Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-04-14
FORMAL REQUEST MADE
FOR REPAIRS TO VESSEL
Captain Thierfelter Asks Time in
Which to Make <ronprinz vii.
helm Seaworthy.
APPARENTLY IN GREAT HASTE
Commander Insists That He Can Re-
gain Open Sea Through Lane OF
Enemy Vessels, and Must BE About
the Ilaiser's Business Quickly.

NEWPORT NEWS. VA, April 1s.-
Lieutenant Captain Thierfelder, com
mander of the German converted
cruiser Kronprinz Wilhelm. delivered to
Collector Of Customs Hamilton late to-
day his formal request OF the Washing
ton government for time to remain in
this neutral port for temporary repairs
to his ship.
The request was made In two letters.
one amplifying the other. which were
forwarded to the Secretary of the
Treasury, and their contents not
divulged. II Is understood that the
German commander asked for three
weeks time as II maximum in which to
make the Wilhelm seaworthy. but he
stated he would make every effort to
complete temporary repairs and leave
the port before that time
CAPTAIN ASKS ONLY
TEMPORARY REPAIRS
1t was learned that the stipulations
related only 10 temporary repairs, be-
cause OF necessity for thorough over
hauling OF the Wilhelm. which would
require months, were all needed repairs
undertaken at this time.
Captain Thicrfclder. In tho commune
cations. did not make n request for
coal and provisions. explaining that
he would do this when the Washington
government decides how long he may
remain in these neutral waters. The
commander said he did not wish to
take on permanent supplies. which
might partly be consumed during his
time here. but it is understood he in
cludcs, however. n petition for permis-
sion to go into dry dock imme ediately.
Until the Washington authorities grant
this permission. his merchant raider
must remain at anchor in the James
River.
Unofficially. the captain OF the Kron-
prinz Wilhelm urged that action re-
garding his ship be expedited as much
as possible. and in this connection
he requested the state Department,
through the German embassy, have
the naval board make an examination
of his ship at once. This may he done
tomorrow, if permission is given to
take the ship Into dry dock.
The shipyard experts estimate OF
repairs necessary were included in the
captains letters to the Secretary OF
the Treasury. One letter. 1t Is under
stood. relates to repairs to machinery.
and the other to the exterior plates,
which have been warped by coaling at
sea and ramming merchant ships of tho
allies.
MORE DEMONSTRATIVF;
THAN CAPTAIN THIERICUENS s
While opinion continues to prevail
that the Wilhelm will never leave this
port until the close of the war; Com
mandcr Th!erfelder is much more
demonstrative than was Captain THE
richens. OF the Prinz Eitel, In his in
sistcnce that the merchant raider must
return to the high seas. even if she
must run the gantlct Of allied war
ships OFF the capcs a second time.
I'VE must get out" he said again
to-day. emphasizing hiss statement by
pounding a table In his cabin. I'VE
got in and we can get out. Tho fact
that warships OF the enemy are wait
ing for us must not deter u.s. The
ships might sink us, but that has no
fears for me-"
The young captain strokcd his fore
head as he spoke, and continued:
who am j? l am ms nothing, NIL
CONTINUED on Eighth Page.)