The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-01-05
Confers With, Senator Stone
and Congressman Flood. of
Foreign Affairs Committees
RIGHT OF MERCHANTMEN
TO ARM VITAL ISSUE
Placing of Responsibility For
Sinking Of Ship and Secur-
ing Of All Available Data
Now Engages Attention

Washington, Jan. 1.-Two nn-
cortninttoe appear to stand In the
way of an Immediate climax In
the situation caused by the latest
submarine activity. These unecr-
tA1nkaes are:
Ffrst--Whe<her the United
States government can prove ON
evidence OF fact that the British
liner Persia was SUNK by sub
marine and Az the nationality of
the undcrsca boat.
SCcond-Whesher this govern
ment on the basis OF international
law, can contend that the passen-
Ter liner, armed for defense. Is
ent1tlcd to immunity from attack
without warning.
Until the American government Is
certain OF its ground on these two
points It's final position cannot be de-
termined, either in regard for de-
mand for redress either in the case or
the Persia or as 70 the future policy
or the United States on the entire CUB
marine controversy.
May Drift Into Realm OF Discussion.
I. Every indication today pointed to
the iikeli hood that tho case OF the Fer
sia will drift into the realm of dtplo-
matte discussion. The mere fact that
II
up Its mind as to how II will stand on
the question Of immunity for merchant
vessels which are armed with guns
seerus to Indicate that the subject liz
debatahlc and that this government
cannot decline 10 enter into a hipio-
rnatlc discussion II Austria or any
other OF the central powers RESPONSE
HE for the attack on the Persia seeks
10 raise this question
bar nrff,1 nj N
today that the question was new
one in the submarine controversy. II
waxs added that the rules which the
United States adopted at the beginning
Of the war. in which the right Of mer-
chantnleu TO carry limited number
of small guns for defensive purposes
was recognised had been adopted be-
fore the submarine campaign had de-
vsicped and without considering sub
marine attacks.
Question OF Primo importance.
While IL was made clear that this
government has not vet decided
whether or not II viii stand by those
aAriy rules Il WAS apparent that this
nueStbn or the right or merchant
man TO arm has assumed place of
first Importance In the present situ-
alton. and that the settlement Of II
10 likely to lead TO extended diplo-
matte correspondence.
Insofar rs tho case of the Persia In
open TO discussion. BY inst SO much In
the acuteness of the situation reduced.
notwithstanding the uncertainties
which exist In the minds OF washing
ton cffacials President Wilson today
raw public assurances that there
would be no unnecessary delay in de-
termining this governments course Of
action.
Theee assurances were contained in
She following brief statement issued
by Secretary Tumulty after conference
with the President:
Statement From White House.
THE President and the Secretary Of
state are taking every means possible
to obtain the full facts in this grave
matter. and will act Just as soon a.
the information In obtained
The statement was given out short
IL after 10 o'clock this morning. The
President had arrived in Washington
from his honeymoon a few hours
previously and had talked with Secre-
larry Lansing ovex. the telephone from
the White House OfYicials who re-
I called similar expressions issued from
the White House Immediately follow
inK the sinking or the Lusitanh In
Nay. 1918, took care to EXPLAIN, that
the promise to 'act" did not neces-
AAriiy Imply . promise to break on
Teutonic powers.
The statement was issued partly. II
II Understood, because of. reports that
Congress. which reconvened today,
would discuss the situation. and per-
haps attack the administration for
failure TO pursue more drastic poll
cy.
Censers with stone and Fieed.
2 In the course OF the morning and
hsf Crurra<1 Was ealiad order
at noon, the President sent for Chair
man Stone. of the Senate Foreign Re
lAtions Committee. and Chairman
Flood. OF the House Committee on For
eign Affairs. To each Of these he
gave assurance that the administration
would take nos definite action without
Il consulting members of the committee.
hut would keep them advised AZ to
the situation developed. or both he
eyacted a promise that they would use
their good offices to prevent intemper-
ate discussion of the delicate situa-
tion in the House and Senate.
At the capitol today there was man
tfested degree OF anxiety among
Democratic. as well as Republican
4 members Of The Senate, which OF itself
will operate as curb against any
precipitate action. Opinions In the
+ uuper branch appear to differ an TO the
ii c,slrse that the President ought 10
puraue,s hut there are several leading
n Democrats who are more or less out
81 spoken against any action which will
force 4 diplomatic break with any OF
this powers at war.
sss or Immediate concern, State Depart
ment offici;als said tonight. Is. the cots
lection of all facts relating 10 the
Sinking of the Persia. for 1t ID on
this basis that the American govern
raent viii have to determine where