Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1916-04-09

WAsHINGToN. April s.-Ger-
w many's disclaimer of RESPONSE
| bility for the destruction of the cham
mel liner Sussex surrounds the posi-
ton of the United States In the pres
ent submarine situation with further
difficulties and may turn action, II
| any be taken, from the Sussex case
| itself to the accumulation of ships de-
| stroyed without warning since Ger
many gave assurances governing the
submarine campaign.
Before the next step is taken, the
collection of evidence intended to
prove legally that the Sussex was de-
stroyed by German submarine, will
have to proceed further. Additional
evidence in the form of affidavits and
statements gathered by the American
embassy in Paris is arriving ON the
steamer st. Paul due in New York
tomorrow and will be in President
Wilson's hands Monday
Will Discuss Situation.
The situation will be thoroughly
discussed at Tuesdays cabinet meet
Ing and soon afterward a decision on
the next step is expected.
The apparent difficulties of proving
the Sussex case alone, leads many Of
ficials close to the president to be-
lieve the decision will hinge on con-
sideration of cumulative evidence that
Germany's promises are being disre-
garded by her submarine comman-
ders. Upon the strength of that evil
dence as 1t finally Is judged by the
president and the cabinet will depend
what steps if any. the United States
will take at this time.
The United States was described Of
ficially tonight as being placed in the
position of a Judge in a court of law.
Upon the evidence a decision will be
reached and the United States will be
absolutely sure that it stands upon
firm ground before rendering one.
The final decision will be rendered by
President Wilson. 1t is likely that IL
drastic action is called for congress
will be consulted.
To Question Faith?
While it will be difficult for the
United States to question the good
faith of Germany the administration
is prepared to act upon clrcumstantial
evidence of sufficient strength. should
1t be obtained
All the evidence thus far obtained
indicates that the Sussex was tor
pedoed. There are two weaknesses
in the case of the United States at
this time. however. One is that no
American citizen saw the wake of
torpedo before the bow of the chan
mel steamer was torn off by an ex-
plosion. The other is that while
American naval officers declare that
the pieces of metal received from the
hulk are parts of German torpedo.
there is as far as known no conclusive
evidence at this time that the metal
fragments actually were removed
from the Sussex. Every effort is be-
ing made to secure evidence which
will establish beyond all doubt the
origin of the fragments.
Cable Reports.
Official reports regarding the an
nouncement of the German govern
ment as cabled to the United States
in press dispatches from Berlin were
lack Ing tonight.
The press report was accepted as be-
ing true.
The news despatches were laid be-
fore President Wilson upon his return
from his trip down the Potomac.
Should the United States fail to
make out a case on the Sussex. there
remains many other disasters TO be
explained by the Berlin government.
President Wilson and Secretary Lam
'inS have asked Ambassador Gerard
regarding other ships recently meet
ng with disaster.
Secretary Lansing has allowed it to
become known that statements re-
yarding the finding of the alleged tor
,edo fragments II light be accepted by
the United States should there be
sufficient reliable corroboration.
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