The Washington times., 1916-01-05

u when one man was sent to the pen
itentiary for perjuring himself in ue-
claring the Lusitania carried guns.
In German diplomatic circles today
u was pointed out, as indicating aus
tria's probable defense, that in all the
notes on submarine warfare the United
states has directly protested against
destruction of "unarmed merchant
ships" entering no defense of vessels
Gradually but surely the state De-
partment today mobilized information,
from dozen sources, upon which TO
base vigorous action promised by the
President regarding the Persia's loss.
How soon this Government can act
would not be predicted by officials.
Difficulties grew in securing the vitality
necessary information. But before the
end of the week, officials believe. the
Administrator will have suriclent
basis to act.
Tension in Official quarters is slightly
relaxed. The 'cooling-ofr' period by
mere lapse of time, while awaiting IN
formation, is appreciated as a hopeful
factor.
A slight tinge OF optimism was mani
tested today when, for tho first time
since the Persia was sunk, some ofri-
ominous outlook, an avenue for ad-
Justment of the controversy without
screvance of diplomatic relations may
yet be found.
IL
outcome are admittedly based on AUS
tria's possible action. Official eyes
are upon Vienna. Officials refuse, yet,
to believe Austria has repudiated the
plain and unequivocal promise in her
last note on the Ancona to observe
International law in her submarine
warfare.
Delay in action by Austria was as
cribed by officials today to inability
of the submarine commander to reach
hi hno nd n;alo 60 hA-
lieve II an Austrian submarine was
responsible. Austria, without waiting
for an ultimatum from this country.
will take proper action.
A dozen American officials. in vien-
ma, Berlin, Alexandria, and elsewhere
were today enlisted in the search for
evidence. Cabled summaries of sur
vivors' affdavits are expected to
reach the State Department today.
These affidavits are requested to de-
ficers may give their opinion regard
ing the cause Of the vessels loss.
ALEXANDRIA, Jan. 5.-scores OF
passengers aboard the liner Persia, who
were at luncheon when the ship was
torpedoed, were trapped and drowned
In the dining saloon when the Persia
turned turtle, survivors said To-Day.
They had remained seated after the
explosion.
Mothers had no time to fnd their
children. Only two of the thirty cnii-
dren aboard the vessel were rescued.
The Persia carried between 20, 700 and
5000 bags of mail for Egypt and lnola.
LONDON. Jan. ga press telegram
from Cairo reports that only twelve
out of eighty saloon passengers on
board the Persia We're saved The
Pcninsular and Oriental Company now
estimates the loss of life to total ~.
The name of Robert New McNecly.
american consul at Alden. is not on the
the admiralty.
perished as the result of this latest
massacre include Col. E. r. Sw:ney
Lieutenant Colonel Howell Lieutenant
Colonel Nethersole. CaEt. J. T. I.od
wick, Lieut. v. Cough. the Rev A. c.
Grant. pastor of the Anglican ChLrch
at Bombay; Mrs. II. Deb. Coddington
wife of Lieutenant Colonel Coddington
Mrs. Fl. T. Tresham. VINO was the
daughter of Major Burch, Of Leyton.
stone. and F. NJ Coleman. one o: the
proprietors Of the Times OF India, Bonn.
bay.
Capt. w. H. S. Hall. OF the Persia
was drowned. He went down with hi.
ship. AS the Persia sank four minutes
nftcr being torpedoed It was seemingly
miracle that any enc was saved. The
survivors among the passengers include
fifteen women out of eighty-siN. tor
All Of the thirty-five children aboard
seem to have perished.
The submarine, is now believed to
haye been Austrian