New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-05
Gunboat Geier, Seized at
Honolulu by u. S., Set
on Fire by Crew
WAR-BOUND LINERS
AND MEN ISOLATED
Strong Guards Put Around
Vessels Lying in Many
American Ports

Washington. Feb. A. The compile
ton of the seizure of German ships
officially iutcrled in American ports
to-day confirmed the belief that prac-
tically all have been damaged as much
rs possible by their crews. The worst
case reported was that of the German
cuuboat Geier, interned at Honolulu
shortly after the beginning of the war,
which had been set on fire by her crew.
instructions have also been issued TO
the proper officers 70 coniinc all crews
of German ships not interned but SIM
ply war-bound upon their vessels.
Measures are being taken to see that
this property is protected against dam,
age. and 10 prevent the obstruction OF
American water routes against "accl-
dental" snkings, but these measures
arc kept secret.
The rights of .he government regard
ing such German ships-Of-war as the
Geier are clear. She is a 1,604-ton gun
boat. built for the imperial navy at
Wilhelmshaven in 1894, and she was
chased into Honolulu by Japanese
cruisers, electing TO intern there for
the period of the war. and FORGETTING
her privilege of steaming 20 sea after
a twenty-four-hour period for renting.
However, the status of the German
merchant vessels in American harbors
has been a source OF much concern to
officials of the State, War and Navy de-
partments. They are free to leave
whenever they desire, provided they
comply with the clearance laws of the
United States. They are not informed,
under thc correct military meaning OF
the term, and prefer to remain in port
because of the danger of capture by
Allied warships outside.
In case of war between the United
States and Germany they would be en-
titled TO receive notice 10 sail from
American ports, following the proceed
ure adopted at the outbreak OF the
Spanish war. The object o, the guards
established is % prevent the obstruc-
ton of American navigation by 5cut-
Ting.
In actual practice, these ships would
hardly avail themselves of the notice to
leave. with Allied cruisers waiting to
seize them.
Destroyer Not Injured
Several of the many rumors afoat
yesterday and to-day have been inves-
tigated and found unfounded. One Of
these was the report that the destroyer
jacob Jones, at the Philadelphia Navy
Yard, had come 10 her dock in sink
ing condition and that a member Of
her crew had been put in irons for
having opened her sea valves in an
attempt to sink her. Admiral Benson
explained that the bilge pumps of the
vessel had failed TO work properly and
that the discharge valves had acted as
svphons, a common occurrence, sucking
ONE water into the ship before it was
hoticed.
Secretary Daniels has directed that
every incident occurring around the
navy yards be promptly investigated.
/ navy diver was at work to-day exam
ming the German ship Liebenfels,
vhich sank in Charleston. s. c., harbor
under suspicious circumstances. The
work of ascertaining the actual cause
Of the sinking will be continued to-
morrow. and the Navy Department eX-
poets a full report.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt ad-
yised the Navy Department that he
and Major Bartlett, commandant Of the
Marine Corps. would hasten home in
view of the international situation
ABANDONING the remainder of their
tour of Hayti and Santo Domingo.
They will sail north on the collier Nep-
tune, which should sail for American
waters Tuesday.
Additional precautionary measures
we're reported from Guam and from
New Orleans. Captain Roy Smith,
Governor OF Guam, said that he had
made arrangements for the adequate
protection of the German gunbOat Cor
mOrant, interned there. Reports from
New Orleans said German war bound
-teamers in that port had been towed
INTO mid-stream and anchored for the
purpose of cutting off shore com
wunication and also 20 protect the
dock in case Of FIRE or explosion.