We wish we could write as cheerfully about the latest
return of losses from submarines. But the truth is that our losses are still a cause for the gravest anxiety. It is evident that there is a certain periodicity in the German submarine operations, and it may be that we are now at the high-water mark of the present German effort ; but even so, we cannot flatter ourselves with the assurance that any effectual means of overcoming the submarines has yet been discovered. The need for economy at home in the consump- tion of food is more urgent than ever. In the return issued on Wednesday night it was recorded that twenty-four vessels of over 1,600 tons had been sunk, and four vessels under 1,600 tons. This number of large vessels has only twee been exceeded since the unrestricted submarine warfare began.
