Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-04-11
WILSON MAY ACCUSE
GERMAN GOVERNMENT
|. OF BREAKING PLEDGES
Evidence Being Accumulated
That viii Cover Not Only
Sussex Case but Other
Steamers That Were Sunk
(By Associate ted Press. J


WASHINGTON, April S.-Germany's
disclaimer Of responsibility for the de-
struction of the Channel liner Sussex
surrounds the position Of the United
States in the present submarine situa-
ton with further difficulties and may
turn action, il any be taken from the
Sussex case itself to the accumulation
OF ships destroyed without warning
since Germany gave assurances govern
ing the submarine campaign.
Before the next step is taken the coll
lection of evidence, intended to prove le-
gally that the Sussex was destroyed by
q German submarine. will have to pro-
coed further. Additional evidence in
the form Of affidavits and statements
gathered by the American embassy in
Paris is arriving on the steamer st.
Paul, due in New York tomorrow, and
will be in President Wilson's hands Mon
day.
The situation will be thoroughly dis
cussed at Tuesdays cabinet meeting
and soon afterward a decision on the
next step is expected.
CUMULATIVE EVIDENCE.
The apparent difficulties of proving
the Sussex case alone leads many Off
cials to believe the decision will hinge
on consideration of cumulative evidence
that Germany's promises are being dis
regarded by her submarine commanders
Upon the strength of the evidence, as ii
is finally judged by the president and
he cabinet. will depend what steps if
any the United States will take at this
time.
The United States was described off,
cially tonight as being placed in the
position of a judge of a court of law
Upon the evidence a decision will be
reached and the United States will be
absolutely sure that it stands upon
firm ground before rendering one. The
final decision will be rendered by Pres
ident Wilson. II is likely that if dras-
tic action is called for Congress will
be consulted.
While il will be difficult for the Unit
ed States to question the good faith of
Germany, the administration is prepar-
ed to act upon circumstantial evidence
of sufficient strength should it be Sc
cured.
SUSSEX EVIDENCE.
All the evidence thus far obtained
indicates the Sussex was torpedoed
There are two weaknesses in the case OF
the United States at this time, however
One is that no American citizen saw the
wake of q torpedo before the bow of the
channel steamer was torn Off by an eX'
plosion. The other is that. while Amer.
lean naval officers declare that the pieces
of metal removed from the hull are
parts OF a German torpedo, there is
so far as known, no conclusive evidence
at this time that the metal fragments
actually were removed from the Sus-
SEX Every effort is being made to Sc
cure evidence which will establish be.
yond all doubt the origin of the frag.
mentS.
Official reports regarding the announce
ment of the German government, as ca
bleG to the United States in press dis
patches from Berlin, were lacking to-
night. The press report was accepted
as being true.
The news dispatches We're laid before
President Wilson upon his return from
his trip down the Potomac. In all quar-
ters il was agreed that the United
States would be obliged to move delib
erately.
Immediately upon its arrival the in
formation carried by the St. Paul will bC
placed before President Wilson and
Secretary Lansing. OF first Importance