Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-03-28
President Waiting Receipt
of Complete Evidence
in Sussex Case
MEETING OF CABINET
Entire Question of Sinking of the
Steamer May Be Laid Before Con-
gress For Action.

London, March 2S,-Fragments OF
metal picked up by British naval Of
ficers aboard the Sussex Immediately
after the explosion unquestionably
were parts torpedo the United
Press was informed by an authorlta-
tive source today.
The admiralty has not yet issued
an official statement based on the
finding of these metal fragments.
IL was stated, however, that there
could be no possibility that the metal
pieces were fragments of mine.
Washington, March 2S-With all
evidence indicating that the British
channel steamer Sussex, carrying
American citizens, was the victim OF
a torpedo it is stated authoritatlVeIy
that if a German submarine made the
attack the imperial government would
disavow the act, punish the submar-
inc commander, offer reparation, and
satisfy the United States that the
act was in violation of instructions.
Thus it seemed last night that the
issue might narrow down to the
question of whether the United States
would be willing to accept such
declaration from the Berlin govern
ment.
President Wilson is awaiting with
deep concern the receipt of complete
evidence, not only in regard to the
Sussex, aboard which several Am
orleans narrowly escaped death; but
as to the sinking of the. British steam
ship Englishman.
Already, it was intimated at the
State Department, the United States
has information sufficient to war
rant an inquiry of the German gov
ernment as to whether any of its
submarines fred a torpedo at the
Sussex or the Englishman.
The President, however, holds that
all the details available should be at
hand before definite action is taken
He described the situation to callers
as being grave, but said no decisive
step would be taken pending the re-
ceipt of the additional facts.
1t is known that the President is
seriously considering laying the en-
tire question of submarine warfare
before Congress. Certainly he will
communicate the situation fully to
Congress before taxing steps which
might lead to the severance of diplo-
matte relations. The situation prob
ably will be fully discussed at the
cabinet meeting tomorrow.
Official expression Of the attitude
of the administration IS avoided but
high officials make 10 attempt to
minimize the gravity OF the situation
which will confront the United States
if it is established conclusively that
German submarine sunk the Sus-
sex, an unarmed passenger-carrying
vessel, in violation Of the rights of
humanity, the principles of interna-
tional law, and the solemn assurance
es regarding the conduct of submarine
warfare which have been given to
the United States by the Central Eu-
ropean powers.
1t was stated authoritatively that
Ambassador Won Gernstortt, was
mainly responsible for the recent re-
tirement of Grand Admiral Won Tlr-
pitt, who is understood to h.7e been
eliminated because of his 're's on
submarine warfare after Count Won
Bcrnstorff had made certain recon-
mendatons to the Imperial Chancel-
lor, Won Bethmann-Hollweg.
The ambassador was advised that
Admiral Tirpitz proposed to conduct
relentless submarine campaign
against all shipping to British ports
and was asked what, in his opinion
would be the effect of such a. cam
paign upon neutral nations, partl'
cularly the United States.
The ambassadors reply is said tc
have been an important factor in The
retirement of the admiral.
Knowing these facts and the atti
tude of the German government, Teu
tonic officials are certain that if {