Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-03-29
BERLIN IS ASKED
FOR STATEMENT
ON SUBMARINES
Inquiry Is Made After Will
son and Cabinet Consider
Perplexing Problem.
MUCH DEPENDS ON REPLY
THAT COMES FROM BERLIN
If Fact Of Guilt Is Established,
Situation Will Be Most
Serious
DENIAL MEANS NEW TANGLE
Department VIII Meet Such State OF
Affairs Only When II
Arises.
MUCH DEPENDS ON REPLY
THAT COMES FROM BERLIN
MEANS NEW TANGLE
Department. Will Meet Such State OF
Affairs Only When II
Arises.

WASHINGTON. March 2S.-Sccrctnrv
Lansing. with tho approval OF Presl-
lent Wilson, has instructed Ambas
whether any Of its submarines tor
pcdocd the British channel steamer
SUSSEX, upon wh;cn Twenty-Five Amer
lean citizens were travelling. or tho
British horse ship Englishman, which
went down with loss OF one American
life.
The United states has 10 conclusiN"
proof that submarine attack"i either
ship. hut all evidence at hand indicates
noth were torpcdocd without warn
ing. Upon the response OF the Err-
lin Foreign Oflicc to Air. Gcrard's in
uuiry may depend the next step OF the
American government 1t was made
clear that no action has hcen taken
which might be construed as Il demand
or a protest.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
LAID BEFORE CABINET
President Wilson laid all tho State
DEPARTMENTS reports on the subject be
fore his Cabinet to-day. 1t was after
the meeting that il became known that
tho inquiry would be made of the Ger
, man government.
The general situation WAS further
complicated tonight with the receipt
of dispatch from Consul Fros: at
oueenstown. announcing that the Brit
ish steamer Manchester Engineer had
been torpedced without warning. Two
American negro citizens aboard were
rescued. Further information, which
the consul said he fnrr "A ri
will be awaited before the department
takes up this case.
IT German submarine attacked
either the Sussex or the Englishman it
is admitted the situation Will be most
serious. An unofficial but authorita-
tive. statement has been made that
Germany, il il was found that one OF
her submarines torpcdoed the Sussex,
immediately would offer reparation.
punish the submarine commander and
take steps TO satisfy the United States
that the act was a violation of in
structions. While official expression
or opinion was withheld, II was inti-
mated that in such a. case the position
OF the United States would not be de-
fined until IL was known that the men
responsible for violating the rights
OF humanity. the principles OF inter-
national law. and the solemn assur-
anccs given by Germany, actually had
been punished,
The administration has not decided
what action will be taken IL Germany
denies that any OF it's submarines was
concerned In either case. Such Il state
OF aha'rS. officials say, will be met
when IL arises.
HIGH OEEfCItLS DIFFER
>s TO COURSE TO PURSUE.
iilSh oiiiciaiS OF the administration
amer re@arcinG the course the United
States should pursue. should Germany
oehy responsibility for the attacks and
'he american government lind con-
N''r'iiS evidence that they were the
work OF German submarines, Som.
pc!ieNc the accumulation OF otfepsrs
against the United States would Justify,
thc severance of diplomatic relations
while others do not
Colonel T.. NJ. House. the Presidents
s'"s"a, adviser, arrived in Washing
10" Ih'" to-day, and !mmediatcly wen.
10 Inc White House, wher. he con
'erFt" with the President, Counselor
'"iN' oi the state Department :;u,i
oi'cT oihciaiS. Colonel House is thor
"uShiN familiar with the views OF tho
German government. having conferred
al i"nSth with the Imperial Chaucei.
'or Won Eethmlnn- Ilollweg during his
recent visit TO Berlin lie is giving
me President hrSt-hand infprmation
winch VIII assist the United States in
gaming An understanding of the atti-
tuoe ot Berlin officials Colonel Hous,
VIII remain in Washington until Thurs
day.