New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-29
US. Battleships and Allies
Cruisers Watch at
Smile Limit.
REPORT GERMANY
HAS GIVEN NOTICE
Rover's Captain Declares He
Won't Leave by Moonlight
May Come to New York.
fBy Telegraph 10 The Tibune.]

Norfolk, Va. March 28.-The battle
ships Alabama, Connecticut and Utah
arrived off the Virginia Capes a little
before dark and anchored just outside
the three-mile neutrality line. 1t is
understood that they have orders to
see that there is no violation of neu
trality by a battle within this line
should the German raider Prinz Eitel
Friedrich leave the roads.
Although the Prinz Eitel has steam
up tonight and great volumes of
smoke are pouring from both of her
tunnels, with everything seemingly in
readiness to sail. it is declared there
is little likelihood she will try to make
dash out of the Virginia Capes dur
ing the next twenty-four hours. AS
British steamer, the Corfe Castle,
passed out at o'clock this morning,
and an unknown steamer, also believed
British, passed out just before dark.
the departure of the Prinz Eitel would
be prevented by the neutrality laws,
which are being rigdly enforced.
You can rest assured that | am not
going out while the moon continues to
show itself" Captain Thierichens is
reported to have said to-day. This is
understood TO mean that he is await
ing stormy weather, as there will be
moonlight at night for some time to
come.
Another British Cruiser on Watch.
Announcement was made from the
oh n htr
ing passenger steamers that another
British cruiser had joined the blockad-
ing squadron outside the capes. This
makes four cruisers on duty-three
British and one French. The addition
to the ships is reported to be the Brit
ish light cruistr Corona. She arrived
early this morning.
The government has ordered port and
navy officials to conduct strict CEN
sorship of all commercial wireless
plants in this section and to closely
watch the various steamers in the har-
bors equipped with wireless to see that
these are not used for sending mes
sages. Ships have been notified that no
message can be flashed abroad until it
has been submitted to port officials and
permission granted. In other words,
If the government can prevent it the
warships off the capes will not be in
formed should the Prinz Eitel leave her
wharf.
According to we'll informed men, who
do not desire to be quoted, the Prinz
Eitel has until the morning of April
at 7 o'clock TO clear the roads.
There is no question, however. that
the Prinz Eitel is ready to make a
break for sea, and is only awaiting a
favorable opportunity. Waterfront
veterans declare she is In condition TO
break away at full speed at moments
notice.
Only persons speaking German were
allowed to-day on the wharf where the
Eitel is moored. Officers and men
aboard declined TO communicate with
coverings had been removed from the
ships guns and steam was issuing from
the exhausts on her sides.
May Come to New York.
Reports that the Prinz Etel would
be towed 10 New York within the three
mile limit started tonight, following
the arrival of a big seagoing tug
equipped with wireless, which ted up
10 a shipyard pier close 10 the German
cruiser.
Marine men said this would be pos
sible, as the Eitel is now drawing less
than thirteen feet. The rumor was
given credence in view of the reported
request TO Washington last night for
protection within the three-mile limit. |
What would be the object Of such a
move was variousiy explained. As IL
would not change the status of the
ship as long as she did not leave the !
jurisdiction Of the United States, the |
vessel would have 10 be interncd in |
New York, just as she would be if re-
naming here.
IL has been suggested that the Ger |
man government would prefer 10 have !
the ship interned in New York.