Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-04-08

y because OF the lulllllN OF coping WIN
the superior naval force OF the enemy
at the Virginia capes.
AS soon as Collector Hamilton had
received the decision OF Commander
Thierichens he dispatched /, to Wash
ington. and also notified Rear admiral
Beatty. The latter notified Rear
Admiral Helm. on board the battleship
Alabama. which was guarding the
channel 10 the sea. notifying him to
prevent departure OF the Prinz Eitcl
Friedrich from this port after mid
night tonight. Arrangements were
made for later conferences ms to pro-
cedurc with internmcnt of the Ger
man ship
DECISION FOLLOWS DAY
OF MYSTERIOUS DEVELOPMENTS
The decision of Commander Thieri
chens to intern came ut the close OF
day filled with mysterious develop
ments. Up 10 the last few hours of
grace the German captain had not
said word to Washington officials
about ipternmcnt. lie had coaled and
provisiuned his ship. Repairs to her
boilers had been made. and everything
was prepared for dash to the
German warshps and auNiliarics had
been expected 10 arrive 10 aid the Eitel
which did not materialize could not be
learned Tho commander is said 10
have declared. however, that the re-
ported approach Of the German cruiser
Won Der Tam with submarines, was
not part of the plans OF the German
government for his relief.
The decision OF tho Washington gov
eminent as to the length Of time cx-
tended the Eiiel Friedrich to remain in
American neutral waters was reached
March 90. From these terms the gov
eminent never dcviated. They were
delivered 10 Commander Thierichens ON
that date in n letter written by Col
lector of Customs Hamilton. which was
as follows:
Norfolk, March so
The Commander, 8. NJ S prnz Eitel
Friedrich
Sir,-Furthcr governing the stay OF
;. NJ. s. Frnz Eitcl Friedrich in the
territorial waters OF tho United States,
have in compliance with instructions
from my department. 10 advise YOU IA
follows
The Dcpa rtment OF state has re-
ceired from the Navy Department the
report of the board of naval officers
who made an examination OF : NJ :
Prinz Eitcl Friedrich. now in this har-
bor with Il view 10 asCertaininc the
repairs necessary to put the vessel in
thoroughly scaworthy condition. and
from this report II appears that the
time required for these repairs will b.
period OF fourteen working DAYS.
The government has concluded, there
fore. that s. NJ. :. Prnz Eitel Fried
rich Will be allowed until midnight OF
the close Of the 9Th day OF April next
TO complete her repairs and that she
VII! be allowed twenty four hours in
addition, or until midnight of The eth
daT OF April to leave the territorial
waters OF the United States, or. failing
this, that she will he under the nece.
sity Of accepting !ntcrnIncut within
American jurisdiction during the con
tinuance or the wars in which your
country is now engaged
This information will. Of course be
heio IN the sirictest confidence il hav-
lhS neen impaired only to Yourself in
THIS letter and hy the Honorable Sec
rotary OF State To His EXcellcncv. the
German ambassador AT Washington.
With renewed assurances OF my
highest consideration.
,SCned) NORMAN y II,NrIrp<,
Collector"
IMPERATIVE ORDER
GIVEN no COMMANDER
Ihe letter which COLLECTORS Hamilton
carried TO the German commander ia
night was as follows:
.c. April :.
Slr,-By direction of ms d.par,m.r,
nave to advise you that if IN. Irinl
f-.tel Friedrich departs from this morn
ny O'Clock midnight OF this Inv
NpFil ZIP which Is tho time limit