The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-28
Prompt Preparation Will Be Offered United States and Submarine Commander Will Be Punished
WILL WASHINGTON BE
 WILLING TO ACCEPT SUCH A DECLARATION?
President Views Latest De- velopments in Submarine Controversy With Grav- est Concern

Washington. March 2S.-With all
 evidence indicating that the British
 channel steamer Sussex, carrying
 American citizens. was the victim of
 torepdo. it was stated authoritative
 ly here today that if q German sub-
 marine made the attack the imperial
 government would disavow the act.
 punish the submarine commander, of-
 fer reparation and satisfy the United
 States that the act WAS in violation of instructions. Thus it seemed to- night that the issue might narrow
 down to the question of whether tho
 United States would be willing to ac-
 cept such declaration from the Ber-
 lin government.
 President Wilson is awaiting with deep concern the receipt of conclusive evidence, not only in regard to the Sussex, aboard which several Americans narrowly es- oaped death, but as to the sinking of the British steamship Englishman. One American life is said in the latest of- ficial reports to have been lost when the Englishman went down.
 Already, it was intimated at the state department. the United States has in it's possession information sufficient to war rant the making an inquiry of the Ger
 man government as to whether any of it's submarines fired a torpedo at tho Sussex or the Englishman. WANTS ALL DETAILS The President, however. holds the opin- ion that all details available should be at hand before definite action of any kind is taken. He described the situation to callers during the day being grave, but said no decisive step would be taken pending the receipt of the additional facts
 It is known that the President Is seri-
 ously considering going before Congress ] md lawinsth.s entire questionsof sub. marine warfare before the 4aempers of the Senate and House Certainly he will communicate the situation fully to Con- gress before taking any definite steps which might lead to the severance of diplomatic relations. All phases of tho situation probably will be discussed at the cabinet meeting tomorrow
 Official expression of the attitude of the administration was avoided today. but high officials made no attempt to minimize the gravity of the situation which will confront the United States if it is established conclusively that a German sunk the Sussex, an armed, peaceful passenger carrying vessel, in violation of the rights of humanity, the principles of international law and the solemn assurances regarding the conduct of submarine warfare which have been given to the United States by the central European powers.
 REPORTS TO WILSON President Wilson was in constant com nunication with Secretary Lansing dur ing the day and all reports received from consular and diplomatic representatives were sent to the White House as soon as they were received Among the Presi- dents callers was Chairman Stone of ths Senate committee foreign relations. Count Won Bernstorff, the German ann bassador, who it was stated with
 thority during the day, was chiefly re-
 sponsble for the recent retirement of
 Grand Admiral Won Tirpitz, has been out
 Of town for several days but is expected
 tContinued on Page Three)