The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-02-08
U. S. Only Has Police Power
to Prevent Damage to
Ports and Neighbors.
WASHINGTON KNOWS
OF CRAFTS GRIPPING
Unwilling to Seize Vessels,
Self-detained, Because
of Complications.

NASHINGTON, req. I.-lnIOrmatlOn
has been received In Washington con-
eerning THE SUNS report Of the dis
abling Of the German vessels in New
York harbor. Offlcially the existence of
these reports is not admitted by the
Federal authorities because of the pos
sible effect they might have in precipi-
tating hostIlties. Whether they know
the extent to which the ships have heen
ascertain to-day. Officials here cog
infant OF them are silent. but they are
showing the greatest concern.
The Navy Department has also re-
oeived reports on the same subject. One
Of those reports, 1t was learned to-day.
was to the effect that on the ships in
New York the waive labels had all beep
removed. This would make 1t impossi-
bic for any one unfamiliar with tho ma
ehinery and it's connections to prevent
the sinking OF such vessels oEce The
valves were open. There are many such
valves on these ships and II would re-
auire longtime study to solve the system
without the labels.
The Secretary Of War also reported
TO the President to-day that parts Of the
machinery In German ships In the har-
bors Of the Philippines and at Colon,
Panama, had been removed. There aere
indication that preparations had been
made 10 sink these vessels.
Tho information In possession of the
Federal authorities showing that Ger
man merchant ships self-detained In
ports under Jurisdiction of the United
States. both at home and abroad. have
been disabled in pursuance OF what Is
believed to be a general conspiracy has
added another critical phase to the conf
plex International situation.
L. $ Has Not seized ships.
At the White House and the War De-
Dartment stress was laid on the fact
that the United States has not seized
the German ships or claimed title 10
them. They and their crews have
been put under guard and protection to
prevent anything being done which
would obstruct navigation. The Admin
tstration is taking the greatest pains to
sse that no right Of any foreign owner
u violated.
In every official quarter scrupulous
care is being taken to make II clear that
the United States will avoid doing any
thing in connection with the German
merchant ships that might be taken by
the German Government as pretext for
q declaration of war such as was made
In the case OF Portugal.
The startling situation has aroused
the Administration to the necessity OF
more adequate laws giving port officials
authority to inspect merchant ships that
have sought asylum in American ports
IN ha
lance.
The predicament In which the Govern
rnent finds itself has been brought to
the attention of leaders of Congress and
II is probable that legislation will be
rushed TO enable the Federal authorities
IN take charge of the vessels, not only
to protect them, but to prevent the con-
summation Of the conspiracy TO sink
them In American harbors with the pos
sibility Of blocking channels.
Would Regulate Status OF ships.
During the day bill which might
clear up some of the uncertainties re-
sarding the status of warbound vessels
In American ports was favorably re-
ported by the House judiciary Commit
tee 1t would regulate the conduct OF
vessels in United states ports and waters
and empower the President to put qua rds
on them or take possession of them and
remove their officers and crew In event
OF war OF threatened war. II prohibits
use Of any craft, foreign or domestic, as
a resort for conspirators against the
United States under penalty OF for
'eltura Of the vessel and a maximum
penalty Of $4,000 fine, two years Inn
prisonment or both for its officers II they
knowingly permit such use.
That the situation was anticipated is
indicated by the fact that the series OF
so'called spy bills prepared by the De-
nartment OF Justice last summer in
Guided one measure designed specif-
lcally to prevent tampering with ships
In American hsrbors.
Secretary Baker In a statement com,
municated to the President said to-day
In the harbors OF Manila and else
where In the Philippine Islands, and al
'ol2n, Panama, the German merchant
vessels were discovered to have certain
parts VI their machinery removed ant
IN some instances evidences OF prepara
lion for the sinking of these vessels hat
been made
solely for the purpose of protectin,
tIe several harbors and other shi,pini
md property therein, steps have beef
'hhen TO prevent damage, but none o
N" shipS has been seized by the Govern
inent OF the United States and In al
aseS the commanders and crews hav,
pe@n Informed that the Government ha
made 40 seizures. claimed no right I.
NC vessels and does not deny the righ
OF the commander and crew to dismanti
he vessels II they see Mt. as long as tn
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