Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1915-03-12
Washington Hears Vessel
Is in Very Bad Con-
ditiOn.
NEEDS THREE WEEKS FOR
REPAIRS, SAYS CAPTAIN
Germany Cannot Refuse to
Make ReparatiOn, Is WASH
ingtOn's View.

WASHINGTON, March 12.-Confi-
Dental reports to officials here on the
condition of the German auxiliary
cruiser Prinz Eitel Friedrich, in dry
dock at Newport News. Va, seem to
make it certain that the German raid
er will be forced to intern there.
Assistant Secretary Peters. Of the
treasury department, told President
Wilson today he expected the German
commander would not venture to sea
again.
Mr.. Peters told the President that
his reports from Newport News show
the Prinz Eitel is in very bad condi-
tion and utterly unfit to put to sea.
After his conference with the Pres
ident Mr.. Peters talked with Captain
K:ehne, of the American ship William
P. Frye, sunk by the Prinz Eitel, over
the telephone, and directed him to get
sworn statements from as many of
the crew Of the Frye as possible. The
President directed Mr.. Peters to make
a very thorough investigation Of all
the facts in the case.
Kiehne to Be Questioned.
Captain Kiehne Is expected In
Washington tomorrow and as soon
as he arrives he will be interviewed
by MIR. Peters and Counselor Ian
sing, of the state department and a
sworn statement taken of all the in
cidents connected with the sinking
OF the Frye.
After Mr.. Peters's conference with
the President, it became known that
administration officials take the view
that the German government cannot
refuse to make full reparation foI
the loss of the hull and cargo of the
Frye. Out OF the sum expected to be
paid by the German government, thu
American government will be re.
imbursed tor the amount of the polio,
on the hull written by the war risi
insurance bureau.
To Decide Three Questions.
Three questions raised by the de
struction of the American steamel
William p. Frye by the German con
yerted cruiser Prinz Eitel Friedrich
and the entry of the latter vessel intc
an American port for repairs still
were to be determined today by the
United States government. They are:
What ction shall be taken on ac-
count of the sinking of the Frye, the
length of time to be allowed the
Prinz Eitel to make repairs at New
port News and the disposition OF her
prisoners? Pending the completion
of an inquiry into the case, however
no decision on any of the questions
involved was expected.
One thing has been settled, and
that is that unless the German gov
ernment offers to make reparation
for the sinking of the American strip
and expresses regret for the occur
renee. strong protest will be made
by the American government and a
claim presented for damages. Off,
Gals here are unanimously of the
opinion that the German captain had
no right to sink the Frye. 1t was
thought likely that the German gov
ernment, after being acquainted with
the facts, would admit the mistake
of the German commander and make
reparation.
In come ction with the neutrality
phases of the case, off1cials awaited
the receipt today of report from
the collector of the port at Newport
News, containing the statements OF
the German commander, setting forth
his reasons for the sinking Of the
FRYE and the length Of time that
would be required TO repair his ship
Determination Of the latter question
will be reached after an inquiry by
an American naval constructor Re
lease of the prisoners will depend
somewhat on representation which
NAV be made by the various govern
ments who have nationals aboard.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va, March Il
american naval and shipbuilding
experts were inspecting the German
converted cruiser Prinz Eitel Fried
rich today to determine what repairs
are necessary to make the vessel sea.
worthy. On their report will depend
how long the Prinz Eitel will be al
lowed to remain in this port Cap
tain Thierichens has said the cruiser
can be made seaworthy within q
week. but many weeks, he said, vii
be required to put the vessel In gooc
condition.
The Prinz Eitel went into drydocl
here Yesterday, after the captain had
submitted to Collector of the Por
Hamilton a report on the time h
thought would be required to repa.l
his ship. At the same time he sub
mitted a statement on the sinking o.
the American sailing vessel William
P. Frye, sent to the bottom by tht
cruiser in the South Atlantic. These
statements were on their way toda.
to the Washington authorities. Th'
captain has been quoted as saying h'
sank the American ship because h'
regarded her cargo as contraband
Captain Thierichens, it is said, de-
clares he does not wish to inferno hi,
vessel and that he will be ready Il
proceed on another raiding expedition
as soon as the cruiser can sail.
While the Prinz Eitel was in dry.
dock today for repairs some of tht
discharged crews of the allies ships
she had sunk were on their way t
New York; others had shipped or
English vessels loading horses here
to be carried to the allied armies ir
Europe.
1t v as understood that Commander
Thierichens had asked the advice o.
the German embassy on whether Il
turn over the original papers Of the
William p. Frye to Collector Hamil-
ton. The German commander has
agreed to give copies, but insists thai
the originals must go before a prize
court in Germany.
The crew of the Frye were paid of