The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-08
u. S. DIRECTS GERARD
| TO Get German REPORT

with respect to the lives of non-com-
batants.
Talk Of Special Congress Session
In official quarters and among diplo-
matists there was apprehension that
the American people might not con-
slider representations sufficient. A spe-
eial session of Congress has been talked
of, but there has been no intimation
of it as yet from any officials quarter.
Officials, everywhere sparing in their
comment, realized that word from
the high officials of the government
might have weight with public opinion
before the facts had been received and
digested.
We are informing ourselves as
rapidly as possible of the facts and do
ing what we can for those injured, 4"
was the only statement Secretary Bry-
an would make.
The President returned to the White
House at noon and resumed reading
dispatches. He continued to refuse to
make any comment
AT the German embassy both Count
Won Bernstorff, the ambassador, and
Haniel Won Haimhauseh councillor,
We're out of town, but the ambassador
was expected to return late to-day. 1t
was definitely known, however, that no
advices had been received making ref
erenee to the catastrophe. The general
sentiment prevailing was one of con.
cern and regret that the destruction of
the ship had been attended with the
loss of life.
That the Lusitania was considred a
franc tireur' of the sea by German
naVal commanders was stated in Ger
man diplomatic circles. 1t was further
said that embassy officials had not re.
ceived any notification to the effect
that the big British liner had removed
her guns.
Chairman stones Statement
Chairman Stone, of the Senate For
elgn Relations Committee, made this
statement:
1.-The tragedy is, of course, profound
ly regretted. If the reports as to the
loss of life are true, the sympathies of
the civilized world will be deeply
stirred. But for us, it seems to me that
good sense dictates that we keen our
heads until we get our bearings. II
is bad time to get ratified and act
impulsively. Don t rock the boatl
Without expressing an opinion as
to our relations to This event or as to
our duty in the premises, there are some
facts we cannot overlook and are bound
to consider.
1--WE cannot overlook the fact that
the Lusitauia was n British ship. fivinp
the British flag and subject at any time
to be put into the actual naval service
of the government.
British Reservists Aboard?
Indeed, it is stated that at the time
she was attacked she was CARRYING mill.
tary reservists to England for service in
the British army
True, there were American citizens
aboard, bat it must not be forgotten
that they went aboard belligerent
ship with full knowledge of the risk
and after official warning by the Ger.
man government. When on board a
British vessel they were on British soil
Their position was substantially equal
to being within the walls of a fortified
city.
New Thing in War, Says Lodge
" Aside from the possible loss of
American lives, let us ask ourselves
Just where we come in. At the present
moment and with the light now before
me. l confess that it appears to me that
from our standpoint as neutral ma.
tion the Gulfiight case presents more
delicate and serious complication than
the case of the Lusitania.
Senator Lodge, ranking Republican
member of the Foreign Relations Com.
mittee, said he was not prepared to
discuss the sinking of the Lusitania.
The sinking of a passenger ship, even
of belligerent, without giving passen-
gers an opportunity to leave, the Sena.
tor thought new thing in warfare.