Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-12-27
The statement follows:

ne sidAeHtIEL ltliUNHs
THE steamer Vile de La Cicotat was
torpedoed and sunk on the gath in the
Mediterranean by an enemy subma-
rine, without warning. A majority OF
the passengers and crew were picked
up by an English steamer. Details have
not been received
The Vile de La Cicotat was one of
the largest steamships sunk recently
in the Mediterranean. Her gross ton
mage was 6,37S. She was 487 feet
long and so feet beam. She was built
at La Cicotat, France, In 1892 and
was owned by the Message Ries Mari
times Of Marsellles. She was last re-
ported on her arrival at Saigon, Indo-
China. on Dec. 1. on voyage from
Yokohama to Marseilies.
Belgian Steamer Sunk.
London. Dec. q, (3:15 p. m.)--Sink-
ing of the Belgian steamer Ministre
Beernaert, 4,215 gross tons, is an
nounced. The crew left the steamer
in boats, two Of which are missing.
The British. steamer Collingham Of
513 tons has been sunk. The crew was
saved.
Washington, Dec. 27.-American
Consul Bristow at Port Said cabIed to-
day that no warning was given the
Japanese liner Yasaka Maru before she
was torpedoed and sunk In the Medi-
terranean last Tuesday by a subma-
rine of unestablished nationality. Tho
liner, he added, made no attempt to
escape.
AS Germany already has given as
surances that her submarine COM
manders were under instructions not
to attack steamers without warning, 1t
was believed the attacking submarine
was an Austrian and If that assumption
proves true it is feared the situation
over the sinking Of the Italian liner
Aucona will be further complicated,
and the diplomatic correspondence
with Austria will be broadened to take
in the general subject Of attack with
out warning, as 1t did in the last stages
of the negotiations with Germany.
Unofficial reports of favorable re-
ply by the Vienna foreign office to the
last Ancona note have not served to
alter the attitude Of the state depart
ment in the Ancona case. and there
are direct indications that nothing
but meeting the demands of the United
States fully will leave the diplomatic
relations between the two countries
unimpaired.
The word that the reply will be
guided with concern for the good rela-
tons" between the two countries, off,
cials take it, means that Austria-Hun-
gary probably expects more diplomat
ic correspondence on the subject. The
United States is disinclined to enter
into any such negotiations.
Should it develop that an Austrian
submarine torpedoed the Yasaka Maru
without warning, the Vienna foreign
Office undoubtedly will be asked to dis
avow the act and TO give assurances to
govern conduct of her submarine war
fare.
Toxic Is Advised.
Toxic, Dec. 27.-Detailed advices re-
ceived here today from Port Said con-
corning the sinking Of the Yasaka Ma
I'll corroborate previous statements
that the steamship was torpedoed
without warning. 1t Is said she was
attacked at 2:35 p. m. by submarine
| whose presence had not been observed
No. flag was visible.
Shortly after the torpedo was dis
charged two periseopes. one long and
one short, appeared above the. water
within 400 feet Of the ship. They nov
/ ed to a position OF the stern on the
starboard side, the report said advices
/ relate, as though ready to discharge
/ a second torpedo If necessary.
/ After the Yasaka Maru sunk a con-
ming tower was visible for brief time
| at point about mile away.