South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-05-27
United States Awaits Decipering Of Long Cable
From Page and Inspection of Seamer's
Hull Before Considering Action,
FLAG HAULED DOWN FIVE.
MINUTES BEFORE EXPI OSION

WASHINGTON. May PA report
from Capt Greene of the American
steamship Nebraskan by wireless to
Consul General Skinner in London and
transmitted 10 the state departmeT to-
day indicates that only a careful eX-
animation of the hull of the vessel
upon her arrival at Liverpool viii en-
able American representatives to de
termine whether the Nebraskan struck
a floating mine or was torpedoed by
a German submarine.
supplementary replies from Consul
Frost at Queenstown and from Am
bassadOr Page at London did not
serve TO clear up the matter Am
bassador Page announced that he had
sent naval attache 10 Liverpool to
investigate the damage sustained by
the Nebraskan Until this inspection
shall have been made, state depart
ment officials Will give no opinion on
the case.
Flag Hauled Down.
The Nebraskans flag was not flying.
having been hauled down five minu-
tes before the explosion, Capt Greene
reported. His message. cabled by Con
sui General Skinner, read.
Greene, master of the American
steamship Nebraskan. i'm wireless ad-
dressed TO me- via Lands End reports:
' 'Nebraskan passed Fastnet Rock
Tuesday 4:30 p. m. from Liverpool
bound for Delaware breakwater in
ballast. A. S:24 y. m. when steamer
was about as miles west one-half south
from Fastnet she experienced a vio-
lent shock. followed instantly by a
terrific explosion. bursting her hatch
es and throwing hatch beams. cargo
derricks and twisted iron into the air
and flling lower hold forward com
pleJely with water
The crew Immediately took TO the
boats. After standing by the ship for
one hour they returned on board and
at 1880 p. m. started for Liverpool
About 1:25 a. IA. we met TWO vessels
sent by British admiralty in answer
TO our wireless call one has been
in attendance ever since. 1t was dusk
when explosion occurred. Flag had
been hauled down five minutes before
Steamers name was painted on
both sides of ship in letters six feet
tall. Had no warning and saw
nothing
Pages Report
Ambassador Page cabled
British admiralty have report from
Queenstown that Nebraskan is now on
her way TO Liverpool under her own
steam and escorted. Am sending
naval attache 10 Liverpool 10 exam
inc ship, which it now appears was
outward bound from Liverpool to
Delaware breakwater when tor
pedoed."
Consul Frost at Queenstown re
ported:
American steamer Nebraskan
struck mine or torpedo at 10 o'clock
evening of 25th 20 miles south of
Fastnet.
Grew returned TO vessel at mid
Now proceeding to Liverpool under
own steam. admiralty patrols as con-
voy."
The state department is deeply i'm
pressed with the fact that Capt.
Greene offers no theory as 10 the
cause of the injury this his vessel
and that he does not suggest the name
Of the vessel on her side was clearly
discernable at a distance in the dusk.
This is construed as indicating a doubt
in the mind Of the captain as to
whether his ship was deliberately tor
pedoed.
If it should develop that the Ne
braskan, flying the flag of the United
States. was torpedoed by a German
submarine, the present tense relations
between the United States and Ger
many will be aggravated.
Despite the fortunate fact that no
shown that a deliberate attempt was
made TO sink the steamer. it Will be
difficult for this government 10 con-
done in any way the attack.
1t is pointed out in official circles
that the Nebraskan carried no con-
traband and was engaged in no hos
tile service. The ship was bound for
Hampton Roads 10 take on a cargo
Of coal for the American navy.
Officials Are Reticeut
Officials continued reticent concern
ing the case until the receipt of more
information and the deciphering Of
Ambassador Pages note. but there
is doubt in official circles that the Ne
braskan struck q mine Ii became
known at the state department that
the British government notified this
government several weeks ago that
the mines laid by the admiralty OF
Great Britain We're OF q type that
would become harmless If detached
from their anchorage.
Accepting this statement and the
further fact that the Nebraskan was
far from shore when struck, il is
difficult at this juncture for Washing
ton 10 accept the theory that floating
mine was responsible for the damage
10 the steamer
The consequences OF a development
that the Nebraskan was torpedoed
without warning by a German subma-
rine cannot be foretold. but those who
must deal with the situation are ad-
mittedly grave when such a sugges-
ton is broached. With this govern
meut still awaiting a reply TO its note
on the Lusitania disaster. and with the
>Gulhight. Falaba and Frye incidents
stu fresh in the public mind, II IS