The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1915-05-12
ACTS With CAUTION |
WILSON AND CABINET TO Go
SLOW In GULFLIGHT LOSS
SEEK ALL INFORMATION
If Facts Prove Destruction of Oil
Ship Was Due to German Boat
United States Government VIII De-
mand Indemnity for Family of
Drowned Men and Owners of Ship.


President Wilson discussed briefly
with his cabinet Tuesday the torpedo
ing Of the American steamer Gulf
light off the Scilly islands, but in the
absence Of detailed report on the
incident no policy was formulated.
Messages from American Consul
Stephens at Plymouth and Consul
General Skinner at London added lit
tie to earlier information. Both were
instructed to get complete statements
from the ships crew and to gather
such technical evidence as could be
obtained by an examination of the
vessel. Officials want to establish
beyond doubt whether the vessel was
struck by torpedo or mine.
Thus far it is known definitely only
that a submarine was sighted by an
officer of the Gulflight shortly before
the attack and that the submarine
submerged Immediately. No proof
has been reported to establish that
this submarine attacked the ship or
what its nationality was. Nor is
there positive information available
to show whether the Gulflight flew
the American flag at the time or
what colors were shown by the two
British patrol boats said to have ac-
companied her.
To enable the German government
to- present any information it may
have, Secretary Bryan explained that
an inquiry had been directed to Am
bassador Gerard. This, he said,
should not be construed as implying
that the United States assumed that
German submarine had attacked
the Gulflight.
Officials Of the state department
intimated that the situation would be
clarified if it could be shown that the
oil tanker was damaged by a mine
rather than deliberately torpedoed by
a German submarine
Notwithstanding the reticence Of
those charged with the protection of
American rights N European waters,
it is believed here that administra-
ton leaders are satisfied that this
government is confronted by a situa-
ton which is filed with potentialities
LOT LTOuUl6.
The impression appears to prevail
in high government circles that the
outcome Of the Gulflight case will de-
pend altogether upon Germany's at
titude.
Should the investigation bear out
the dispatches claiming that a Ger
man submarine made the attack, the
United States probably will demand
an indemnity sufficient to cover the
losses incurred by the ship and COM
pensation to the families Of the VIC
tins. 1t is thought probable that an
expression of formal regret also will
be requested.
While the question Of the right of
submarines to attack belligerent mer-
chantmen without giving warning or
time for non-combatants to be trans
ierred to places Of safety is covered
in the declaration Of London, any
diplomatic action Of the United States
very likely will be based on the treaty
of 1928, between Prussia and the
United States.
Early in the war the United States
served notice on Germany aud other
belEgerents that in view of the piece
meal adoption Of the declaration of
London by the billigerents, the Wash
ington government would not be
bound by the declaration by previous
existing treaties and rules Of interna-
tional law.
The belief was held by high Off
cials that the German government, if
responsible, would not seek to justify
the act, but would promptly agree to
make amends. It was pointed out
that until there is proof Of any de-
liberate intention on the part Of the
German submarine commanders to
attack American vessels the expert
ence Of the Gulflight must Be regard
ed as an accident, though one for
which ample reparation would be de-
manded.
On the other hand, if Germany
takes the attitude which she has as
sumed in the case of the death Of
Lecn Threasher, the American who
was drowned when the Falaba was
torpedoed by submarine, it is be-
lieved that the patience Of the ad-
ministration will be sorely tried.
The attack upon the Gulflight will
take at least week, so that the ad-
ministration Will make no represen-
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