Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-10-13
MINDS OF OFFICIALS EASED
BY INVESTIGATION. OF, RAIDS

by Associated press.i
WASHINGTON. October 12.-Investi-
cation OF Gcrmany's submarine opera
tlons OF Nantuckc, apparently has
cascd the minds of officials here. but
it was said authoritatively tonight
that, should the situation develop pro-
longed paralysis OF American trade in
the Atlantic. or any similar injury to
vital American interests. n broad issue
might be raised transcending the spc-
cific questions OF International law dis
cusscd in connection with the U-boat
raid.
Such considerations as the disloca-
tion of shipping along the Atlantic sea-
board. the great increase in marine
insurance rates and the possibility OF
serious freight congestion and railroad
cmbargoes have been foremost in the
minds of officials. II was indicated. and
will determine largely the govern
ments policy IL an extensive subma-
rinc campaign is attempted on this sido
OF the Atlantic.
One high official expressed the view
that the unprecedented situation In
wolves questions which can he consid-
cred only In an cXtra-legal light. He
suggested that the narrow and dimly
defined situations OF international law
could lot be depended on entirely to
meet developments vitally affecting tho
nations internal interest.
no CAUSE FOR COMPLAINT
IN SINKING DUTCH SHIP
The sinking OF the Stitch steamer
Bloomel sdijk, flying IL neutral flag. and
plying between TWO neutral ports. is
understood to bc one Of the COnsdGra-
tions that has led officials to view with
apprehension the future OF submarine
operations Off American shores. What
measures Germany may contemplate e
against neutral trade out OF American
ports is Il matter OF lively speculation.
Regarding thc BloOmersdijk case
specifically. however. the State Depart
mcnt is understood to feel that this
government has no cause FOR COM
plaint.
So far the department has made no
extensive investigation OF the Nam
tucket raid on American trade. and is
expected to consider that incident sole
ly on its merits as an individual case
in International law. Should such
raids continue. howcver. the resultant
restraint on American interests may
become Il serious consideration.
While no immediate steps are i'll
ntcmplItlON tpT tue tSt1p-
liShmcnt OF naval neutrality patrol
along the Atlantic coast as a result OF
the German submarine raid. the Navy
Department has completed Il definite
plan TO bc put into operation ii the
campaign continues
The entire destroyer force. active and
reserve. assisted by light cruisers.
navy tugs and other auxiliary craft.
would bc employed to protect American
territorial waters and also to prevent
the establishment OF any secret bases
ashore or communication between
shore radio stations and the bellG-
erent craft. a5
The possibility Of mobi..zinE the
force OF privately owned motor-boats
along the coast which have been en-
rolled with their crews rs n part Of
the naval reserve. was first considered,
but various obstacles were encountered.
ASSIGNED 10 RESERVE
SHIPS FOR SERVICE
Naval militia officers and men al
ready have been assigned TO reserve
ships for service II necessary.
Tho Navy Department to-day re-
CONTINUED on Second Pnge)