The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-26
j. S. Steamer TORPEDOED
OFF COAST Of IRELAND
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UfF CUASl W lRELAHD
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sengers had narrow escape from be-
ing torpedoed while bound for Rotter-
dam yesterday. A submarine fred a
torpedo without warning. 1t missed
the ship by only fifteen yards.
According to the captains story to
Rotterdam correspondents the periscope
was seen 500 yards distant and then
the wash of the torpedo which was
moving so rapidly that nothing could
be done to avoid it. The attack oe-
CURED at point four miles north of
North Hinder ightship.
No Comment From White House
+ Washington, May 26.-The official
and news dispatches on the Nebraskan
was communicated to President Will
son but no comment was forthcoming
Gated that full investigation would
be made a promptly as possible.
Not to Harm Neutral Vessels
Washington, May 26.-The damage
to the Nebraskan recalled at once in
official quarters the German govern
ment s assurances presented by Count
Bernstorff to Secretary Bryan on May
IL, that submarine commanders had
been specifically instructed not to harm
neutral vessels not engaged in hostile
acts and that Germany would pay for
any damage to such ships in the war
zone. The German government COM
munication added that in such case
it would express its regrets and pay
damages without resort to prize
court. In case of dispute of facts Ger
many offered to arbitrate claims at the
Hague.
''The imperial German govern
ment,' said the communication, "has
no intention of causing to be attacked
by submarines or aircraft, such neu-
trail ships of commerce in the zone of
naval warfare or definitely described
in the notice of the German admiralty
staff on February 4, last as have been
guilty of no hostile act. On the con-
trary most definite instructions repeat
edly have been issued to German war
vessels to avoid attacks ON such ships
under all circumstances. Even when
such ships have contraband of war ON
board they are dealt with by subma-
rines solely according to the rule of
international law applying to prize
warfare
Under Charter to White Star Line
New York, May 26.-The Nebraskan
was under charter on this trip to the
White Star Line of the International
Mercantile Marine. She was built at
Camden, n. j., in 1902 and is regis.
tered at 4,40S tons gross, 1894 tons
net. She is $50 feet long, 462 feet
beam and has a depth of 24.6 feet
and was built with eight water tight
bulkheads, her fuel being OIL
With her sister ship Minnesotan,
from May to August of 1914, she was
under charter to the United States
army as transport and was fitted up
to carry horses from Galveston to
Funston s troops at Vera Cruz. After
being released from government service
she was sent through the Panama Ca
nal, being one of the first ships to
bring cargo from the Pacific coast
through the, new waterway.
Status Under International Law
Washington, May 26.-The status
of the Nebraskan under International
law, brought out a variety of discus
sion to-day when news was received
that the vessel be given due warning
White Star Line. Whether sunk by
mine or torpedo, a claim for damages
might raise a complicated question, it
was said. If the Nebraskan was in the
service of British concern, according
to previous decision in such cases, she
would be lawful prize libel to seizure
and condemnation. Chief Justice Chase
has held that "neutral vessels engaged
IN belhgerent trade or service, became
pressed with a belligerent character. -
The fact that Americans were aboard
the Nebraskan would require, under the
position taken by the United States
that the evssel be given due warning
and her crew removed to a place of
safety before destruction.
Officials here are interested in learn
ing exactly what were the Nebraskan $
arrangements under charter. If she
struck mine, responsibility would be
difficult to fix as the United States
Government has never been able to de-
termine whether Germany or Great
Britain laid the mines in the open sea
which destroyed the American cotton
ships Evelyn and Carib.
Was to Garry Coal for Uncle Sam
Washington, May 26.-The Nebras.
but was to carry the coal as freight.
contract of her owners with the United
States Navy Department to carry
coal from Newport News to San Fran.
cisco. The agents were to have the
Nebraskan in Hampton Roads June 5.
She was not under charter to the Navy
but was to carry the cola as freight.
late WAR news SUMMARY
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emily there has been little heavy fight
ing thus far, although in one instance
bayonet encounter is mentioned. It
is stated the Austrians retired every
where, DESTROYING bridges as thew fell