The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1915-06-18


cording TO information received here
had cannon aboard which were mount
ed and concealed below decks. To
direct the particular attention of the
American government TO the fact that
the British admiralty, In a confidential
instruction issued in February, 1915,
recommended its mercantile shipping
not only TO seek protection under neu.
tral flags and distinguishing marks.
but also while thus disguised. to attack
German submarines by ramming. AS
a special incitation TO merchantmen to
destroy submarines, the British gov
eminent also offered high prizes and
has already paid such rewards.
Says Liner Carried Mar 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 staff of the
German navy as 'undefended.' German
commanders consequently are no
longer able to observe the customary
regulations of the prize law. which
they before always followed.
Finally. the imperial GOVERN ent
must point out particularly that the
Lusitania on Its last trip, as on earlier
occasions. carried Canadian troop and
wal material, including no less than
$500 cases CO ammunition Intended
Tor the destruction of brave German
soldiers who are fulfilling their duty
with self-sacrif1ce and devotion In the
fatherland's service.
The German government believes
1t was acting In justified self-defense
In seeking with all the means of war
fare at its 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
nave been aware of the danger to
which the passengers aboard the Lusi-
tania were exposed under these condi-
lions. The company in embarking
them. Notwithstanding this, attempted
to use the lives of Ameri-
can citizens as protection for ammu-
milton aboard and acted against the
clear provisions of the American law.
which expressly prohibits the forward
ing OF passengers on ships carving
ammunition and provides a penalty
The company therefore is
wantonly guilty OF the death of so
many passengers.
There can be 10 doubt, according
to the definite report of the subma-
rlnes commander, which is further
confirmed by all information, that the
quick sinking of the Lusitania is pri-
narlly attributable to the explosion of
he ammunition shipment caused by a
The Lusitania's passengers
would otherwise, in all human prob.
ability, have been saved.
The imperial government considers
he above mentioned facts important
enough to recommend them to the At
entive examination of the American
government.
WlthhoIds Final Decision.
The imperial government, while
Withholding its final decision on the
advanced in connection with
ne sinking of the Lusitania until re-
of an answer from the American
government, feels impelled, in conclu-
ion, to recall here and now that it
ook cognizance with satisfaction of
mediatory proposals submitted by
United States government to Der.
and London as a basis for modus
lvendi for conducting the maritime
7arfare between Germany and Great
britain. The imperial government by
IS readiness to enter upon a discus
ION of these proposals, then demon
it's good intentions in ample
ashton. The realization Of these pro-
was defeated, as is we'll known.
y the declinatory attitude of the Brit
IN government.
The undersigned takes occasion.
to- JAGOW."