Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-10
DEADLY CRUSADE
HAS ONLY BEGUN
Other British Ships Will Meet
Fate Similar to That of
Lusitania.
DR.. DERNBURG MAKES THREAT
Even American Flag No Protec-
ton if Any Contraband Is
on Board.
DR.. DERNBURG MAKES THREAT
Especial to The Times-Dispatch.l ]

Dernburg, former Minister of Colonies
Of the German empire. and recognized
in this country as the Kaiser's spokes-
man, said tonight that Germany had
only begun her deadly crusade against
Great Britain's commerce. and that the
sinking of the Lusitania would be fol-
lowed by the destruction of other Brit
ish ships. whether or not there were
Americans aboard.
The American flag would afford not
tho slightest protection for vessels
which carried cargoes that the Germans
regarded AS contraband. He said that
even parts of flying machines, automo-
bile accessories and cotton were now
considered contraband by the German
admiralty.
Finally. he said:
ANY ship carrying goods to Great
Britain is TO be sunk. England has
cut off Germany from the outside world.
and we intend to isolate her in like
manner. so that all communication with
other parts OF the earth will be impos-
sible."
HUNDREDS OF AMERICANS
WILL he IN PERIL TO-DAY
When shipping men heard Of DR..
Dernburg's threat against all vessels
bound to England, they called atten-
tion to the fact that a number OF ships
will enter the British war zone to-
morrow with several hundred Ameri-
cans aboard.
With closed eyes, DR.. Dernburg began
the interview. He spoke with much
deltberation.
THE Americans have always been
friendly to Germany" he said. slowly
"and we want to maintain their friend
ship. These facts. however. must be
borne in mind to appreciate the present
situation in the proper light.
There were 5000 cases OF war ma
terial for the allies on board the Lusi-
tania. I understand that something
liko $50 Americans were killed. I re-
gret that very much 1t was most un-
fortunate. Nevertheless, II this mate
rial had gotten into the hands of the
allies. 1t would have been used against
US. and they might have been able to
pound their way into Germany through
our lines. and many more than $50 OF
our people might have been killed
The British orders in council were
to exclude all kinds of material from
reaching our civil population. They
even placed an embargo on Holland.
Denmark and Sweden, on penalty that
they would be blockaded. and they
practically are blockaded. Is IT. there
fore, reasonable to believe that the q err
man admiralty will permit anything 70
get into the hands of the allies?
suffering ls recognized in war. Un-
fortunately. that must be. England is
building submarines in her home wards
the Fore River plant in the United
states and put together in Montreal
OLD RULES OF WAR PASS
WITH MODERN WEAPONS
England admits that with modern
weapons OF warfare she is not able to
maintain all the old rules of war.
Therefore. she proclaimed a long g-dis-
tance blockade. 1t has been the usage
or war that vessels could be stopped,
seized and searched.
vessels that carried contraband
could be destroyed IL they could not
be taken into port. That has been
done in England. 1t has been Gus
tomary to give innocent people warn
ing and a chance to get away. A sub
marine Is only $50 feet long II has
no accommodations for others than it's
crew OF probably twenty four men.
Consequently, they are unable to take
off passengers.
submarine can be rammed at any
minute, and II the Lusitania had been
warned, she could have put on steam
and run away. So. instead of giving
warning to the Lusitania. Germany
gave specific general notice before she
sailed. That notice was ample"
have the right to travel the high seas
IN safety?" asked the former Colonial
Secretary. and. answering himself, he
said:
ANY American travelling on an
American boat under the American flag
Will be safe. There is only one dam
ger-the use of the American flag by
a belligerent vessel There are any
number Of neutral ships
There is also this condition: an
American ship. or any other neutral
vessel. must carry no munitions OF war.
1t Is easy for an American who wants
to travel to find out what a ship car
rfes. All ships make their manifests
to tho custom house. and they are
public.
announcement could be made Of
these, and lines held to the announce
ments. Everybody takes a risk If they
want to. Anybody can commit suicide
II they want to.
STOPPING OF SUBMARINES
DEPENDS ON ENGLAND
Germany issued her order fixing a
war zone. England replied by her
orders in council. requiring nations
to ship nothing to Germany. Now, shall
Germany stop her submarine warfare
We Will stop it as VIC announced. pro-
viding England stops her policy OF
starvation. Germany is willing to
maintain Tho Hague convention rules.