The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-03-13
t."s.%MEReAlNI SHIP SUNK.
WM. T.. FRYE SENT TO BOTTOM
BY GERMAN CRUISER WHILE
FLYING FLAG OF UNIT
ED STATES.
Considered Unfriendly Act and Must
Result I'm Diplomatic Negotiations
With German Goycrnment-In-
quiry Will be Made into Cause Of
Incident.


the German converted cruiser Prinz
Eitel Friedrich at Newport News. with
the announcement that during her
four months cruise as commerce
raider she had sent to the bottom
one American owned vessel which
flew the flag of the United States,
profoundly stirred official Washing
ton.
In the absence Of a detailed story
OF the sinking OF the American ship,
the William =. Frye. of the coast
OF South America. judgment was
withheld but there was no attempt TO
deny the seriousness OF the incident,
and II was conceded that on it's face
IL bore the appearance of an un-
friendly act on the part of a German
ship OF war which must result in
diplomatic negotiations with the Ger
man government.
Such information as had come to
officials here tonight was in substance
that the Frye was blown up because
the commander OF the Eitel held her
cargo of wheat to be contra aband. 1t
was pointed out that wheat is not
contraband unless consigned to bel
hgerent or some agent of such gov
ernment. The Frye's manifest show
ed her bound for Queenstown "for
orders" officials explained that this
declaration In the manifest was not
unusual and added that circumstances
DO Tar pointed to the fact that the
Frye was not subject to seizure or
destruction.
The master, officers and crew Of tho
Frye will appear tomorrow in Norfolk
before Customs Collector Hamilton.
and will be questioned at length about
circumstances OF the ships departure
from Seattle last November and of
her capture and destruction. Facts
gathered will be forwarded to Wash
ington and. IL necessary. the state
department will conduct an inquiry of
It's own and will not undertake nego-
tiations with Germany until its case
Is clear.
Just what demands might be made
upon Germany IL the blowing up of
the Frye were considered an un-
friendly act, were not disclosed to-
night. IL was understood. however,
that the United States probably would
seek the usual honorable amends un-
der the international law as we'll as
reparation for the owners.
The Prinz Eitei undoubtedly will be
interned In Hampton Roads unless
her commander is willing to take
chance with the allies ships with
her general condition far from sea-
worthy.
Collector Hamilton has served the
customary notice that the Eitei must
sail within "a hours or intern, or give
reasons for a longer stay which will
be satisfactory to Washington. II her
commander desires to make repairs,
additional time can be allowed but in
View OF a preliminary report by ex-
perts that at least several months
would be required TO 1T her for active
sea service. II was generally believed
that the only course open for her is
10 intern.
Conditions on the cruiser, with
more than 500 survivors OF the ships
she has captured aboard for weeks
past were said tonight to be far from
good and 1t Is probable that all pos
siole will be done TO arrange for inn
mediate removal OF those on the ship.
All males OF belligerent nations aboard
her not subject TO military service
probably will be put in charge of
consular representatives OF their re-
spective countries. II the Eitel in
terms all the survivors will be released
automatically.
Delicate problems OF international
law requiring immediate decision aris-
ing out OF the cuiser's arrival were
the subject OF several conferences be-
tween state and navy department Of
hcials. Decision of the various points
is expected tomorrow.
Secretary Daniels transmitted the
reports he received to the neutrality
board for a decision on the following
points:
How long the vessel may remain in
port to undergo repairs.
What disposition shall be made of
the survivors OF the various ships cap
tured by the Prlnz Eitel.
What legal proceedings. II any. shall
be entered against the Prinz Eitel and
her officers for sinking the American