davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Camouhage Traps
U.Boat; Crew Dies
British Ship Brings Story Of
Trick by Which Submarine
Was Sunk
fspecfd CWrspondsncsl

AN ATLANTIC PORT. Sept. ID
CamouAage by the gun crew Of Brit
ish steamer tricked q German U-boat
commander into the belief that he was
attacking an unarmed merchant vessel
and caused him to man9uvre his ooat
30 that the gunners of the merchant
vessel were able to send him and all
on board to the bottom, was told to-
day by an officer Of the British ship,
which has just arrived here.
The steamer was nearing a French
port with q cargo of foodstufs and
ammunition when the U-boat appeared.
"The German was some distance
away when we first saw him." said the
British officer, "and at the time he
was watching US through the PERI
scope. The gun crew was all ready
Our big gun was hidden behind
screen, which covered the entire stern
and which had been painted, both
at starboard and port, to look IKE
lifeboats. The Uboat came on. When
about twenty yards off the command.
err, evidently having sausHen hiIhsei
that we were unarmed, ordered the
vessel sunk by bombs.
Several men clambered from the
forward hatch, dragging one Of their
collapsible boats after them. Officers
stood on deck, leaning against the con-
ming tower as they waited for our nm
ish. Meanwhile, the gunners had been
working behind our lifeboat screen,
and while the Germans were busy pre-
pairing their boat the gun-polnter Sig
nailed he had the range.
1.-THE screen was dropped, and before
the Germans were aware OF the trap
thew had fallen into the big gun roared.
We saw the shell tear into the hull at
the water line and directly at the base
of the coming tower. The submarine
sunk in less than four minutes, with
all its crew"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
German Press Blames
ENJOY to Argentina
For Being Found Out
AMSTERDAM. Sept. 15.-Three cable

AMSTERDAM, Sept lo.-lnree caoio
messaqes sent by Count Luxburg, Ger
man Minister to Argentina, to the Ger
man Foreign Office through the S~ed-
ism Legation have finally been per-
mi,ted to be published in the German
press. :.
Is easv to understand that the publlca-
ton of these dispatches in Argentina
has made an unpleasant impression
and that President Wilson has so iar
nrobably been successful with MS
mannuvre. but ADDS that they can only
be rightly judged if it is not forgotten
that they were secret messages IN code'
and II the figure dispatches OF Entente
Sinlomacy could be read still more
drastic expressions would be encoun:
tered Regarding the phrase in one OF
Count Luxburg's dispatches about SINK
inc steamships without leaving trace,
the paper lamely argues that the eX-
nression does not mean sinking snip
with all hands. but so sinking her that
military mishaps might be avoided as,
for example, conceaiing the fact from
other ships that she was sunk by SUP
marine and not by a mine.
at is self-evident," says the "koi-
niscbe Zeitung," "that the German gov
eminent cannot be held responsible Tor
tho opinions of any one OF It's MN
listers.
az. on the other hand. the Entente
press attempts, on the strength OF the
contents OF these dispatches, to accuse
German politics of duplicity, or the
German navy CT atrocities, such con-
illusions must impress the unbiased
mind as wilful exaggeration.
eve are also confident that the Ar
pentine government will not partlci-
pate. and we are equally convinced that
the advice Of Count Luxburg and his
unconventional Characterization OF the
ministers of the country to which be
was accredited will meet with the de-
cidcd disapproval of our government.
In our opinion, however. this disap-
proyal must not merely express itself
in words.
1--WE demand, under all circum-
stances, that the minister who for
wards such dispatches be recalled as
quickly as possible.
I'VE should not put the Argentine
government before such an alternative,
but should ourselves undertake his re-
call Aside from the international
aspect of this incident there is no
occasion to revive memories Of our
numerous diplomatic heroes in the
course of this war by permitting this
episode much longer to engage public
opinion. Count Luxburg should be
permitted to disappear without leaving
any trace behind"
The "Lokal Anzeiger" says: at does
not require diplomatic experiences to
exploit this theft of dispatches for po-
litical purposes, for they really only
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Wilson Speeds Up
Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15.-Plans to
expedite passage by the Senate of the
soldiers and sailors insurance bill
were completed to-day after Senator
Martin, Democratic leader, received a
communication from President Wilson
urging It's enactment before adjourn
ment
A Senate finance subcommittee, con-
sisting Of Senators Williams, and Smith,
Of Georgia. and Smoot, was immediate
Is appointed by Chairman Simmons.
The subcommittee will begin work on
Monday. Prompt committee action is
planned and Senate debate is expected
10 begin within week.
Arrangements also were made 10
speed up the ina! vote on the bill,
leaders determining 70 resort TO cloture
il necessary. Senator Martin canvassed
the Senate and was assured of enough
pledges 70 put cloture into effect. but
il was believed that without resorting
20 il. unanimous consent could be OBJ
tanned for brief Senate discussion and
a final note early in October.
Senate leaders tonight predicted
that even with time taken for passage
of the insurance bill Congress can adj
iourn between October and u.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16

arations Of a British steamer that was
about to sail from the port to which
the two captains had brought their
rtory. They declared that II a serious
view were taken of the affair 1t was
unlikely that the boat would be prepar-
ing to depart on schedule.
The place where the ship reported
she was being attacked, sixty-tve miles
east of Nantucket. is in the vicinity IN
which the German submarine U-53 sank
Eve steamers on its visit TO American
waters in October, 1916.
The U-5S, under command OF Lieu
tenant Commander Hans Rose, APP
peared in Newport harbor on October
:. and after a three-hour stay, put to
sea. The next report Of her activities
was when the American steamer
Kansan, since sunk, was stopped OIL
Nantucket but permitted to proceed
upon establishing her identity.
Then soon after came word OF the
sinking Of the British steamers Strath-
dene, West Point. Stephano, the latter
a coaStwise passenger vessel; the
Dutch steamer Bloomersdijk and the
Norwegian steamer Christian knud-
sen. Passengers from the Stephano
and crews from the other ships were
rescued by American destroyerS.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Sweden's Confidence
Betrayed by Germany,
Says Lagercrantz

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 15.-Herman l..
F. Lagercrantz, for many years Swed-
iSh Minister at Washington, was from
the moment of the disclosures concern
ing the Luxburg dispatches called into
consultation by the government. for
which his many American friendships
and his acquaintance with conditions
in America rendered him particularly
valuable. He received a staff CORE
spondent of The Associated Press to-
day to discuss the situation. and in the
course of the interview made it plain
that it was Sweden's earnest desire to
end the matter on the basis permitting
the continuance of the most cordial
relations with the United States and
the maintenance of absolute neutral
ity by the country.
at must be UNDERSTOOD said the
former minister. that whatever the
sentiments of the different parties may
be toward the two belligerent camps,
all are inspired by the firm determine
ton to keep Sweden neutral and out
Of the war. Some of our people are in
clined 20 sympathize with England, arA
particularly with France in the great
struggle.
Others Side With Germans
"On the other hand, many Of our people,
through long and close acquaintance
with Germany and by reason of their
appreciation of me education and other
features of German life. feel certain
sympathy with Germany-a feeling
which, perhaps, is strengthened and
partly explained by the position of
Sweden between the two great Baltic
powers. Russia and Germany. and by
the direction which the policies Of the
two countries had earlier taken.
at has been necessary for the Swed-
ish government to take these two cur
rents of public opinion into considera-
ton, but, in all, its desire. like that of
practically the entire people. has been
TO preserve an attitude of complete i'm
part,ality and neutrality as to both
sets of belligerents.
NJ Lagercrantz admitted that a grave
error had been committed in not exer-
cising control over the contents of the
German dispatches. but this was the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Teutons Head
Polish Regency
Central Powers Issue De.
cree Establishing Coun.
Gil of Three

AMSTERDAM. Sept. 10. A decree,
published at Lublin and Warsaw on
September IL, transfers the supreme
authority in Poland to a regency coun-
Gil of three members appointed by the
monarchs of the occupying powers,
says a Vienna message to-day. All the
DEGREES Of the council must be counter
signed by a responsible Premier The
legislative power is to be exercised by
the council.
The consent of the occupying powers,
the decree provides, is necessary for
all governmental affairs, the admins
trat!on of which has not yet been
handed over to the Polish authorities.
The right to appoint international rep
resentatives and conclude international
agreements may be exercised by the
Polish authorities only after termlna-
ton of the occupation.
Emperor William, according to the
telegram, has sent to the Governor
General of Moscow an autograph latter
of the same purport as one sent by
Emperor Charles to the Archbishop Of
Lemberg, forecasting the new order OF
affairs in Poland.
The Polish proclamation, the Vienna
advices state. says that the first task
of the council will be the appointment
of a Premier, which must be sanctioned
by the allied powers. The Premier will
Immediately organize the ministries
transferred TO the Polish authorities.
The State Council will be revived with
increased authority.
VIENNA, Sept 15.7yEmperor Charles
of Austria has addressed the following
Autograph letter 70 Count Szeptyce-
Szeptycki, the Archbishop OF Lemberg,
who is expected 10 be the chairman OF
the new Polish Regency Council:
"In agreement with the German En-
peror / intend steadfast!y 10 continue
the consolidation of the Polish state
in accordance with the manifesto OF
April 5, 1916, so that that country may
be liberated from its heavy yoke and
may attain so far as the war situation
permits the development Of the gener-
Gus cultural and economic forces neces-
sary to its political structure.
lowing TO the hard war times It has
rot yet been possible for Polish King
as bearer of the old, honorable and
glorious crown of the Jagellos again
to enter the country's capital, and Tor
the peoples representatives, founded
on democratic principles, TO meet at
Warsaw. But now, according to the
wishes of the nation, the organs OF the
Polish state will be created and en-
lowed with legislative and executive
power."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Brisbane Criticises
Raemaeker Cartoon

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15.-"The
washington Times" owned by Arthur
brisbane. commenting on a cartoon
published in the Hearst newspapers
friday, saws, under the caption, "A
Cartoon That Should Not Have Been
Published:
'If the editor Of this newspaper had
looked at it carefully, before, instead OF
after. publishing, it would not nave
been printed in The Times,
"This refers to a cartoon by Raemae-
kers. Justly clarifying the Presidents
admirable reply TO the Pope, comparing
nat message with the Washington
unfortunately, Mr.. Raemaekers
marred his work most seriously by rep
resenting the Pope, for whom millions
of Americans feel deepest reverence, as
a small, inconspicuous figure in the
cartoon. We do not believe that Mr..
Raemaekers could have been guilty Of
intentional lack of respect for great
and revered parsonage, but his draw
ing was none the less offensive 20 many
sincerely religious people. 1t did not
represent the facts, and il should not
have been published. 1t wouldn't have
been published had not the offensive
detail been so small as TO escape at
tention.
"The Pope's attitude naturally and
inevitably has been that of peacemaker
from the wars beginning, and the
President himself, in his reply to the
Pope, paid His Holiness just tribute
that is echoed throughout the world.
The President wrote: Every heart that
has not been blinded and hardened by
L
this moving appeal of His Holiness the
Pope. must feel the dignity and force
Of the humane and generous motives
which prompted 1t, and must fervently
wish that we might take the path Of
peace he so persuasively points out"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
u. S. Expose Not Designed
To Influence Swedish
Elections, Says Washington
Lstan Cor7cspondencel

Washington, Sept. 15-It was au-
thoritatively declared at the State De-
partment to-day that no one has a right
to speak for this government respect
ing the reasons which prompted il to
make public the spondence be-
tween the German Foreign Office and
certain German diplomats passing
through Swedish hands. The declara-
ton was prompted by newspaper state
ments making it appear that the State
Department had made Sublic its OBJ
jects in exposing Swedish German rela-
tons.
II was asserted that this government
will go on with the discussions between
Sweden and the United States concern
ing the embargo or exports Just as be-
fore the Lansing revelations were pub
lished. Ii had already been asserted
by State Department officials that the
purpose in publishing the incrminat-
ing documents was not TO influence the
elections in Sweden Officials have not
denied, however, that they hoped the
expose would have the effect OF align
ing Argentina with the United States
and other American republics which
have taken definite positions against
Germany.
State Department officials have re-
peatedly asserted that their intention
was not TO interfere with Sweden's
internal affairs. For this reason, it was
said to-day the department has no
views to express concerning the trans
fer of the Secretary of the Swedish
Foreign Office to the Ministry of Jus
tice, taking the position that il is
Sweden's affair, not Americas, al
though the impression was gained that
this government does not consider the
removal of the Foreign Office official as
in any sense an atonement for the Of
fences Sweden has committed against
both international law and the Entente
Allies, as we'll as Argentina.
In neutral diplomatic circles the i'm
preston prevails that Britain will not
press Sweden hadl, except morally
through the United States. notwith-
standing reports that England has
threatened to deny to Sweden for the
remainder of the war the use of Brit
ish cables. Neutral diplomats doubted
the accuracy of these reports, stating
that Sweden has means of retaliation,
being able 10 cut off Russia from com
munication with Europe except through
the Pacific cables, which would tremen-
dously inconvenience the Allies.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
American Missionaries
On Fire-Stricken Ship

A SOUTH AMERICAN ATLANTIC
PORT. Sept. IA British steamship
of 1900 tons gross, bound from North
American port for South Africa, put
into this harbor to-day with fire in
her coal bunkers which endangered the
lives of the passengers and crew
Among the fifty-one first cabin pas
sengers are many American mission
aries. All are safe.
The vessels call for help, sent out by
wireless telegraphy, was heard by land
stations, and measures were taken by
the authorities to render all possible
aid. In the meantime the crew heroical-
ly fought the flames and succeeded in
bringing the ship into the harbor.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Won Eckhardt Flatly
Denies He Used SUedish
Charge to Send NeUs

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 15-Heinrich
Won Eckhardt, the German Minister to
Mexico, tonight made a statement de-
nying everything in connection with
the disclosures from Washington that
he had been employing a former Swed-
ish charge d'afTaires TO convey informa-
tion to the Berlin Foreign Office. Won
Eckhaidt declared that he had never
sent any communication through Folke
Cronholm and that he never wrote any
communication recommending Cronholm
for decoration for his services to Ger
many.
Won Eckhardt further declared that
he did not know Cronholm personally,
only having met him at diplomatic re-
captions or through the Offices Of the
introduccrs Of ambassadors, or some
such formal means. Won Eckhardt
makes complete denial of everything
in connection with the Washington dis
closures, and in reply to an assertion
that Washington had full proof of his
completely declared that this was mere
ly an American intrigue for the pur-
pose Of casting discredit on the repre-
sentatives of Germany
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Washington Skeptical;
Investigation Yields
But Meogre Evidence

WASHINGTON, Sept l5.-The Navy
Department tonight had no conirma-
ton Of reports Of a hostile submarine
off the North Atlantic coast. The
only information it had was the state
ment of British merchant captain
that his ship had received an S. Q. 5,
call from another vessel saying she
was attacked by U-boat, as forward
ed by naval officers to whom the cap
tain reported. An officer was imme-
diately sent from Washington to IN
vestigate and naval stations and
patrol boats were instructed 10 Keep
a close watch for any raider.
In the absence of confirmation, navy
officers were inclined TO think the
wireless call n; ght have been hoaN
sent by some amateur operator VINO
NAV have escaped the government 5
vigilance. II confirmation is received
a warning to shipping VIII be issued
Immediately.
The reported presence Of q U-boat
has, however, revived discussion OF
Germany's naval policy toward the
United States. While the Central
Powers have played no favorltes IN
sinking merchantmen, it is pointed out
that thus far there has been a marked
absence Of aggressive moves which
singled out United States ships for at
tacks.
In official quarters, Count Won Bern
storff, former German Ambassador to
the United States, is credited with hay
ing convinced the Teuton sea-lords that
submarine operations in the Atlantic
would serve only to arouse this coun-
try 10 the greatest possible war actlv-
ity. For this reason, up TO the present
the likelihood that U-boats would
undertake operations on this side OF
the Atlantic has been considered small.
1t is generally believed here now
that. while Germany has most whole
some respect for the potential military
strength Of this country, she still holds
that this strength cannot be delivered
in time to be really effective in forcing
an early decision. II has been expected
that until she reached the stages OF
desperation, or, on the other hand, felt
victory assured. she would refrain from
committing anv act which would arouse
this country to a high pressure particl-
patton in the war.
If the presence of U-boats Is, there
fore. confirmed, officials believe 1t
means the final stages of the war are
imminent.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Root HeadsSecurityL

Elihu Root accepted yesterday the
honorary presidency Of the National
Security League. He sent his accept
apce to Alton B. Parker, honorary vice,
president. from Chicago. where h" a'd
Samuel Gompers, president Of tho
American Federation Of Labor, ad-
dressed a mass meeting last night.
Mr.. Root succeeds Joseph H. Choate,
who was honorary president of the
organization from its birth, December
/. 1914, until he died last May. The
league has more than 100000 members
in $50 branches.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Allies Will Insist on More
Than Excuses From Sweden
london Takes Serious View of Diplomatic observation-disclosures
in Stockholm Condemn Foreign Office Policy
Even German Public Aroused

says: "The best course is TO let Lux
burg sink himself without trace"
The Cologne Gazette" however, had
an interesting editorial on the subject,
not only refusing to apologize for or
excuse the phrase, but announcing that
it was merely used because the COM
munication was supposedly private, ana
that if Luxburg had known his sugges-
tion would be discovered he would nave
used some other expression including
the same idea.
Germans Denounce Luxburg
Aside from a very few such extre-
mists, however, the majority Of the Ger
man press expresses as great indlgna-
ton at the barbarous idea as the Eng
lish papers, while in Sweden tomorrow
there will be held great demonstra-
tion against secret diplomacy, which
made such an affair possible.
II is felt that Admiral Lindman must
90, since he is VIGOROUSLY pro-German
and has been influential In leading
other officials .astray. Obviously. how
ever, such move must come from the
Swedish people themselves. 1t Is I'M
possible for the Allies to urge per-
soma non grata charge against any
country's Foreign Minister, as could
be done against the chief Of an en-
bassy or a legation. But the reports
received at the Swedish Legation here
to-day indicate that Branting and the
Socialists have been gaining in the
present elections.
Meanwhile, it would clear the air
considerably il there would come from
Sweden an energetic denunciation OF
the disclosed policy and assurances
that the responsible ministers would
be punished. 1t is certain that such a
step would be we'll received here, since
It is felt that the intentions of the
Swedish people toward the Entente are
much fairer than the practice OF the
government.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
By Arthur S. Draper

LONDON. Sept. lb.-Although it has
remained dormant for the past three
days, the Swedish situation is by no
means settled.
There is clearly no intention on the
part of the Entente to let the matter
drop and forego the advantages which
the Presidents disclosures have placed
in the Allies hands. Sweden's offence
is regarded as seriously here as in the
United States, and it is felt that Swe-
den must answer more satisfactorily
the charges against her.
The tendency to play safe" and
avoid unnecessary conflict with Swedish
popular opinion, even when the latter
country is caught in a clear breach of
neutrality, has characterized the Brit
ish governments attitude throughout
all the negotiations Of the present af-
fair.
People Kept in the Dark
The whole situation from beginning
to end has been an example of the
worst side of secret diplomacy. The
Allies agree with Wilson that their
quarrel is not with the Swedish people.
but with the diplomats. 1t is considered
certain that the people had no idea Of
what was going on.
Now from Germany comes evidence
that even the people there do not sup
port Luxburg's villanous suggestions,
many papers, led by "Vorwarts.' de-
handing his dismissal and denouncing
the "spurlos versenkt" idea. Georg
Bernhard, in the "Vossische Zeitung,"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16

concern the confidential advice to his
superiors on the part of man who
apparently is endowed with much tenn
permanent. The periidy consists in the
intense effort to falsify the facts in
the case for the purpose Of reading
into Count Luxburg's dispatch the
style and opinions of the German gov
ernment"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Swiss Newspaper Punished

GENEVA, Sept. l5.-The newspaper
Independence Heivetique" has been
suspended for two months for attacks
on the Allies, and particularly on Presl-
dent Wilson.