOND BILL PASSES SENATE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received April 19, 1.40 a.m. WASHINGTON, April 18. The Senate passed the Bond Bill without a dissentient. AMERICAN NAVY ACTIVE. Received April 19, 1.40 a.m. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) WASHINGTON, April 18. The State Department has issued broadcast warnings in regard to the submarines. Destroyers and chasers are combing the sea from Maine to Chesapeake Capes. Mr Daniels said: "WeNbelieve submarines are in American waters. II is understood they have been seen 53 miles nort-east of Barnegat Bay." GUARDING THE PANAMA CANAL. HEAVY FIRING OFF CA r E COT). WILSON FAVOURS CONSCRIPTION (Australian and N./.. Cable Assn.) Re eived Ami l 19. 8.50 a.m. WASHINGTON, April 18. To safeguard the canal the ports of Christobel and Baldoa have been ordered to be closed at night and all lights extinguished. Official reports from the destroyer Smith state that they actually saw the periscope of the submarine at 400 yards' distance. The Navy Department reports heavy tiring off Cape Cod, but the cause has not been disclosed. In the House of Representatives the Military Committee voted in favour of raising 500,000 men voluntarily. Mr Wilson conferred with the Senate and Military Committee, urging them to press conscription with all speed and without a change/ ,