New-York tribune., 1916-07-27
German Consul Gives
No Reason as He
Tells of Delay.
CAPTAIN GETS
PAPERS TO CLEAR
Freighters Line Chesa-
peake Bay Channel,
Awaiting Dash.
tFron a stsn Correspondent Of The Tribune. J

On Board The Tribune Launch,
Patapsco River, Baltimore, July 20
The submarine merchantmen Deutsch-
land will not sail for another week,
in spite of the fact that clearance
papers for her were taken out by
Captain Paul Koenig this afternoon.
This statement was made tonight
by Carl A. Luederitz, the German
consul. He would give no explanation
for the delay.
Mr.. Luederitz also announced the
postponement of a garden party that
was to have been held at his suburban
home tonight. This was owing to the
inability of Ambassador Won Bernstorit
to be present. he said.
Every preparation for the Deutsch-
lands sailing had been made and the
vessel was ready to the last detail, the
agents announced this morning. When
the papers were taken out it was gen.
orally supposed that the dash 10 sea
would be made some time tonight or
early Tomorrow at least that the sub
marine would 20 down TO the entrance
to the Chesapeake to wait for a favor
able opportunity for the dash.
Think Bremen Has Reported.
Since the sailing of the Deutschland
and the arrival of her sister ship, the
Bremen, have been linked together IN
all the gossip here, there are many who
believe that some word from the latter
vessel. now believed to be at least ten
days overdue, has Deen received.
Tonight there is no more secrecy
concerning the elaborate plans of the
Deutschland's enemies to sink her
either in neutral waters or on the high
seas, no matter what the cost. The
lines have been tightly drawn about
her and boats of tonnage ranging from
the smallest launch to the biggest
freighter have been distributed along
the channels of the Chesapeake Bay,
down which the boat must move.
Think Signal Called Cruiser.
"It's a case of the fighters sinking
her and letting the diplomats settle
the affair at their leisure" was the
way one old sailor put it. "The Brit
ish followed that policy in Chilli and
there is no doubt but that they will
do the same thing here
Just how seriously the Allied cruis-
ers off the Virginia capes are pursuing
their quest for the submarine was
shown by the dash Of the British
cruiser into neutral waters about the
capes yesterday. Those in touch with
the situation here are convinced that
the big fighter ventured close TO shore
in response to a signal from the docks
here which was misunderstood. Tele-
graph and telephone code messages are
being sent t. the capes almost hourly
that the cruisers patrolling the coast
may know every movement aboard the
Deutschland.
That the United States customs Off
cials are stretching every point to
favor the beleaguered boat was proved
by the manner of granting clearance
papers this afternoon. Although Cap
tain Koenig made an affidavit in which
he announced the contents of his cargo,
the Deutschland will depart without
permitting this secret from becoming
public.
Tramp Halts Near U-Boat.
George Thalheimer, marine clerk, who
issued the permit TO clear, said the
contents of the affidavit would not be
disclosed until after the submarine had
departed.
Late this evening the British tramp
steamer Highbury moved into the har-
Dor and cast anchor within 200 feet OF
the boat its captain would have gwen
so much 70 sink, even here in neutral
waters. That official took no pains to
conceal his intentions concerning the
Deutschland.
you know I'm watching that thing"
he said. "All hope is that we'll meet
again under different circumstances"
There was an atmosphere OF secrecy
before the arrival OF Captain koenig,
Philip Volz and Captain Frederick
Hinsch at the collectors Office. Gus
toms officials professed to know moth
ing Of any arrangement for the filing
of the manifest after the usual hours.
The truth was that the Eastern For
warding Company had requested per-
mission for tearing bit of red tape.
At last, when officials and newspaper
men were tired waiting, the Deutsch-
land skipper arrived. Immediately
Chief Clerk Thalheimer took Captain
Koenig behind railing and began the
usual formalities.
"How many are there in the crew"
he asked, among other questions.
Besides myself, twenty-eight," re-
turned the captain.