Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-12

WASHINGTON, March l1.-unless
the German government voluntarily Of
fers to make restitution for the de-
struction OF the American ship Will
liam p. Frye, sunk by the converted
cruiser Prinz Eitel Friedrich in the
South Atlantic, and expresses regret
for the occurrence. strong protest will
be made by tho United States. with a
request for reparation.
No announcements concerning the
case probably will be made high of
ficials said. until after an investigation
OF all the facts had been completed
President Wilson, at the White House
stated during the day that a search
ing inquiry would be conducted.
Officials were unanimous in their
opinion-and il was shared largely by
diplomatists, too-that the commander
of the Prinz Ettel had no right to send
the Frye to the bottom. Officials con-
sidered it probable that the German
government after being appriscd OF
the facts, would admit the error of
the naval commander and agree TO
make the usual rcparation. Some Of
fcials thought sufficient amends. after
the payment of damages would he the
court artialing OF the German Of
fiCer
VESSEL COULD DEPART
WITH QUESTION UNSETTLED
1t was made clear at the State De-
partment that whatever action would
be taken as T. result of the sinking OF
tho Frye would be entirely disasso-
ciated from questions arising out of
the entry into an American port Of the
Prinz Eitel. desiring time for repairs.
The vessel could. therefore. depart.
leaving the questions raised by the
destruction OF the American ship to be
settled through diplomatic channels
Captain Boy Ed. naval attache of the
German embassy, il was understood
here, has gone to Newport News from
New York to obtain from the captain
Of the Prinz Eitel n sworn statement
Of the facts for the German govern
ment.
Captain kiehne, Of the Frye, has been
asked by the Treasury Department to
keep his crew together. so that all the
testimony necessary for diplomatic cor
respondencc may be gathered. The
captain probably will come to Wash
ington on Saturday to confer with
Treasury and State Department Of
ticials.
Examination OF preccdents in inter
natlonal law revealed to state Depart
ment officials, they said. that the gen
eral rules of maritime practice have
prohibited the destruction of n neutral
vessel under the circumstances in
which the Frye was found In the South
Atlantic by the Prinz Eitel
MANY ARGUMENTS URGED
AGAINST DESTRUCTION
Many arguments have been urged
from time to time against the destruc-
tton of neutral vessels. and when In
doubt American naval commanders
have been cautioned always to dismiss
the vessel Before destruction I'm any
case. the crew. passengers and papers
must be taken from the neutral vessel
on board the belligerent ship
These are then immediately sub
ject," says one OF the authorized puu-
lications OF the United States Naval
War College, ito all the dangers of
war to which war vessel OF a bellig-
erent is subject Such position may
mean an undue hardship for those who
have not been engaged in the war. and
one to which they should not be ex-
posed"
II was said in official quarters that
the American government took note OF
tho fact that American citizens by their
enforced presence on board German
cruiser for more than month had been
subjected to unnecessary risks, and
that this probably would be ono OF