The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-20

it's naval commanders. The German
disclaimer Of responsibility contained
In the reply published yesterday will
not find any acceptance here. It Is
also probabie that the United States
will repeat its previous statement
that what Great Britain may be do
ing with reference to Germany. or
in regard to the neutral trade, fur
nishes no stification for violent acts
by Germany upon United States ship
ping.
Officials gave no sign OF an uneasi-
ness today at the failure of the text
OF the German note to reach here of
ficially. 1t was explained that the de-
lay probably was due to the fact that
Am bassador Gerard had put the note
in code and sent il by the roundabout
route of Rome and Gibraltar. A mes
sage flas been received from Ambas-
sador Gerard, stating what might be
expected in the German note, and this
summary OF the German communica-
ton satisfied the state Department
that the text published yesterday Is
authentic
Jason In Danger Zone.
IL developed today that the NAVAL
collier Jason is about to enter the
waters which Germany has declared
dangerous for, neutrals. The Jason
is Ell route to England, and is ex-
pected 10 he in the danger zone by
tomorrow, The naval officers con-
slider 1t incredible. however, that there
could be any attack on the Jason by
mistake or otherwise. The American
naval golfers are queer looking mon
sters, absolutely distinctive In appear
ance. and hardly to be mistaken for
any other craft, even at night
That there has been some discus
sion in official quarters that the Gov
eminent advise American shipping to
take precautions for it's easy kienti-
fication was learned here today. So
far. however, no decision has been
reached. and it appears there is con-
siderable reluctance on the part of
the Administration to take this step.
IT has been pointed out that Ameri-
can Stripping would do we'll to do az
other neutrals have done in the way
of painting names and flags upon the
sides of vessels. but the President has
not yet decided that 1t is expedient
for the Government to urge such steps
upon ship owners.
ship Owners ON Notice.
The present attitude of the Admin
jstration seems TO he that ship own
ers themselves must take cognizance
of the situation and decide, what Is
best for them to do under the cir
cumstances. Some officials, IL ia learn
ed. think shipping men should con-
slider the responsibility which rests
on them and there is little doubt that
while this Government is prepared to
maintain the full right OF American
shipping to enter the war zone area,
1T would be regarded as good juda-
ment on the part OF American yea
sells to keep out at least for the pres
emit 1t is improbable. however, that
the Administration will publicly give
such advice to American shipping.
In Secretary Rryan's office today In
quiries as to what steps the Govern
ment contemplated for the protection
OF American shipping interests, or In
case the German operations should re-
suit in the destruction of American
vessels. were answered with the state
ed in advance to safeguard American
interests.
No Naval Activities.
In this connection officials today ex
pressed regret at the publication OF
reports nat as n result OF the sit
uation which has arisen between the
United States and Germany, unusual
activities have been started at the
navy yards. These reports were de-
cisred absolutely untrue and II was
pointed out that their publication here
and probable reproduction In the Eu-
ropean press tended to create
wholly inaccurate and harmful In.
preston of the situation. Secretary
Daniels declared today that at the
present time there are less men en-
ployed at the navy yards than IT any
time this winter. From Noven1her to