New Britain herald., 1917-02-27

American women and eight American negroes had lost their lives as the re- suit of the sinking of the Laconia, it was indicated in official quarters that no imm ediate action would be tak by President Wilson but that renewed pressure would be brought to bear on congress to grant \the additional authority required by him yesterday.
 While official comment was with held pending full investigation, the Laconia incident was looked upon as serious.
 The view prevailed that the sink ing of the Laconia should hasten ac- ton by congress. The first step of the government, it is indicated, will be to furnish American ships with guns and gunners for defensive pur- poses and insure them in the grave war risk bureau.
 Second Lusitania Case.
 On the basis of official reports the sinking of the Laconia is regarded as another Lusitania case in principle.
 President Wilson, it was said today is opposed to calling an extra session of congress unless it is absolutely nec- essary. Word has been conveyed to him that the republicans may f1li- buster in an effort to create an extra session but he is hopeful that this intention will not be carried out
 Favors Use of Navy"
 On an unofficial vote the house foreign affairs committee today agreed to strike from the administra- tion bill to empower the president to take steps to meet the submarine menace the words "other instrument talities" and to substitute ito use the naval forces of the United States"
 The senate foreign relations com- mlttee considering the bill showed $ disposition to modify the breadth of the "other instrumentalities' phrase Republican senators voted solidly against it and got some support, it was said from Senator Stone. Hitch. cock and O'Gorman. democrats.
 While details of the deaths of ten Americans in the unwarned destrtlc- ton of tho Laconia began coming in today, the opposition in congress to giving President Wilson the broad authority to deal with the subna- rine menace began taking definite form.
 At the White House it was made known authoritatively that the de- struction of the Laconia was a clear cut and ruthless violation of An1er can rights and life. a demonstrations of which might be expected in the future.
 Frost Sends Details of -Atiaci.
 Two despatches from Consul Frost at Queenstown received by the state department today give the names Of passengers and members of the crew of the Laconia landed. One adds these details:
 "Laconia torpedoed without warn ing 1O:30, p. m. Feb. 25, west Of Fastnet Overcast, heavy swclls not breaking, fair breeze.
 "Laconia carried AT gun invisible at night. Second torpedo 20 minutes after first. Thirteen boats got away of which No. 8, with Hoy ladies, was lost. Wireless had been sent out | Boats picked up admiralty patrol 4 a. m., Feb. 26. Cargo cotton. food stuffs and non-explosive munitions. Apparently 8 deaths out of 335 on board. Two hundred sixty crew and passengers, including many women and children.
 Ship sank in about 45 minutes from time of first torpedo. Had fired six rockets, which were seen by ad- miralty patrol. Wireless also used up to last moment. Boats scattered two or three miles in swells 12 feet high. flares and were picked up be-'i tween 8 and a. nj. Feb. 26."
 Meetings of the committees of for eien affairs had been called early in the day to discuss drafts of a bill which would empower the president to furnish guns and gunners to Ameri- can ships and to employ such other instrum mentalities as he may think necessary and provide for a bond is- sue of $100,o00,00O to meet the ex- penSe,