Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-07-29
American Ship Leelanaw At
tackled and Sunk OFF the Coast
of Scotland by a German Sub
marine--Entire Crew Saved.
AMERICAN NOTE O|SREGAROEO
London Press Believes That the
"Unfriendly Act Has Been
Committed-Official Washing
ton Surprised but Processes
to See No New Complication.

Cornish n H., July 26.-President VIII
son was waiting tonight for details OF
the sinking of the American steamship
l,eelanaw by a German submarine before
making UP his mind what course Will be
rursued by the United states. Up to
late hour tonight he had received only
newspaper dispatches telling of the at
tack.
The President came here with the in
,ention of returning to Washington II any
important business should develop, but
ne made no plans tonight for going back
Washington July 26-Destruction OF
the American ship Leelanaw by Ger
man submarine drew sharply to the at
tention OF officials of the United states
government to-day the fact that Ger
many was insisting on her own inter
probation of the Prussian- A merican
treaty of 1898, in disregard of two Ameri-
can notes on the subject
In three instances of American ships
destroyed or damaged-the Gulflight, the
Nehraskan and the William =. Frye
Germany has agreed to pay damages and
in the last case the Berlin government
took the position that it had not violated
the treaty of 1898 but had exercised a
right given hcr by inference from the
language of the pact
Officials of the Washington government
were surprised at the destruction of the
1.eelanaw, but beyond adding an ag-
gravating incident to the already strained
relations between the two governments
there was no indication that the case would
lead to new turn in the general situa-
ton.
The fact that the crew of the vessel
were saved caused feeling If relief in
official quarters. but there We're many
evidences of apprehension that if Ger
many continues to promise payment Yet
destroys more American ships, n new sit
uation might be created which would re-
oure further warning to the Berlin gov
eminent.
The fact that the Leelanaw carried a
cargo of flax. declared absolute contra
band by Germany on April IS, does not
alter the view of the United States gov
trnment that the contraband might have
been removed and the vessel spared. Tn
der the general rules of international law
the destruction of a neutral vessel carry
ing contraband was not admitted until
the famous knight Commander case in
ton Of London in 1900 embodied the prn-
cple as applicable in extreme cases. but
stipulated that passengers and crew must
be transferred to a place of safety and
the case itself later sent to prize court
for determination as to the legality Of
the act
The United States In the case Of the
William p. Frye. however, took its stand
irrespective Of the general principles OF
International laws as set forth in the
Nnratifed declaration OF London. going
back to prior authoritv-the Prusstan.
American treaty of 1o2sLas n document
that covered completely any attacks on
American vessels carrying contraband
That treaty especially permits traffic in
contrahand by the United States or Prus.
sia in time of war and outlines that nr
contraband owned by citizens Of eithe,
power may be confscatcd. but can only
be detained and paid for Vessels &C.
cording to its provisions, must he allowed
~ proceed after giving up their contra.
band
in the case of the William p. FRYE. tho
cargo was foreign owned and no claim
Tor II was presented The ownership q,
the cargo Of the Leelanaw has not hee~
reported ms yet, but the question of cargo
unless American owned. would not in III,
view OF officials, affect the case The,
nold that the American ship should hav.
oeen immune from attack and that Ger
many In reality violated once moro Nh,
treaty Of 1923
nile OFFICIALS were sparing in thei
comment, It was indicated tho I,nitec
States would follow in its procedure IN.
saine course as in the Frye case. d,sput
ing Germany's right to destroy America,
ships even if carrying contraband