Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-11
WASHINGTON STIRRED
BY SINKING OF VESSEL
No Attempt to Deny Seriousness Of
Situation Arising Out Of Will
liam u. I'rye'S Destruction.
APPEARS AS uNFRIENDLY ACT
Careful Investigation Will BE Made,
and, il First Reports Are Borne
Out, Diplomatic Representations
to Germany VIII Follow.

WASHINGTON. March 1o.-Arrival OF
the German converted cruiser Prinz
Eitel Friedrich ut Newport News to-day
with the announcement that during her
four months ralding rs n commerce
destroyer. she had sent to the bottom
one American owned vessel. which flew
the flag of the United States. profound
ly stirred official Washington.
In the absence of detailed story of
the sinking OF tho American ship, the
William p. Frye. or the coast Of South
America, judgment WIS Withheld, but
there was no attempt to deny the Sc
riousness OF the incident and 1t was
conceded that on It's face 1t bore the
| appearance of an unfriendly act on the
part OF n German ship OF war. which
must result in diplomatic negotiations
with the German government.
EVERY EFFORT TO GET
TO BOTrOM OF CASE
Such information as had come to Of
fetal ears tonight from Newport News
was in substance that the Frye was
blown up because the commander OF
the Eitel held her. cargo OF wheat to
be contraband. II was pointed out that
wheat is not contraband unless con-
| signed to n belligercnt or some agent of
Such government. The Fryc's manifest
showed her bound for Queenstown FOR
orders. Othcials explained that this
INCARNATION IN the manifest was not un-
usual. ana added that Circumstance
so i;tr pointed TO the fact that the FRYE
rs rcsse! of q neutral nation enga ged
IN q legitimate voyage was not sub
lect 10 seizure or destruction Every
effort VIII be made by the State and
| Treasury Departments to get to tho
| bottom OF the case. The master Of
| fcers and crow OF the Frye VIII apncor
tomorrow in Norfolk before Collector
OF Customs Hamilton, and will be oues
| toned 1T length about circumstances
or the ships departure from Seattle
| inst November and of her capture and
| destruction. If necessary, the state De.
partment VIII conduct an Inquiry OF its
own and will not undertake nerotio-
tons with Germany until it's case is
! clear.
| Just what demands might be made
upon Germany If tho blowing up of tho
/ Frye were considered as an unfriendlv
| act. were not disclosed Tonight bur
| II was understood the United States
| probably would seek the usual honor
able amends under international law.
as well as rcparation for the owners
| The Prinz fiitel Friedrich undoubted-
! ly VIII be interned at Newport News
unless her commander is willing to take
chance with the allies ships in the
| North Atlantic
CUSTOMARY NOTICE
SERVED ON VESSEL
Collector Hamilton has served the
customary notice that the Eitel must
sail within twenty-four hours or in
tern, or give reasons for n longer stay
which will be satisfactory to Washing
ton. If her commander desires to make
repairs, additional time can be allowed.
but In view of IL preliminary report by
experts who examined the cruiser to-
day. that at least several months would
be required to Mt her for active sea
service. II was generally believed that
the only course open for her Is to In
torn. and therefore no unusual precau-
! lions were taken tonight to prevent
her leaving American waters.
All males Of beligerent nations
among tho 500 survivors aboard the
cruiser not subject to military service
probably Will be put in charge OF con-
sular representatives Of their respec-
tive countries. Most OF the survivors
were bound for South American coun-
| tries when captured. and it was be-
| licved the consuls Will have them trans
fcrred to New York and sent on to the
original destinations. IL the Eitel in
| terms all the survivors will be released
automatically.
Delicate problems OF international
In" requiring Immediate decision aris-
| ing out OF the cruisers arrival were
the subpect OF several conferences
Secretary Daniels received reports from
| hcar-Admiral Realty at the Norfolk
Navy Yard. Assistanr Secretary Peters,
Continued on Second Page.)