Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1916-04-19
DENIES SINKING THE SUSSEX.
germany, However, Admits Dcstruc-
tiOn or Other Vessels.

ton or Otner vessels.
Washington, April I2.---Admission
by Germany that her submarines re-
comfy attacked three merchant ships
carrying American citizens and that
one Of them torpedoed Il vessel in the
vicinity of the point where the cham
mel steamer Sussex was damaged by
an explosion, has simplified the task
Of tho State Department in preparing,
for the next step OF the United States
in the issue over submarine warfare.
After receipt in cabled press dis
patches OF the latest German note, it
became known that the United States
would continue to compile infornla-
ton indicating that German subma-
rincs are operating in violation Of i'll
tcrnational law, and that very soon
a communication, designed to be the
final word OF the American govern
ment on the subject, would go to
Lcrlin.
r'he state Department virtuGlly has
completed the collection Of facts re-
lating to all attacks on merchant
ships since the Llsitania. More evil
dcnce i'm the case Of the Sussex, for
warded by the American embassy at
London, is soon to arrive. IT is un-
derstood that instructions to Ambas-
Sador Gerard, accompanied by the i'll
formation gathered by the depart
ment, will go forward soon there
after.
Otncials made it clear tonight that
whatever might be the form Of the
instructions to Ambassador Gerard,
the purpose Of the document to be
handed tho German government
would be to give notice that the Uni
ted States considers it rs Il great ar
ray OF evidence tending to prove that
in spite OF reiterated assurances and
pledges given by Germany, peaceful
merchant ships carrying American
citizens, or which might have some
aboard. continue to be the victims Of
illegal attacks.
Officials said the statements in the
German note would be very carefully
examined and compared with the evi-
dence already before the State De-
partmemt. In view Of the admission
that Il German submarine was in the
vicinity when the Sussex was attack
cd and the array Of evidence indicat-
ing that she was torpedoed, little
doubt is felt here as to responsibility
for that disaster. despite the eXplana-
tion that a sketch made by the sub
marine commander of a ship he tor
pedoed did not correspond with the
description of the Sussex.
No Disposition to Debate.
There is no disposition on the part
OF President Wilson and Secretary
Lansing to debate the submarine is
sue with Germany. 1t is declared
That the principles contended for by
the United States in a series Of notes
have been made very clear, and that
Germany has been sufficiently warn
ed that more attacks in violation Of
international law would be consider
ed deliberately unfriendly acts.
The possibility OF a break in diplO-
matte relations with Germany, cou-
pied with an exposition OF the situa-
| tion by the President and Congress,
| is constantly in the back ground, but
the President was represented to-
| night as being earnestly DESTROYS Of
avoiding such step if possible.
| The United States in its investiga-
| ton Of the cases OF the Sussex and
the four merchant ships about which
Germany WAS asked-the English
| man, Manchester Engineer. Berwind-
ale and Eagle Point-has been pro-
! ceeding on the assumption that two
elements remained to be proved be-
fore action could be taken. The first
had to do with establishing that the
vessels actually were torpedOed; the
second with the legality or illegality
| Of the attacks. Germany has admit
ted sinking three Of the ships, and
Evidence in the possession Of the State
Department strongly indicates that in
at least two Of the cases the acts ere
| in ccntravcntion OF American rights.