Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-08-20

Washington, Aug. 20.-Administra"
ton officials today anXiousely awaited
details concerning the sinking OF the
Arabic, Of the White Star line. by q
German submarine. Definite official
information was sought as to whether
there was loss of American lives and
whether the boat was torpedoed with
out warning. as unofficially reported.
Today's news dispatches said that two
Americans were among the missing.
In the absence of authentic informa-
ton regarding the destruction of the
Arabic, officials reserved their COM
ments. altho the incident caused grave
concern here. Just what course of ac-
ton will be taken by the United States
government will be determined only
after official details have been received.
Deliberately UnfrisndIy.
The last American note to Germany
on the sinking of the Lusitania gave
warning that the United States would
regard as deliberately unfriendly"
any act in violation of the right OF
American citizens upon the seas. The
note stated officially that the lives Of
non -combatants may In no case be put
in jeopardy unless the vessel resists or
seeks to escape, after being summoned
to submit to an examination"
II there was no loss OF American lives
II was regarded here as unlikely that
drastic action would be taken. altho II
there was it was believed that diplo-
matte relations between the United
States and Germany would be broken
of
The attack on the Arabic caused
general surprise here. particularly In
view of the fact that no hint has come
from the Germans that submarine
commanders would continue torpedo
ing ships without warning.
Hoped For Satisfy at Sea.
The general immunity which passen
ger liners OF belligerent flags, carrying
Americans seemed to have enjoyed in
the last few weeks had developed a
feeling of confidence that the German
government would avoid any incident
that might intensity feeling in the
United States and bring the relations
of the two countries nearer the break
ing point. For this reason, along with
CURED when the Arabic was attacked,
the viewpoint of the German foreign
office is eagerly awaited.
President Wilson was startled by the
news. He spent the entire afternoon
and evening trying to get detailed In
formation. Though obviously worried
he took the position that judgment
should be withheld until official details
were received
The president had just finished a
conference with Attorney General
Gregory and was preparing to go golf
ing when word Of the sinking OF the
steamer reached him. He Immediately
aba 'oned his plans and gave orders
that all information. official and unof-
ficial, be forwarded to him as quickly
as possible.
A cablegram came from \ ice Consul
Thompson at Queenstown telling OF
the sinking of the steamer. and later
the vice consul reported the names OF
sixteen American survivors.
White House secretaries remained on
duty during the evening, and as press
dispatches giving details were re-
ceived they were communicated to the
president, who sent out several times
for late editions of newspapers.
Secretary Lansing in announcing to
the newspaper men the receipt of Mr.
Thompson's dispatch halted inquiry
as to the course to be pursued by the
department by the statement that he
had nothing to say at this juncture be-
cause he had nothing to work on.
Relies on Page Advice.
He sent no instruction to Ambassa- :
dor Page at London, but assumed that
Mr.. Page would promptly advise the
department Of the important news as
soon as he himself can secure reliable
information.
The decision of the United States to
refuse all claims for life or property lost
aboard ships torpedoed with due warn
ing was made clear today when 1t be-
came known that a claim in the case
OF John Wall. d niuieteer killed when
the Armenian was sunk. would not be
taken up by the state department. The
department holds that there can be NO
legal claim in cases like Armenian
where ample warning was given that
the ship refused 10 obey even when
subjected to shell fire.
To Await Official Reports.
The official details upon which
President Wilson will determine
whether the sinking OF the Arabic wa.
an act deliberately unfriendly to the
United States were still lacking toda.
and the president and all other ad.
ninistration officials, while realizing
fully the gravity Of the situation be.
tween the United States and Germany
were keeping their minds open.
President Wilson left the White
House early to motor to Philadelphia
to visit. his ecculist and motor back t.
-the capital this evening. When he has
deep problem 1t Is the president:
habit 20 seek seclusion, often ridnt
thru the country.
Only two official dispatches have
been received and these gave no re.
ports OF independent Investigations