Evening star., 1915-03-27
Naval Officers Confident Ger
man Cruiser Will Remain in
Hampton Roads.
SAY TIME FOR REPAIRS
is ABOUT EXHAUSTED
President Wilson Taking Precau-
tions, Through the Navy Depart
ment, to Preserve Neutrality.

Although no word had come from the
commander of the Prinz Eitel Friedrich
as to whether he intended to take his
vessel to sea, naval officers here today
were confident that the next two or
three days would see the ship interned.
The time allowed tho Eitel to make
secret. but the general understanding
today was that it expires within the
next two or three days
Secretary Daniels emphasized that
the Prinz Eitel would not be permitted
to leave Hampton roads within twenty
four hours of the departure OF any al
lied ship. Secretary Bryan refused to
discuss the subject at all. Neutrality,
he said. forbade.
No Reply From Ships Commander.
It was reiterated that Commander
Thierichens never had replied to re-
peated requests of the United States
port authorities as to the time he re-
quired to make repairs. and the conclu-
sion is that naval experts after exam
lining the Prinz Eitel set a time for him to
make his cruiser seaworthy.
The confidence Of officials that the
ship will be interned is said to be based
on the knowledge that this time Is
about to expire.
Naval officers, recalling the case Of
the German gunboat Geier ut Honolulu,
which was given ten days 20 make re-
pairs, but finally was intefned, thought
the same situation would result In the
mander did not voluntarily intern. but
contended that the time allowed to
make his vessel fit for sea was not
sufficient. 1t was pointed out by naval
officers that commanders OF belligerent
warships rarely intern voluntarily, be-
cause of their national pride and the
possible effect of such an act on their
own records.
Desire to Enforce Neutrality.
No explanation was given at the
Navy Department for the appearance
Of destroyers off Hampton roads. but
it is known President Wilson and Sec
retary Daniels are anxious to prevent
any hitch in the enforcement OF the
neutrality regulations. .........
When the time limit for the making
of repairs on the Eitel expires the Gus,
toms collector at Newport News Will
report to the Treasury Department,
and an order for internment VIII De
given If the Eitel does not depart
Within twenty-four hours thereafter.
should Capt Thierichens. commander
of the Eitel. choose, however, to put to
sea in the face of allied ships on the
Virginia -apes, the presence OF Brit
ish mere. mt ships at Newport News
might n essitate further suspension
of time the German war vessel to
Hague Convention Quoted.
The Hague convention provides the
following:
"A belligerent warship may not
leave a neutral port or roadstead until
twenty-four hours after the departure
of a merchant ship flying the nag OF
its adversary"
The port Of Newport News has many
British merchant ships which are 1eav-
ing at frequent intervals with norses
for France. Should such ships be IeaV-
ing port when the Eitel decides to de-
twenty-four hours. There is no way to
regulate the departure of merchant
ships by this government At the State
Department it was said that departure
reason of extending time for the Eitel
to remain in port.
Armed Guards in Evidence.
NEWPORT NEWS. Va. March H.
Armed guards pacing to and fro on
the pier and aboard the cruiser, ready
to challenge any one approaching with
out the authority Of a pass. were the
only evidences Of activity in the vicin-
ity of the Prinz Eitel Friedrich. which
remained tied up at the local shipyard
this morning. despite last nights per-
sistent rumors that Commander Their
ichens had been ordered to leave this
port by midnight. or be interned during
the remainder of the war. and the sub
seauent preparation for action at Fort
Monroe and Fort Wool
Tho bicycle patrols rode up and down
the beach, keeping a sharp lookout on
Ia nd a we'll as sea, and every other de-