The sun., 1916-11-13
DEEP CONCERN SHOWN.
C.Boat Warfare Approaches q
stage Of ANXIETY.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1.-THE submarine
issue with Germany IL now admitted to
be the occasion for the deepest concern
on the part Of the United States Govern
rent. Incomplete but official informa-
ton on the sinking OF the American
Hawaiian steamer Columbian has reached
secretary Lansing and taken in con-
junction with the cases OF the Marina,
Arabia and Lanao indicate that Ger
many's present methods OF submarine
warfare are rapidly approaching a stage
where they will call forth at least a
word of warning from President Wilson.
The President and Secretary Lansing
Will go over the situation thoroughly
early this week. Mr.. Lansing has been
collecting data and shows no sign OF
modifying the Arm stand he took a. the
time OF the attack on the Sussex last
March. He Is awaiting all available
Facts in each case before forming judg-
ment and then after giving Germany an
opportunity to be heard he will. IL IL
Understood. recommend such action as
appears warranted. Til" basis OF this
flon will be whether or not Germany
has in any instance violated the pledge
which the Berlin Foreign Office made to
the United States as a result Of the Sus-
Sex attack.
The fact that the Columbian was an
American steamer and flew the American
nag does not necessarily spare her from
submarine attack on the high seas. IL IL
explained. She might have been in the
service OF the British or French Admit
ialty or she might have been engaged in
carrying contraband to Germany's
enemies. so that she would not be i'm
mune from attack.
In the case Of the Columbian and the
Lanao. both American vessels. the vital
question Of violation OF che laws Of hui
manity and civilization as set forth by
President Wilson does not appear TO be
Involved. There was no loss Of life. II
II Is shown that the attacks on these
vessels were unjustifed the United
States will demand that Germany follow
her precedent in the Frye case and pay
the bill OF costs.
II circumstances show that these
American vessels had sacrificed their i'm
munity from attack by their status or
their action in carrying ~contraband, Ger
many will feel justified in declining 70
pay the damage caused to their owners.
Facts SO far disclosed make the at
m"k on the r. & o. liner Arabia look
serious, In this case II IL stated in afi-
tavits that no semblance OF warning
vas given. that the vessel was a pas
senger ship and that there was at least
one American on board.
As pointed out in The SIN the State
Department regards one phase OF the
submarine situation as particularly dis
%quieting. This is the apparent laxity OF
the German Admiralty in enforcing the
rules which the German Foreign Office
has lad down for strict observance OF
International law in submarine warfare.
There Is a fight on between the I'm
perial Chancellor and the Admiralty over
the issue and this Is causing much more
lnR NAs0 ka- 49, -AA lL Al -
perial Chancellor waged against Won
Tirpitz and the German Navy League.
II looks as II the Admiralty had taken
sides with the followers OF RUTHLESS
warfare" and ofIcials here suspect that
\ the recurrence of attacks on commerce
carriers within the past ten days are q
direct result Of this.