New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-26
Washington Eagerfor
Details of Sinking
of Nine Ships.
WILL INDICATE
FUTURE PLANS
Uncertain Whether Yes
sells Were Struck With
out Warning.
VITAL POINT INVOLVED
IfLaw of Visit and Search Was
Obeyed, Danger of Break
Will Be LeSSeHed.
Iron ne Tribune Bwssu. J

Washington, July Zo.-Ne"s lnaV
the German submarines had again
become active caused a feeling of
enxiety in Washington to-day. For
many days no reports had reached
here of the sinking of vessels by the
German undersea craft, and officials
Interpreted this as a sign that the
German government really intended
to abide by the rules Of international
law and curb the activity of its sub
marine commanders.
While to-day's reports disturbed
officials, their apprehension was al
lsved to a large extent by the news
that no Americans haE been lost.
Had a single American life been lost
because of the work Of the German
submarines the situation between
this country and Germany would
have come perilously near the
breaking point.
Fear is expressed tonight, how
over that the activities of the sub
marines in sinking two steamers
and seven trawlers can be construed
crIv as a notice to this country that
Germany has not abandoned Its
submarine warfare, and has no in
terron of so doing. No details OF
the sinking of the vessels have
reached here. Officials are eager TO
learn whether the submarine COM
manders obeyed the rules OF inter
rational law and first stopped the
vessels for visit and search.
If this was done there is nothing 70
fear. it is explained, but if the boats
were torpedoed without warning ]"
will seriously strain relations between
this country and Germany.
r is pointed out that II the SUP
marine commanders, in sinking the
vessels Yesterday and to-day, torpe-
doed them without warning, they were
merely conforming to the sentiments
eypressed by the German government
=, ;+s note on the Nebraskan case IN
this note it was pointed out clearly
that Germany considered It's subms-
ri7e commanders had the right to SINK
bellieerent ships withoutu warning II
is against this principle that FreS'-
dent Wilson has protested IN all ms
notes 10 the German government. lie
has insisted that all vessels must hrSt
be visited and searched, according 10
International law, and the lives OF
rcn.combatants must not be placed IN
jeopardy. 3.
II lis considered extremely signih-
cant that the German submarines
should suddenly become active SO 9UCi' T,:I
after the delivery of President WI
sons note 10 Berlin. For several GAYS
the submarines have been lnac'lVe'
and there are strong hints mere 70
night that the purpose OF TINS was "
influence the President IN "hat NJ T
might say TO Germany. II Is recaiiHSe ~. y
tina, almost from the time that 'ne
last note from Germany was sent 10
this government the Kaiser's supma-
r.nes behaved in a most gentle way
and this gave many officials the I'M
preston that Germany had practical
" abandoned this mode Of warfare:
If Germany has complied with IN
ternational law in the latest attacNs'
officials say, new grounds for belieV,
ing that the situation will be settleu
20 the satisfaction Of both govern
ments will exist. If international law
has not been complied with, the stu
alton VIII become exceedingly grave