New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1915-03-12
GERMAN CRUISER WILL
Be FORCED TO intern
Primo; ElleI Friedrich Utterly Un-
fit to Put to Sea.

Washington, March 1o.-Confiden-
tial reports to officials here on the
condition Of the German auxiliary
cruiser Prinz Eitel Friedrich, in dry
dock at Newport News, Va, seem to
make it certain that the German
Cruiser will be forced to intern there
Assistant Secretary Peters OF the
treasury department, told President
Wilson today he expected the Ger
man commander would not venture to
sea again.
Very Bad Condition.
Mr. Peters told the president that
his reports from Newport News show
She Prinz Eitel is in very bad con-
dition and utterly unfit to put to
sea.
After his conference with the pres
ident, Mr.. Peters talked over the
telephone with Captain Kiehne of the
American ship William P. Frye, sunk
by the Prinz Eitel, and directed him
to get sworn statements from as many
Of the crew Of the Frye as possible.
The president directed Mr.. Peters to
make very thorough investigation OF
all the facts in the case.
Capt. Kichne Expected.
Capt. Kiehne is expected in Wash
ington tomorrow and upon his ar
rival he will be interviewed by Mr..
Peters and Counselor Lansing of the
state department and a sworn state
ment taken Of all the incidents con-
nected with the sinking Of the Frye.
~ After Mr. Peters conference with
the president it became known that
administration officials take the view
I that the German government cannot
refuse to make full reparation for the
loss Of the hull and cargo of the
Frye. Out Of the sum expected to be
paid by the German government, the
american government will be reim-
bursed for the amount Of the policy
Insurance bureau.
Await Collectors Report
In connection with the neutrality
phrases Of the case, officials awaited
the receipt today of a report from
the collector of the port at Newport
News. containing the statement OF
the German commander, setting forth
bis reasons for the sinking Of the
RYE and the length of time that
would be required to repair his ship
Determination Of the latter question
WILL be reached after an inquiry by
lease of the prisoners will depend
somewhat on representations which
may be made by the various govern
ments who have nationals aboard.
4. Three Weeks to Repair,
Newport News, Va, March Ia
Captain Thierichsen of the German
auxiliary cruiser Prinz Eitel Fried
rich, has estimated in his communica- |
ton to the Washington government |
that it will require about three weeks
to repair his ship. The estimate was
naqde after shipyard officials had |
made preliminary examination.
The crew Of the Frye were paid Off |
today by Captain Kiehne, but they will |
be held together for the present at
the request of Washington authori- |
ties who want to get their formal
statements +@
fa French Consul in Charge.
"A. G. Bailey, French consu1 at Nor !
folk has taken charge of the inter-
csts Of the eighty-three rirst class
passengers from the French liner |
Floride, refused admission to the |
United States by the immigration au-
thorities. Until Some other dis
position is made Of them they will !
remain on board the Prinz Eitel
n 'She statement on the sinking of the
William p. Frye, which the COM
Mander Of the Prinz Fitted has made
to Collector Hamilton is understood |
to be very brief. A more detailed |
statement. 1t is said, has been pre-
pared for the German mbassy