New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-11
!SUBMARINES FOR JAPAN.
Lake Boat Protector Sent abroad
and Holland Boat Fulton TO 90.
TrRoM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU.


Washington. June lO-Information has been
received here TO the effect that the Lake sub
marine torpedo boat Protector has been pur-
chased by the government OF japan and has
been sent abroad: IL is also learned that the
same government has successfully negotiated
for the acquisition Of the Holland submarine
boat Fulton. with which the Navy Department
has been conducting some tests, and that that
craft also. viii shortly be on its way 70 Asatic
waters
These advices are not official. and apparently
have not reached the State Department, Navy
Department or War DEPARTMENT in any such
form TO Justify serious consideration. Never
theless. the information comes from sources
which must be regarded as responsible and trust
worthy. The law officers OF the State Depart
ment Of the naval service and OF the army
agree in the view that this government Will take
no action toward interrupting the Journey OF the
Protector. provided It has gone beyond the
three-Iniie limit They say also. the United
States could not be held responsible for the de-
parture Of the American built submarines for
the waters Of one belligerent or the other: il
could be shown in defence of the government ,q
any claim made against it by the aggrieved ma
ton that our offices of a neutral were not vio-
lated in any way and that we had not been
negligent iE the matter
OF course were it reported By one or the other
bellgerent that there was probability OF the de-
parture Of a submarine for the waters OF it's
enemy, ii would have 10 be shown by the United
states that this country exercised due vigilance
ana care toward preventing the sale or de-
parture OF the boat. The government LAWYERS
say IL is a question of circumstances and with
bellgerency well established as in the casa os
Russia and Japan, there will be no such ouec-
ton as was presented in the Geneva ewarI as
result OF the departurs Ct the Alabama from
an English port in our Civil War
The Navy Department recently looked fuI,v
into the question OF the shipment of guns 10
japan or Russia, both of those governments be-
Ing in the American market for ordnance. and
It was determined that our gun makers and
powder manufacturers had a right to sell the
product to one or the other helliserent without
embarrassment 10 this government, although. of
course. the cargo would be subject 10 seizure bv
the enemy. if he were alert enough to intercept
u on the high seas. II is believed by the inter
national law authorities here that the submarine
may be regarded in much the same light. being
10 al intents and purposes weapon.
There are numerous fine shades OF distinction
n The whole transaction. but there appears to be
no doubt OF the right OF owners OF submarines
70 sell Their vessels 10 either Russia or japan if
eneF can although, should this government be
ADVISED OF the transaction. or should il be asked
10 exercise special care TO prevent such acquisi-
ton by one or the other beligerent, It would be
the duty OF the United States TO exert its
authority and to prevent the transfer or ct least
endeavor 70 interfere with the delivery Of the
material Of war. Even then It might be possible
for the owners OF the boats to elude the vigil
lance OF the government and the latter would
De clear OF responsibility when II was shown
that the United States was not negligent. Once
the submarines got beyond the three-nile limit IL
/ Is probable there would be pursuit and II is
/ doubtful II the pursuit would be continued even
| II IL were begun IN home waters.