The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1915-06-04


cordlng 20 information received here,
had cannon aboard which were mount.
ed and concealed below decks. To
direct the particular attention OF the
American government 10 the fact that
the British admiralty. IN confidential
instruction issued IN February. 1915,
recommended its mercantile shipping
not only 10 seek protection under neu-
trial flags and distinguishing marks.
but also while thus disguised, 70 attack
German submarines by ramming. AS
a special Meditation 10 merchantmen 10
destroy submarines. the British gov.
eminent also offered high prizes and
has already paid such rewards
Says Liner Carried War Material.
The imperial government In view
OF these facts individually Known TO II,
is unable TO regard British merchant
men In the zone OF naval operations
specified by the admiralty stan OF the
German navy as unattended. German
commanders consequently are no
longer able to observe the customary
Va Aht EAtNN A0Ws hANh
they before always followed.
Finally, the imperial government
must point out particularly that the
Lusitania on its last trip, as on earlier
occasions, carried Canadian troops and
war material, including no less than
$500 cases OF ammunition intended
for the destruction OF brave German
soldiers who are fulfilling their duty
with selfssoriflce and devotion in the
fatherland's service.
The German government believes
II was acting IN justified selfdefense
In seeking with all the means OF war
fare at lis disposition to protect the
lives of its soldiers by destroying am
munition for the enemy.
Puts Blame on Ship Owners.
The British shipping company must
have been aware of the danger to
which the passengers aboard the Lust
tania were exposed under these condi
lions. The company in embarking
them, Notwithstanding this. attempted
deliberately 10 use the lives OF Ameri-
can citizens as protection for ammu-
milton aboard and acted against the
clear provisions OF ihe American law.
which expressly prohibits the forward
ing OF passengers on ships carrying
ammunition and provides a penalty
therefor The company therefore is
wantonly guilty OF the death of SO
many passengers.
There can be no doubt, according
TO the definite report OF the subma-
rine's commander. which is further
confirmed by all information, that the
quick sinking OF the Lusitania is pri-
marily attributable 10 the explosion OF
the ammunition shipment caused by
torpedo. The Lusitania's passengers
~ould otherwise, in all human prob
ability, have been saved.
The imperial government considers
the above mentioned facts important
enough to recommend them TO the At
tentive examination OF the American
government
Withholds Final Decision
The imperial government. while
demands advanced in connection with
the sinking OF the Lusitania until re-
ceipt of an answer from the American
government. feels impelled. In conclu-
sion. 10 recall here and now that IL
took cognizance With satisfaction OF
the medatory proposals submitted BY
the United States government 20 Ber-
lin and London as basis for modus
vivendi for conducting the maritime
warfare between Germany and Great
Britain. The imperial government by
its readiness TO enter upon discus
sion OF these proposals. then demon
strated its good intentions in ample
fashion. The realization OF these pro
posals was defeated, as Is well known.
by the declinatory attitude of the Brit
ish government.
The undersigned takes occasion.
etc. JAGOW."