The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1915-05-14
PROOF IS POSITIVE THAT
SHIP WAS NOT Ar
ASSOCIATED Press Dispatcb.I

Washington. May l0.-One import
ant fact was definitely ascertained
by the Washington government to-
day from the port authorities ut New
York, who gave clearance to the
ImsiIania--that she carried no guns,
either mounted or unmounted. In ac-
cordance with the caution Of the
state department and the British gov
eminent early In the war.
This disposed, In the minds OF Of
fcials. OF the claim that the German
- submarine had q right 10 attack the
I,nsitania because she was an auxil-
larry or a converted cruiser. Officials
OF the Cunard line are understood
TO have stated that the Lusltanla was
not conveyed.
These facts. in the opinion OF law
officers Of the American government.
left the German submarine no excuse
under Law or reason for an at
tack without warning on a ship with
hundreds OF noncombatants aboard.
including neutral men. women and
children.
Position OF United States.
The position of the United States
has been that the presence OF contra =
band-even arms and ammunition
according TO the rules OF information
al law, including the declaration OF
London, which Germany has upheld.
cannot warrant the sinking of n mer-
chairman without the previous ex-
srcise OF the right of visit and search
and the removal of noncOmbatants
IN q Dlace of safety
Warning Of the United States.
The government stated this i'm its
last note 10 Germany and at the same
time issued warning that the i'm
perial German government would be
held ito a strict accountability" by
the United States for any loss OF
American vessels or lives.
The suggestion that the warnings
by the German embassy in news
paper advertisements should have
been sufficient TO deter Americans
from travelling aboard ships flying
the British flag was widely comment
ed upon among diplomats.
State Department Not Notified.
At the state department, Secretary
Bryan revealed that the embassy's
warning had never been officially
communicated to the state depart
ment. and that since the announce
ment by the German admiralty in
February OF it's proclamation OF i
war zone. the American protest and
the reply from Germany saying the
government would disclaim respon
sibility for accidents to neutrals. the
subject for several weeks had not
been officially mentioned between
the Berlin and Washington govern
ments.
Calm Comment OF Captain.
Queenstown. May 10.-Cap n
Turner, commander of the Lusitania.
has refused so far TO make any for
NAL statement His first remark on
landing was one of quiet irony.
Well" he said "it is the fortune
of.war." .t.
The captain secluded himself dur
ing the night In apartments over the
town bank. but was able TO be about
yesterday In uniform. He displayed
great grief over the loss of his vessel
but has expressed no opinion on the
action OF the Germans.
Captain Turner remained on the
Ilusitania's bridge until the structure
was submerged and then climbed up
y ladder, rs would q diver from a
tank. When he reached the surface
he grasped an oar and then n chair
lie clung to the chair for nearly two
hours and finally when the chair
turned over he flung up gold braid :
ed arm.
This was seen by member OF the
crew In one OF the boats and thus
the commander was saved. He was
terribly broken down when he land
ed Friday evening. but after strong
cup of tea and a short rest he seem