Norwich bulletin., 1916-10-10

mander of the torpedo fOulla, dlS- claimed in a statement tonight, abso- lutely any prior knowledge of the in tentions of the German Uboat.
 My only information" he said, was contained in an s. o. s. message which said that the steamer West Point had been sunk and that her crew had taken to the boats. The natural thing able vessel to search for the crew. As it happened it was fortunate that we had so many ships out and l am very glad that we were able to render the aid we did"
 He concluded with the declaration that nothing had passed between him and Captain Rose during their formal calls which gave any indication as to what the plans of the Uboat com mander were.
 Commentator for Rescue Work.
 Admiral Gleaves received today from various sources, official and oth- erwise, commendation for the rescue work of the various vessels under his command. He also received a num- Der of offers of aid and supplies for the care of the survivors, including one from E. A. Morse of Yonkers, N. Y, director of the Atlantic division of the Red Cross. To all these proffers of help Admiral Gleaves expressed his appreciation but stated that the sur viVors were amply taken care of Many of them have. been taken in charge by members of the summer colony here, while others proceeded to New York and the accommodations at the naval training station here are i ample to care for the refugees remain ! ing here.
 Testimonials of Appreciation. A testimonial of appreciation for the assistance rendered by the fotilla, particularly the aid given by Lteuten- ant Commander D. c. Hanrahan and the men of the destroyer Balch who picked up the passengers of the Red Cross line steamer Stephano was sign ed by the passengers and crew of the liner. Among the signers were Charles G. McGrath Norman Hoffman, Dr. Robert B. Lundy. Dr. H. L. Barnum, Dr. Vincent B. Burke, Joseph Lupin, Florence Jennings and Helen and Gris- wo'd Ruclhurt. Most of these are residents of New York.
 Anothsr testimonial with the nam of the same signers attached was for warded to Rowing and company, New York agents of the Stephano, com- mending the work of Captain Smith and the officers and crew under him. The statement declared that Captain Smith showed rare courage and exc cutiVe ability in transferring the pas sengers and crew to the small boats without the slightest mishap or panic. Emergency Committee Organized. ! In the midst of the uncertainty re- | Sarding the future movements of the | German raiders, members of the fash 1 ionable summer colony here met today | and took steps to organize an emer- | gency committee to work in conjunc- | tion with the Newport chapter of the 1 Red Cross Society in case of a removal l of the wholesale sinking of foreign shipping. It was planned to have this | committee prepare supplies and equip l ment for instant use and to list avail
 able automobiles and ambuIances and
 to take other steps to give quick aid 1 in an emergency. Among those par l ticipating ir the conference were Mrs. | R. Livingston Beeckman, wife of Gov | ernor Beeckman; Mrs. Elsie French 1 Vanderbilt, Mrs. Ernest Howe, Mrs. | Daniel B. Fearing, Dr. Charles T. Elas- | ton and Rev. Rodericl1 Terry
 In many quarters the opinion was
 expressed today that another outbreak l of the U-bOat and her consorts. if she
 had any. would not be surprising. It
 was reported by members of the crew l of the steamer Strathdene that the
 submarine which sank her had filled
 her fuel tanks with oil from the Nor l Wegian tank steamer Chr Knudsen be. | fore the latter was sent to the bottom
 Other refugees have declared thai
 they saw a German supply ship hoy.
 ering in the vicinity of the raid Sun.
 day.
 Although fuel tanks may have beer
 replenished from the Norwegian na
 val officers expressed the opinion tha
 after a day Of such remarkable activ.
 ity a s yesterdays, the submarine mus
 be short of ammunse.0n. Reports o1
 many of the refugees agree that the
 submersible which halted their shir
 was prodigal in the use of shells anc
 most of them were of the opinion that
 after their steamer had been sheIlet
 it was given her finishing bio!
 by a torpedo.