Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-03-09
Alleged To Be Connected with
Plots To Blow Up Wei
land Canal
DENIES KNOWLEDGE OF
PLOTS AND PLOTTERS
Is German Naval Officer, Here
When War Broke and
Could Not Go Home

Los Angeles, Cal, Mar 9-Alleged
to be connected with plots to destroy
the Welland canal and other unneutraI
acts in America, Captain Alfred Fritzen,
a German officer, was arrested early
today by agents of the department of
justice, in Alhambra, near here.
According to Special Agent BlanfOrd
of the department OF justice, one of the
arresting officers, the specific charge
against Fritzen is implication in the
Welland canal plot. His recent activity
in Mexico and actions elsewhere in the
country are also under investigation on
suspicion tina. he may have knowledge
of plots to destroy property in New
York and elsewhere
The arrest follows search of six
months conducted by the department of
justice. Revelations in southern Caliior
MIA and northern Mexico are said to
have caused the issuance of orders by A.
B. Bielaski, chief of the bureau of i'm
vestigation, for the arrest A connection
between FTitzen and German Consul
Bopp, recently convicted in San Fran
cisco and Captains Boy-ed and Won
Papen, deported year ago is also said
to have been established
Says II Is Mistake.
At the city jail, where he was lodged
after his arrest, Fritzen refused to make
any statement, except to say that the
federal officers have made a grave mis-
take. He stated that he has been in the
United States three years and admitted
visiting Cuba recently, although he in
sisted the visit was merely tourist
trip.
Fritzen, who is said to be q navaa
officer, was arrested at the home of
Frank S. Hart, music dealer, whom he
worked for as farmer some time ago.
Fritzen had arrived yesterday afternoon
/ from San Francisco for a visit with
Hart, and he was arrested while asleep.
He submitted calmly and is held on
charge of suspicion of a felony pend
ling advices from Washington
AS Mr. Piper, Fritzen is said TO have
resided in San Francisco. Los Angeles,
San Diego and northern Mexico during
the past six months He admits being
in these cities. A search for Fritzen =
trunks is being made today and arrest
of persons believed to be associated
with him is expected soon
Denies knowledge of Plots.
Fifteen denied any knowledge of
lplots against the United States
FAt no time since have been in the
United States have been in communi-
cation with the German government. -
} he told the United Press. "I was cap
tain in the German navy previous to the
war, but was in America when h0s1.l-
tiles began and have been unable TO re-
turn home.
"I came to America in 1914 and visit
ed New York. later coming here TO take
position with Mr.. Hart Of the Cali
fornia Music company Later decided
Mexico or Cuba the safest places for
Germans and went to Havana.
After leaving Cuba, / sought to
reach Mexico City, but got only as far
as Vera Cruz. / then went to New
Orleans, and reached here in January.
Since then, I have tried to reach Mex
leo City through Tijuana.
81 have been well supplierd with
money since coming here, but this was
all secured from private sources. / did
not communicate with the German gov
ernment from Cuba or Mexico. 1t is
: absurd to charge that | had anything
to do with the Welland canal plot"