New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-09

iiiNCtS W aiS b~iNA
ifferent purpose, and that was the
rs.
The Lusitania was crowded with
Americans. Men, women and children
were aboard, and rumors Of nearby
submarines had circulated through the
ship and stirred up no end OF excite
ment. The naval officers think that
Captain Dow's action in replacing the
British red ensign with the Stars and
Stripes was for the purpose of allsying
hysteris.
To avoid coming in conflict with thi.
latest German view, the State Depart
ment, it is said, contemplatcs calling
upon Germany for further information
as to the proclamation, in which il is
said it will be pointed out that there is
grave concern in this country as to the
safety of neutral ships, and ssking
what the intentions Of the German gov
ernment are to insure the safety OF
these vessels.
Protest To Be Avoided.
1t is understood that the attitude OF
this government, in addition 10 that Of
other neutrals, is that Germany may
declare war zones wherever il plesses,
so long as the rights Of neutral vessels
are protected. 1t is on this latter point
that the United States, the Netherlands
and other neutral nations are most con-
cerned. Should Germany, in answer to
the request for information, point out
that It will use every safeguard 10 pro-
tect neutral vessels engaged in legiti-
mate trade, the whole question OF Ger
many's war zone proclamation will be
held in abeyance.
Chevslier van Rsppard, the Dutch
Minister, had another conference with
Secretary Bryan and Counsellor Lam
sing to-day, at which every phase OF
the question was discussed and every
effort made to arrive at some plan
which would convey TO Germany the
disspproval of the United States, the
Netherlands and other neutral coun-
tries TO the sweeping proclamation OF
the German Admiralty. Just what plan
was arrived at was not disclosed, but IL
was understood that way out OF
making q protest had been discovered
and was now under consideration.
Tomorrow the situation will be fully
discussed at meeting Of the President
and his Cabinet. Formal inquiries as
TO what steps the German naval. COM
msnders will take 10 protect neutrals
travelling on merchant ships, and re-
quests for information as to the use Of
American flags by British ships gem
orally, it is understood, will follow.
Situation Il Delicate.
IL was apparent on all sides here
that the German proclamation and the
Lusitania incident had introduced a
delicate situation. touching more close
ly, perhaps, the position Of neutrals
than any other occurrence OF the war
In some quarters, where it was admit
ted that no American statute or ey-
plicit rule Of international law existed
10 prevent the misuse of q neutral flag
by a belligerent vessel, England's atti-
tude toward certain articles OF the Dec
laration of London was reviewed with
interest
Great Britain early in the war an
nounced that she would abide by this
provision of the Declaration: "rhe
transfer of an enemy vessel to a neu-
tral flag, effected after tho outbreak
Of hostilities, is void unles IL is proved
that such transfer was not made in
order TO eyade the consequences TO
which an enemy vessel, as such, is cx~
rosed. There, however, is an absolute
presumption that a transfer is void IL
the transfer has been made during q
voyage or in port"
Some officials suggested that this
provision might be construed 20 apply
TO the case Of the Lusitania or other
belligerent vessels changing their flag
during voyage.
Among naval officers il was pointed
out that the threats of the German
proclamation against enemy merchant
men found in the war zones, IL carried
out by submarines, would entail con-
siderable danger to the submarines
themselves, especially II they attempt
ed to follow previously recognized
rules Of war in boarding a merchant
ship and taking of its passengers be-
fore destroying the vessel. The ap-
pearance Of a submarine, il was point
ed out, would mean its instantaneous
destruction by most Of the Dig mer-
chantmen. which carry small guns.
Evokes Speech In House.
There is no room aboard a submarine
for uaSssnOara from a meyrh antman