Evening star., 1915-02-23
President Is Informed Captain
Did Not Follow Safe Course
Laid Out for Him.
OFFICIALS HERE FEAR
FOR SAFETY OF CREW
Civil Suit for Damages by Owners
and United States Insurance Bu-
reau Only Recourse.

President Wilson views the recent
sinking of the American steamer Eve
lyn in the North sea as a tragic acci-
dent, he told callers today. and has
been unofficia1ly informed that her
captain was not following safe
course laid out for him. He added that
warnings had been given that mines
were planted in the area in which the
Evelyn was sunk.
The President indicated he has not
yet determined whether replies will be
sent to the recent notes from Germany
and Great Britain on the war zones
and the use of the American flag. He
said, however, there was nothing in
the German or English notes which
would cause the United States to
change its position. He indicated that
the entire subject still was under con-
sideration.
The sinking of the Evelyn and the
international situation generally were
discussed at the Cabinet meeting which
was the briefest in months. 1t was
indicated that no further action would
be taken until further details were OBJ
tanned and that the administration saw
nothing in the incident liable to cause
international complications.
1t was said to be practically certain
est British and German notes.
Awaits News From Crew.
officials of the Washington govern
ment today awaited with some anxiety
word as to the fate of thirteen of the
crew of the Evelyn who were reported
to have rowed for the Holland coast
after the vessel struck. The only Off
ri yryhi hod g
from the American consul at Bremen,
who on Sunday night reported the
safety of the crew.
Officials heard today through unoffi-
fourteen members of the Evelyn's crew
had been accounted for. All of the
party. except one. who died from ex-
posure,. were safe in a hospital at
Bremerhaven following their rescue by
a Dutch pilot ship.
Definite information as the results of
the insuiry into the disaster now be-
ing made by representatives Of the
American government also is awaited
here. Pending such information, how
ever, the Washington government will
not decide upon a course of action.
Secretary Bryan cab1ed to American
Minister Henry Van -Dykes-at The
Hague, the same message he previous
ly had sent to Ambassadors Page and
Gerard. at London and Berlin. respec-
lively. asking that every care be ex-
tended to the missing members of the
crew should they land on the coast of
Holland. He also requested that Min
lister Van Dyke make an investigation
of the facts Of the occurrence through
all available agencies.
Only Civil Suit Likely.
1t was conceded in official quarters
that if the nationality of the mine were
not determined. and If no proof were
obtained to show whether official noti-
fications to neutral vessels concerning
the courses they should steer were
being followed by the Evelyn, there
would be virtually no ground for dip
lomatic protest A civil suit however,
by the United States war risk insur'
ance bureau and the owners of the
vessel and cargo is certain to follow
upon such evidence as can be gathered
through the official inquiries now being
made. Some officials thought that a
claim for damages might even be laid
against both Germany and Great Brit
ain If the mines were sown far beyond
beiligerent zones of operation without
giving due notice to neutral craft
Although there has been no protests
thus far from the United States con-
waters. and none Is believed likely at
this time. it was considered possible in
many quarters that an effort might be
made by the American government to
learn more definitely from the belligerents
the precautions which they have taken to
safeguard neutral commerce in the mine
zones, and to obtain more data on which
American ship captains could be guided
In the future as to safeguard cha