Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-02-22
VICTIM OF MINE
IN NORTH SEA
Believed Germany and Great Britain
will Attempt to Shift sIams-sunk
or German Coast and Supposedly
Outside Of Zone Prescribed by Ger.
many-cIaim For Damages When
Blame 10 Definitely Fixed.

Walter r, Gherardi, American naval
attache at Berlin to investigate and
made full report on the destruction
Of the American steamer Evelyn, sunk
by striking mine. So far official ad-
vices merely have reported the sink
Ing Of the vessel and gave no details.
Technical Facts Sought.
Secretary Daniels explained that his
purpose in directing an inquiry after
the state department had called on the
ambassadors at London and Berlin for
q report. was to get technical informa-
tion, which might not be Included IN
the ambassadors replies.
It was understood, OF course, that
Captain Gherardi would be guided en-
tirely by Ambassador Gerard In max
ing his investigation.
It was said at the navy department
that from present indications it will
Z be difficult for the naval attache to get
exact information as to what actually
caused the destruction Of the Evelyn.
It was pointed out that German Of
ticials might disclose to the American
naval officer in confidence the map OF
their mine fields in the vicinity where
the Evelyn was sunk.
Says It Was Accidental.
The minister from the Netherlands
called at the state department early
today to inquire what reports this gov
crnment had received. After con-
ferring with Councillor Lansing he ex-
pressed the opinion that the sinking
u,ast have been entirely accidental.
Chairman Stone, Of the senate for-
ei9n fSlatlons committee, said he could
see no complications arising from the
aSotrucssons e fths Evelyn.
q sssgss An AlneticAA vessel" he said, "ven-
tured into an area known to be mined.
SD far Il 10 not known what nation
laid the mine. It Is possible national
claim for damage might be laid when
the facts are known"
MeaRer reports Of the destruction OF
the first American vessel by mine IN
the North sea stirred excitement In
Washington last night.
Careful consideration Of such facts
rs are furnished, however. convinces
administion officials that the questions
at issue between the United States and
Germany as a result OF the latter's war
, zone decree are not involved In the loss
OF the steamer.
A confirmation Of the press reports
OF the destruction OF the Evelyn was
received by Secretary Bryan today.
Consul w. T. Fee. at Bremen. Ger
many, sent the following dispatch:
steamer Evelyn, Captain Smith.
agents Bull & Co., New York. blown up
carly at Borkum. Crew saved. Ship
and cargo lost"
Secretary Bryan Immediately trans
mitted the message to the American
embassies at London and Berlin, to-
4ether with Instructions to take care
OF the crew and to report the facts con-
.cerning the incident.
cabinst Considers Course.
president Wilson and his advisers
were meditating the further steps that
nav he taken by the United States in
fhe controversies with Germany and
Great Britain when the first report on
the destruction of the Evelyn reached
Washington.
Considerable relief was manifested
nv administration officials when it be-
came apparent that the disaster did not
take place within the war zone estab-
Iished by the Berlin decree and was
not the result Of the procedure In con-
nection herewith against which the
United States has protested.
Borkum is one Of a chain OF islands
lust of the German coast. These is
. lards are strongly fortified and form
mart Of the coast defenses and naval
hases Of Germany, in connection with
Wllhelmshaven. The islands are with
N the territorial jurisdiction Of Ger
many. within which she Is entitled to
1ay as many mines as she pleases for
the defenses Of her harbors.
First u. 8. Vessel Lost.
The Evelyn, the first vessel flying
4he stars and stripes to meet disaster
as q result OF the sea warfare Of the
European nations. was sent down near
Borkum Island. IN the North Sea. yes
terliay. The captain ana twenty seven
Of the crew were saved.
The steamer, cotton laden. departed
from New York on Jan. 20 for Bremen
ana was 4 craft Of 1,1S5 tons displace-
n;ent. Maritime records give the col1-
plement OF the ship as twenty-five men.
20 Il seems probable all were rescued.
Sunk Of German Coast.
Rorkun Island, near which the Eve
Nm sank, IL directly of the German
coast and 10 German territory lying at
the mouth Of the Ems River. It IL fifty
miles southwest Of Helgoland, the Ger
man naval. base, and 10 not within the
0Arman war zone decree which went
into effect, Feb. 10.
Lay 0asis For Claim.
II Germany failed in either Of these
obligations then claim for damages
VIII be filed.
But II 1t shall be established that a
German submarine or mine sank the
vessel outside the three-mile limit,
then the German government will xbe
!. held responsible and required to give
satisfaction.
= q tAs eshsF hand. II shall Be