Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-03-29

1activity aboard the vessel. Guards
patrolled the dock and the, ships
deck as usual. 1t was reported, how
ever, that invitations TO a dime
aboard the Eitel which had bee "a
sued for tomorrow we're recalled
night without explanation.
WASHINGTON, March 29.-The
battleship Alabama of the reserve
fleet, was ordered to Hampton Roads
last night on neutrality duty" ac-
cording TO an announcement from the
Navy department The battleship is
at the Philadelphia yard.
Secretary Daniels said Il was in
tended to place one large vessel on
guard to support the submarines and
destroyers. which have been on duty
since the German commerce destroyer
Prinz Eitel Friedrich reached New
port News.
Heavy ships had been employed in
neutrality duty at Boston and New
York. the secretary said, and it was
thought best to tar similar precau-
tions at Hampton Roads, as the
smaller vessels would be handicappef
in the event of heavy weather.
Flagship of Helm.
The Alabama is the flagship of Rear
Admiral James NJ. Helm. commat tder-in-
retary Daniels said Admiral Helm would
decide for himself whether or not TO ac-
company his ship.
Navy officials said the Alabama prob
ably would not be able TO get away un-
til sometime tomorrow Sunday, as IL
would be necessary not only to round up
the members of its crew. who had been
given shore liberty, but also to take on
stores II the ship needs coal. it was
said, It might not be able to leave for
Hampton Roads before Monday morning.
The. fact that orders were sent to the
Alabamas commander at a late hour to-
night, however. indicated that there was
some urgency in the matter not explained
by Secretary Daniels
Inquiry for Protection.
There were unconfirmed reports here
tonight that Captain Thierichens of the
Prinz Eitel had made inquiry, of the
Washington government as to what pro-
lection he might expect within the three
mile limit should he decide % ATTEMPT
to run the gauntlet Of enemy watships
said to he awaiting him.
Captain Thierichens is said. to have
taken the positish that his vessel was en-
titled to protection from any molestation
while witain the territorial waters of
the United states, and in this view it is
understood government officials concur.
No officials who could be reached to-
night. however, would discuss the matter,
and the only official explanation OF the
Alabamas errand that could be- esobtained
was that given by Secretary Daniels
viii BE Interned.
The Prinz Ettel Friedrich will be in
termed at Newport News by order OF the
Washington government within a few
days. according 10 opinions expressed here
tonight in official quarters. No one In
authority. however, would NNSSss the
ships status
There Is little doubt that a time limit
for the MAILING of repairs to the Eitel
had been set by the government and that
the limit is close to exhaustion. When
the period granted shall expire, Conn
nlander Thierichens of the Eite will be
formally notified that he must either put
to sea within twenty-four hours or his
snip and crew will be interned for the
war.
Can Appeal fOr Time.
The German captain could appeal for
time 20 make further repairs. but this
only would be granted. 1t Is thought, on
a new and unexpected showing as to the
unseeaworthiness of his vessel
1t appeared to be the general opinion
that Commander Thierichens would not
ask that his ship be interned, but would
wait out his time limit and compel the
government to act.
Officials recalled the statement OF Cap
tain Kiehne of the American ship William
p Frye. sunk by the Eitel, who declared
the cruiser would not put to sea again
during tie war. He Terlsed to say on
what he based his prediction. but officials
believed his loag association with the
Elites officers after this Frye was sunk
qualified him to speak with some au-
thority.
Ordered 90 Report.
PHILADELPHIA, March H.-The au-
thorities OF the Philadelphia navy yard
tonight notified the superintendent Of the
Philade lphia police to notify aH enlisted
men. wherever found. to report, at the
navy yard at O'Clock SUI day morn ng.
, The request to the police was signed by
/ Commander Kinds of the battleship Ohio.
The request Of the navy yard was made
an order by the police and was read TO
all patrolmen who went on duty at mid
night
Sailors and marines who were found on
the streets were very much surprised
when told Of the order by policemen, but
they obeyed Instantly. with the result
that every car bound for the navy yard
carried enlisted men as passengers.
Has Only skeleton Crew.
The Alabama Is at present attached to
the reserve fleet and has only a skeleton
crew. hence the order to gather in all
men ON shore leave in hurry. so that
the battleship may sail with a regulation
complement OF officers and men
There was much activity at the yard
tonight In getting the Alabama ready for
tq ewuaofod a. ..st