The Washington times., 1916-01-05

II when one man was sent 20 the pen
itentiary for perjuring himself IN uo-
ciaring the Lusitania carried guns.
In German diplomatic circles today
N was pointed out, as indicating AUS
tria's probable defense, that in ali 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 a dozen sources, upon which to
President regarding the Persla's loss.
How soon this Government can act
would not be predicted by onicials,
Difficulties grew in securing the vitality
necessary Information. But before tne
end of the week, officials believe, the
administrator will have sunicient
basis to act.
Tension in onicial quarters is slightly
relaxed. The ''cooling-off' period py
mere lapse of time, while awaiting IN
formation. is appreciated as hopeful
factor.
"A slight tinge Of optimism was mani
tested today when, for the first time
ciais expressed hope that, despite the
ominous outlook, an avenue for ad-
Justmeht Of the controversy without
serevance Of diplomatic relations may
yet be found.
Hopes of officials for a satisfactory
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
his base and report. Officials still be-
lieve if an Austrian submarine was
responsible, Austria, without waiting
for an ultimatum from this country,
Will take proper action.
A dozen American officials, In Vien-
na, Berlin, Alexandria, and elsewhere
were today enlisted in the search for
evidence. Cabled summaries of sur
vivors' afhdavits are expected to
reach the State Department today.
These Rfhdavits are requested to de-
scribe the explosion, so that navy of
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 today.
They had remained seated after the
explosion.
Mothers had no time to ma their
children. Only two of the thirty cniI-
dren aboard the vessel were rescued.
The Persia carried between 20, 900 and
5000 bags of mail for Egypt and lndla.
LONDON. Jan. 5.--A press telegram
from Cairo reports that only rweive
out OF eighty saloon passengers on
board the Persia were saved. The
Peninsular and Oriental Company now
estimates the loss of life to total ZZ2.
The name of Robert New Mc%ecly,
American consul at Alden, is not on the
official list of survivors received py
the admiralty.
Other prominent men and women Hho
perished as the result of this latest
massacre include Col E. r. Sw'ney.
Lieutenant Colonel Howell. Lieutenant
Colonel Nethersole, Gait. ]. T, Iod-
wick, Lieut. V. Cough. the Rev. A. G.
Grant pastor Of the Anglican Chdrch
at Bombay; Mrs. H. Deb. CoddinRton.
wife of Lieutenant Colonel Coddington
Mrs. Fl. T. Tresham, VINO was the
daughter of Major Burch, of Leyton-
stone, and T. NJ Coleman. one OF the
proprietors of the Times of India, Bonn
bay.
Capt. w. H. S. Hall, OF the Persia,
was drowned. He went down with his
ship. AS the Persia sank four minutes
after being torpedoed It was seemingly
miracle that any enc was saved. The
survivors among the passengers include
fifteen women out of eighty-siH, ten
military officers and eight foreiRners
All of the thirty-five children aboard
seem to have perlshed.
The submarine is now believed To
have been Austrian.