Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-28
PRESIDENT MAY SUBMIT
THE CASE TO CONGRESS
Disavowal by Germany Might Not
Be Entirely Satisfactory
to Washington.
ARMAMENT ISSUE IS RAISED
Putting Blame on Commander
Would Imply Inability to Make
Reliable Distinction as to
Status of Vessels.

The Cnitcd States has inquired
Of Germany. through Ambassador
Gerard. whether any of its sub
marines torpedoed the British
channel steamer Sussex
Secretary Lansing announced
after the cabinet meeting today
t'lat it had been decided to make
such all inquiry. and later it was
learned that the inquiry had been
made. and in fact. probably is
already in Berlin. The present
status OF the communication is
that OF an inquiry it was not ad
vanced to the stage OF protest
or a demand.
Immediate Break Unlikely.
While cabinet members declared the
situation grave they took the position
that a break with Germany was not an
immediate prospect. 1t was said. how
ever, that if Germany admitted tor
pedoing the Sussex a situation would
be brought about which would be most
serious.
Cabinet members agreed that the de-
cision would depend much upon Ger
many's reply to the American inquiry
Should Germany deny that one of her
submarines attacked the Sussex. the
American government would reach its
conclusion from the evidence now being
collected by its diplomatic representa-
tives abroad.
Cabinet members said the decision to
make an inquiry of Germany was in line
with the policy of collecting all informa-
ton before decision was reached.
Should Germany admit the attack
but claim the submarine commander
exceeded his orders. officials believed
that would be regarded as evidence
that II was impracticaole for subma-
rine commanders 10 attempt TO dis
'inguish between armed and un-
armed vesse.s.
The possibility that the attack on
The Sussex might lead to general
Tearing up OF the submarine issue
was discussed at the cabinet meeting
Evidence Before Cabinet.
All evidence thus far received relat-
ing to the sinking of the steamship
t.rglishman and the damaging of the
sussex by explosion. with American
"ltIzens 4 boa rd. was assembled al the
state Department for submission to the
net
While the evidence al hand Indicates
that the steamers were torpedoed with
uUt warning. with the proba bic loss Of
one American life on the Englishman and
injuries 10 several Americans on the Sus-
sex. President Wilson is awaiting with
deep concern receipt OF positive proof
IL is said that he Is seriously con-
siderine laying the whole submarine
situation before Congress personally
He certainly would take that step. il is
SAID. before making any move that
might lead to the breaking off of din
Iomatlc relations with Germany.
Ambassador Is Due Today.
Ambassador Bernstorr. who has been
away for several days. was due to re-
turn today. and IL was expected that
he would consult with Secretary Lans
ing over tie situation
II is stared authoritatively that IL a
German submarine fired the torpedo.s
which sank the Englishman and dam
AGED the Sussex, Germany Would dis
avow the act. punish the submarine
commander, oTer reparation and sat
isfy the United States that the act wa
in violation of Instructions
The issue, therefore. seemed to come
Gown 70 the question Of whether the
Washington government would be willing
to accept such a declaration ON the
other hand, If all the facts are no, deemed
sufncleniiy conclusive. II IS probable that
TINS government would be forced to a.,
cep. d German disclaimer and allow IN.
cases Of the two vessels TO be pIaced ,e :
side that of the steamship Persia de
stroyed by some unknown agent