McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1915-06-04

cording to information received here,
had cannon aboard which were mount.
ed and concealed below decks. Tc
direct the particular attention OF the
American government to the fact that
the British admiralty, in confidential
instruction issued in February, 1915,
recommended its mercantile shipping
not only to seek protection under neu-
trail flags and distinguishing marks,
but also while thus disguised, to attack
German submarines by ramming AS
a special incitation to merchantmen to
destroy submarines, the British gov
eminent also offered high prizes and
has already paid such rewards.
Says Liner Carried War Material.
THE imperial government in view
of these facts Individually known to 1t,
is unable to regard British merchant
men In the zone of naval operations
specified by the admiralty staff Of the
German navy as 'undefended.' German
commanders consequently are no
longer able to observe the customary
regulations Of the prize law, which
they before always followed.
Finally, the imperial government
must point out particularly that the
Lusitania on its last trip. as on earlier
occasions, carried Canadian troops and
war material, including no less than
5,400 cases OF ammunition intended
for the destruction of brave German
soldiers who are fulfilling their duty
with self-sacrifice and devotion In the
fatherland's service.
THE German government believes
1t was acting In justified self-defense
In seeking with all the means Of war
fare at Its disposition to protect the
lives of its soldiers by destroying am
munition for the enemy.
Puts Blame on ship Owners.
"The British shipping company must
have been aware of the danger to
which the passengers aboard the Lusi-
tania were exposed under these condi-
tons. The company in embarking
them, notwithstanding this. attempted
deliberately to use the lives of Ameri-
can citizens as protection for ammu-
milton aboard and acted against the
clear provisions Of the American law,
which expressly prohibits the forward
ing of passengers on ships carrying
ammunition and provides a penalty
therefor. The company therefore is
wantonly guilty Of the death of SO
many passengers.
There can be no doubt, according
to the definite report of the subma-
rine's commander which is further
confirmed by all information, that the
quick sinking of the Lusitania is pri-
marily attributable to the explosion of
the ammunition shipment caused by a
torpedo. The Lusitania's passengers
would otherwise, in all human prob,
ability, have been saved.
The imperial government considers
the above mentioned facts important
enough to recommend them to the at
tentive examination of the American
government.
Withholds Final Decision.
FThe imperial government, while
withholding It's final decision on the
demands advanced in connection with
the sinking Of the Lusitania until re-
ceipt of an answer from the American
government, feels impelled, in conclu-
sion, to recall here and now that 1t
took cognizance with satisfaction of
the mediatory proposals submitted by
the United States government to Ber-
lin and London as a basis for modus
vivendi for conducting the maritime
warfare between Germany and Great
Britain. The imperial government by
its readiness to enter upon discus
sion Of these proposals. then demon
strated its good intentions in ample
fashion. The realization of these pro-
posals was defeated, as Is we'll known,
by the declinatory attitude Of the Brit
ish government.
1.-The undersigned takes occasion,
etc. JAGOW."