New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-27
Agents Proffered Premi-
ums for Suits of Lusi-
tania Survivors.
HOPED TO TURN TIDE
AGAINST ENGLAND
Rescued Passengers and Rela-
tiyes of Those Lost Take Ac-
ton to Press Claims.

Charges that agents of the German
government had offered $4,000 pre-
miums TO survivors and relatives OF VIC
Tins Of the Lusitania disaster who
would sue the Cunard Line for dam
ages. thus turning the food Of htlga-
ton toward and Of public sentiment
AGAINST England. rather than Germany
were made yesterday at a meeting OF
Lusitania survivors held in 80 LID
erty Street.
Joseph L. Meyer, of 1879 Madison
Avenue. a survivor, was responsible LOT
the startling accusation. He declared
that he had unknowingly signed con-
tract with German propagandist 70
pursue such a course. He refused 10
speak until he had moved that 'ne
room be searched for German agents
The motion was passed by reclamation.
His charges were backed by james L.
Leary. of 4O4 Eighth Avenue, Brooklyn
another survivor. who asserted that the
propagandist had approached him. Ihey
we're further substantiated by ASSIST
an. United States District Attorney
Roger h. Wood. who stated that his OIL
fee had heard Of an attempt by German
agents TO divert the direction OF hn-
CATION. but that it had been impossible
TO gain evidence Of the effort.
Charges Amplihed.
At the close Of the meeting Mr.. Meyer
amplified his charges.
-Four or five months ago he SAID
"an attorney from the Middle west
now under indictment for pro-German
activity. came to me and offered TO
bring suit against the Cunard Company
for losses of property and personal IN
Jury that had sustained when the Lu-
sitania was torpedoed.
"He guaranteed that no matter what
decision was rendered ! should receive
$4,000 by placing myself on the right
side I signed a contract TO allow him
ia nress NV claim. Later | discovered
what was behind his offer. j have tired
in every conceivable way TO get the
contract. but it is still in the attorneys
possession. 49,.
Mr.. Leary had signed no contract with
the LAWYER. he said, nor would he admit
that a $4,000 bonus had been offered
10 him.
A third survivor said he had been
approached. He refused 70 allow the
attorney TO represent him. and filed
claims for $4,000 against the German
government.
First Binding Together.
Yesterdays meeting marked the first
attempt 70 bind the survivors together
for united action in pressing their
claims There were fifty persons pres
ent. either claimants or their attor-
news. Eleven women were in the group,
most of whom were in mourning.
Several of the men had not met since
they stood together on the liner just
before she went down. ogden II. nam
mond acted as chairman.
81 personally am here 70 represent
wife whose name is written among the
Iusitania's dead" he said. THE peo-
pie travelling on that ship either had
q right TO cross the Atlantic Ocean, or
they did not have a right. If they did
not have a right TO sail from the United
States 10 England-if the prevailing
opinion now uppermost at Washington
is correct then we are out of order IN
pushing our claim
Francis II. Kinncutt. OF Hunt, Hill
Belts. representing $50 Titanic claim
ants. told the men and women OF their
legal rights.
"The FIRST claim Of an American citi-
zen is against Germany" he said. II is
doubtful whether any OF you can re-
cover from the Cunard Line. Some at
torneys believe that TO file claim
against the line would be safeguard
ing Of their clients interest in case the
United States went TO war with Ger
many. II any one is contemplating such
n claim il must be filed by May 6, as
the statute Of limitation expires then.
Survivors Meet Again Monday.
Mr. Kinnicutt's firm was appointed
chairman Of the attorneys pressing
claims for the Lusi'ania victims. these
attorneys will confer some time TINS
week and Will map out plan Of action,
which they will report at another sur
vivors' meeting next Monday.
Mr.. Hammond. Henry A. Bruno and
Charles Ross were designated com
rittee 10 look after the claimants who
are financially unable to engage attor-
news. All survivors or relatives OF VIC
Tins who have not fled their claims are
asked 70 send their names 20 Nh Ham
rnond az 20 Maiden Lane The Monday
meeting will be held in Room 9l5. 30
Liberty Street.