Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-08
PUSH U-BOAT WAR,
SAYS REICHSTAG;;
CALL US. UNFAIR
Leaders Attack Attitude of
America and Say "Throt-
tie Britain"
SOCIALISTS BACK PLAN
"Only Means of Self-Preserva-
tion," 1--WE Are Fighting for
Existence" Among Pleas

Existence" Among RleaS
BERLIN, April 8.-If the channel
boat Sussex, carrying Americans, was
torpedoed by German submarine,
the U-boat commander violated his in
structions, it was stated uncondition-
ally here today.
The Sussex was a passenger-carry-
ing ferryboat, according to reports
brought here. She, therefore, came
under the protection of the Govern
ment assured to passenger liners in
communication transmitted to Presi-
dent Wilson by Ambassador Bernstorif
after the Arabic torpedoing.
On the other hand, it was made
equally plain, the cases of the four
other ships about which President
Wilson has made inquiry, are entirely
different. These four vessels were
freighters. Germany at no time dur
ing the negotiations pledged herself
to warn freighters before attacking
them with her submarines. While
these freight vessels continue to sup
ply the Allies with both munitions
and food, and as long as the Allies
continue their starvation policy
against Germany, the German Gov
ernment will never yield the right to
sink them.
WASHINGTON, April 8.-Presi-
dent Wilson will return to Washington
at 4:30 o'clock this afternoon. A
wireless from the Mayilower on which
he left last night for Potomac River
cruise informed the White House to-
day of his intention to return imme-
diately. No reason was assigned for
the sudden change.
BERLIN, April 3.
The Rechstag has voted the imperial
budget and the committee resolutions on
submarine warfare.
These resolutions declare that Ger
many's sea warfare should be carried
through by all means most Instrumental
in securing n successful issue of the war"
In the debate the leaders of practically
all parties called for vigorous prosecution
of the submarine campaign against Allied
shipping, and touched upon the compl-
cations with the United States
Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Social
lists, said that the Socialists, who as rep
resentatives of the working classes would
be the chief sufferers from the projected
throttling of German trade and industry,
must continue to support the Government
resolutely
1--WE believe the navy's defensive meas
ures are justified against the British, who
plan TO throttle and starve u.s." he con-
tinued. we are fighting for our exist
ence. Therefore no one can complain If we
answer the British starvation plans with
submarine warfare. The British Govern
ment makes ruthless use of the right of
capture at sea, and submarine war is the
only measure of self-preservation against
this"
DIR. Gustav Stresemann. National Lib
eral, said:
against the more stringent blockade
of Germany, which was decided upon at
the Paris conference, we must use our
sharp weapons in order to bride Eng
lands arrogance"
Count Won Westarp, Conservative. con.
demned the attitude of the United States
in supplying ammunition to the Entente
Allies and continued:
"The German people are firmly re-
solved TO disregard the unjustifed de-
mands of America. We shall. of course.
respect justified interests of neutrals. but
they must acknowledge our duty and
right 10 defend our existence with all
nj