New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-23

the German policy of attacking and
destroying British, allied and neutral
merchant vessels without warning and
without an attempt being made to save
the lives Of civilians and innocent
crews.
Pending a decision, which, l hope,
will soon be announced, cannot make
a statement regarding the nature or
| scope of the measures to be taken"
As to the form in which the decisions
will be published, Premier Asquith
| said:
There certainly will be a note from
Great Britain, and hope there will be
a joint one"
Situation Evidently Serious.
The situation is evidently serious.
Germany's blockade" is bound to have
/ its effect on shipping, with the result
tant effect on food prices. II may
prove rather severe blow, and there
! is no surface reason for England's
Withholding the smashing retaliation
which is under contemplation. There
/ is no precise information concerning
/ the number of German submarines in
/ the recently delineated war zone, but
officials have reason to believe that
there are at least six hostile sub
marines in the English Channel and
the Irish Sea. Their destructive capa-
bilities are not underestimated. Eng
/ land is likely to lose many more ships
/ during the blockade.
The destruction Of the American
steamer Evelyn off Borkum Island
/ has aroused widespread interest. Amer
ica's attitude is keenly watched. The
details as to the precise whereabouts
/ Of the ship are eagerly awaited. In
/ curing about the Evelyn yesterday
| The Tribune representative learned
the interesting fact that the British
/ have found that the Germans have re-
moved from some of their mines the
/ apparatus which is intended to make
/ the mine harmless, when it breaks
from its moorings, as prescribed by
! The Hague conventions. 1t is also de-
clared that Germany has set numerous
floating mines, particularly after the
east coast raids.
Evelyn Case Stirs London.
The sinking of the Evelyn, with a
subsequent request by Secretary Bryan
for details, was among the chief topics
of discussion in shipping circles here
yesterday, especially at Lloyds. Nc
details have been received by Lloyds
regarding the destruction Of the
Evelyn. Some shipping men asserted
that America would have no case il
it was found that the. Evelyn hac
struck a mine within the three-mile
limit; but, on the other hand, if out
side that zone, the American case wa:
a strong one.
Comparisons are made in theoreti
cal case of an American vessel strik
ing a British mine. In the latter in
stance, it is argued. Great Britain
would have unassailable evidence tha'
months ago she gave a warning of wha'
zones we're mined and of her under
taking to provide pilots. Consequently
the skipper ignoring these regulations
did so at his own peril.
Among Americans here executing
war contracts there IL a general feel
ing that there is a much greater pos
sibility Of a German submarine attach
on liners coming here from America
regardless of what flag is flown, thar
of outgoing vessels to America, be
cause of the German belief that bis
war stores are being carried here or
all transatlantic liners.
The British government may recon
slider its ruling permitting the entranc,
of cotton into Germany. This was in
timated in the House of Commons yes
terday afternoon by Harold J. Tennan.
Under Secretary for War Mr.. Ten
nant stated that when the decision wa,
reached not TO make cotton contrabanC
the government believed that the re
quirements of Germany were ALREADY
satisfied, but, he added. "this attitud,
must be revised from time TO time"
Hint at Collision with United States.
1.-THE Daily News" referring edi
torially TO what is described as tn,
first fruits of Germany's policy OF muir
der on the high seas, to-day says tina
they have brought her sensibly neare,
to collision with the United States.
Although the sinking of the Evelyr
occurred in German waters" continue.
1.-THE Daily News" sit indicates tn,
perils into which the new blockade i!
launching Germany. II the mining o,
British waters is 20 be a feature of tn,
blockade nothing can save neutral ship.
from disaster, for a mine will not dis
criminate and not even il naval con
voy accompanied neutral ships, as in
solently suggested. They would be M
protection against mines, whatever the,
might be against submarines. But III,
United States will certainly not adop'
a course which would practically con
done Germany's criminal methods, anC
il is to be hoped that the scandinavian
countries will also avoid the very dan
gerous trap Germany has laid for them
IL may indeed be that Germany's men
ace TO all neutral countries is de
spairing gamblers throw in the gam,
she knows to be lost"