New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-07
Conference Takes Up
Attacks on As
Merchant Ships.
CAPITAL THINKS
EVIDENCE SURE
President Ready to Act on
Receipt of Reply
from Berlin.
From The Tribune Bureau.l

Washington, April 6.-Furtncr
evidence that the Sussex was tor
pedoed was contained in the STATE
ment of Commander Powers SYM
ington. naval attache Of the Amer;-
can Embassy in London, which
reached the State Department TO-
day.
His report agrees with that Of the
American naval attache at Paris,
both saying that metal fragments
found on the Channel steamer Sus-
sex bore distinctive markings show
ing them TO be parts of German
torpedo.
These reports, with dispatches
telling of scores of submarine at
tacks on neutral and other unarmed
merchant ships within the last two
weeks, were studied at conferences
to-day between President Wilson,
Colonel +. VI. House and members
of the Cabinet.
The attaches reports are regarded
here as virtually conclusive proof
that the Sussex, while carrying
twenty-five American citizens, WAS
attacked in violation of solemn arc
reiterated assurances given the
United States by Germany.
With this fact apparently estab-
lished. it is generally conceded thai
the United States is confronted by a
situation more grave than any
which has arisen since the outbreak
Of the war.
Waiting Only for Answer.
It is declared that President Wilson
is waiting TO act only until Germany
replies to our inquiries concerning the
case.
Germsny's answer will be awaited, It
is said, because the President desires
70 test the sincerity Of the German gov
eminent. Any attempt to deny the at
tack or evade the question will be re-
garded as evidence Of bad faith.
In view of the evidence collected, il is
confidently believed in many quarters
that Germany will admit the attack on
the Sussex. and unofficial dispatches
from Berlin have indicated that such
an admission undoubtedly will be &C.
companed by dissyowal and offer OF
reparation.
Acceptance Of such response by the
United States would depend upon the
measure of punishment meted out TO
the submarine commander responsible
for the offence.
In the event Of denial OF RESPONSE
bility by Germany. the American gov
eminent would be confronted with the
necessity OF determining whether it
should act on the basi. Of evidence
from other sources.
The only legal weakness in the case
Of the Sussex, it is said. is the fact
that the American naval attaches did
not actually see the metal fragments
taken from the Sussex. and the fact
that no American citizens have sworn
20 having seen the wake OF torpedo
before the Sussex was struck. Such
affidavits have been received from citi-
zors oF ofbor nations
Nothing Heard from Gerard.
A high Administration Official who is
usually among the first to be Informed
about the Presidents views on i'm
portant questions said to-day:
at can be said without fear OF going
astray that the Presidents action will
be consistent with the stand he took at
the outset Those who read his notes
20 Germany know that he will do What
is necessary to protect American
rights"
Nothing has been heard from Ambas-
sador Gerard in several days. and ON
cials Of the government are beginning
"a fear that Germany is Withholding IN
formatjon from the ambassador. Jf re-
nlies are not received 20 his inquiries
within a few days, 1t is said, the Ger
man government will be asked to ex-
plain the delay. -,
The inference drawn from all ofheial
quarters is that the character OF Presi-
dent Wilson's action will depend on
Germany's answers. II the German
government deals frankly, admitting
the attacks and offering satisfaction, ~
is believed the President will continue
relations.
Before any dissyowsl can be accepted,
however. II is stated positively tnss
Germany must agree 20 issue suen
orders 10 submarine commanders =
will make further violations OF Amen-
can rights impossible.
Wilson Ready TO Act.
Germany's reply. on the otner .ls.o, nSn
:, eouivocal or evasive, the Presldens
is believed ready 10 hand AMBASSADOR
Pernstorf his passports and recall M,'
ccrsrd This action, it is inierred'
would be based not so muen on tnc re-
con, submarine attacks az on the evi-
dence Of bad faith in Germany's deal
;ngs with the United States.
The mass otevidence collected by the