Evening star., 1915-03-13
PR|Nz E|TEL HOLDS
TWO SAILORS FROM
THE SUNKENFRYE
Claimed as German Subjects,
Says Report, and Liable to
Military Service.
PROTEST TO WASHINGTON
IN THEIR Behalf MADE
Captain of Frye Says He Doubts if
They Are Naturalized
Americans.
CRUISERS FATE IN BALANCE
No Decision Yet as to Extent of Re
pairs-Commander Insists he
Will Go to Sea to Con-
tinue Raids.
PROTEST TO WASHINGTON
IN THEIR Behalf MADE
CRUISERS FATE IN BALANCE

MEM PORl NEWS, a.
March I3.-Oficials at Washing
ton have been asked by govern
ment authorities here to consider
the-case OF two members OF the
Grew OF the American sailing ship
William 2. FRYE. who remain on
the German converted cruiser
lprinz Eitel Friedrich awaiting re
pairs here after her wrecking
cruise against enemy shipping.
1t developed today that the two
members OF the crew OF the
american ship. who at first had
been reported to have enlisted in
the German navy. really had been
detained by order OF Commander
Thierichens on the ground that
thev were German citizens and
still subject to service under Ger
man arms.
Reported to Washington.
Collector of Customs Hamilton, when
asked If representations had been
made to the Washington government
concerning these men, said that the
natter had been reported and that he
vas awaiting instructions regarding
them.
The men detained on the Prinz Eitel
IRE Charles Frank and Robert Rogge.
Capt. II. H. kiehne. master of the Frye.
I has been learned, stated to the gov
srnment officials here that he did not
believe these members of his crew
we're naturalized American citizens and
that they had not made protest to him
when detained by the German officer.
Notwithstanding these circumstances,
4 is reported that representations
have been made on behalf of Frank
md Rogge by American citizens.
Eitel Leaves Dry Dock.
The Eitel Friedrich slipped from dry
lock in the Newport News shipyard
.oday and moored at an adjacent pier.
Throughout the morning the crew was
,usily engaged in making her spick.
Further evidence that British cruis-
.rs are lurking OFF the Virginia capes
sas brought here today by members
,f the crew of the British horse steam
.r Anglo Patagonia. which put into
BORT from England. They declared that
I've warships had been spoken within
-arying distances of the coast as they
approached.
Solution of the immigrant problem
,n board the Eitel is expected to be
polved today, a representative of the
-ompagnie Generate Trans-Atlantique.
Flori,le. from which they were taken
~ the Friedrich, having arrived here
20 look after the situation. The French
company. il is declared. will transport
:hc ineligible aliens 10 New York and
.;tter convey them TO South American
ports to which they were destined.
Surveyed by Naval Board.
Late yesterday naval board Of
three under orders of Rear Admiral
Beatty headed by Naval Constructor
Dubose. Inspected the Eitel. Under
regulations which require that all war
ships coming into American ports be
examined. they made a survey of the
snip. Naval Constructor Dubose would
rot discuss his report, which will be
forwarded to Washington at once for
Information in guiding officials with
reference TO the request OF the Fried
rich's commander for time to repair
his vessel. Other members OF the board
were Lieut.. Commander Norris and
Lieut.. Allen.
Following this inspection, Collector
Of Customs Hamilton sent to Com
mander Thierichens the following let
ter:
March IL. 1915.
The Commander. the German cruiser
the Prince Eitel Friedrich.
Sir: Replying further to your letter
of March IL, have the honor to re.
quest that you advise me definitely. al
the earliest moment within your power
Of the necessary repairs needed ant
length of time required to make youl
vessel seaworthy.
You will also please be good enough
10 advise me of the character an'
quantity of stores and fuel necessar
TO carry your vessel TO the neares
port of your home country.
Being charged with the enforcemen n
of the neutrality of the United State
IN these waters, / have the honor u
request that YOU advise me of all th
supplies you desire to purchase Will
here.
NORMAN r. HAMILTON.
Collector Of Customs"
Sava Eifsl Will InfArn