The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-07-29
LEELANAW ACT
ST|RS CAPITAL
Sinking Of American Ship
\ Strains Relations.
NAY FORCE WILSON'S HAND
n 10 Felt Any Day That Germany
MIoht Force Decisive Action on the
Part Of the United States by SUB
marine Operations.

/
Part Of the United States by SUB
marine Operations.
Washington, July 27.-Until the de-
tails Of the torpedoing OF the Ameri-
can shin Leelanaw sunk by German
submarine are received, no dennite an
nouncement can be made.
The torpedoing of the Leelanaw
was officially reported to the state de-
uertment by Consul Dennison at Dun
dee. The consul stated only that the
vessel had been torpedoed, that the
crew had been landed at kirkwell,
Scotland, and that they were proceed
ing to Dundee. The United States has
only a consular agent at Kirkwell so
no detailed report of the case Is ex-
pected until the survivors nave
reached Dundee.
All reports leave It In doubt whether
the Leelanaw was given notice OF an
intent to torpedo her and her officers
and crew given opportunity to take
the ships boats. On this point the at
titude of the United States toward the
case will hang.
Nevertheless the report that the
American ship had been torpedoed.
coming on the heels Of the resumption
of activities by the German sub
marines, and reports OF the unfavor
able reception of the American note,
caused a shock here. II is felt that
any day is likely to bring a case which,
under the terms Of the note sent to
Berlin last week, will force the presi-
dent to take decisive action.
The fact that the crew of the vessel
was saved caused a feeling Of relief In
official quarters. but there we're many
evidences OF apprehension that II Ger
many continues TO promise payment
yet destroys more American ships,
new situation might be created which
would REQUIRE further warning to the
Berlin government.
The fact that the Leelanaw carried
o cargo OF fax, declared absolute con
traband by Germany on April IL, does
not alter the view Of the United States
government that the contraband might
have been removed and the vessel
spared.
Under the general rules Of tnterna'
tional law, the destruction OF neu'
trail vesse, carrying contraband was
not admitted until the famous knight
commander case in the Russo Japanese
war. The declaration OF London In
1909 embodied the principle as appli'
cable In extreme cases, but stipulated
that passengers and crew must be
transferred to a place OF safety and
the case itself later sent TO prize
court for determination as TO the legal.
ity OF the act.
The United States In the case OF the
william p. Frye. however. took Its
stand on the Prussian-American treaty
OF ls2s-as a document that covered
vessels carrying contraband
That treaty especially permits the
trafic in contraband by the United
States or Prussia In time OF war and
outlines that no contraband owned by
citizens Of either power may be con-
nscated. but can only be detained and
paid for. Vessels. according to its
provision. must be allowed to proceed
after giving up their contraband.
While oficials were sparins in their
comment. Il was indicated the United
States would follow In its procedure
the same course as In the Frye case.
(Continued ON page b.)