The sun., 1917-02-11
AMERICAN LINE
WAITSFOR US.
Won't Take Chance With
out Guns and Gunners
or a Convoy.
OTHER COMPANIES DELAY
Look to Franklin for Guidance
in Policy to Be Adopted by
Steamships.
OTHER COMPANIES DELAY

Steamship officials here received pri-
vate information from Washington last
night that the Government is about
ready to supply arms and gunners to
American Line ships and all other ships
carrying the American flag to the SUBJ
marine zone. The intimation is that the
Government will announce within a few
days that the only possible way of main
tanning American trade with Europe un-
der present conditions is to provide
American ships with naval guns and
trained gun crews Warship conveys
will not be furnished.
A plan has been worked out by the
General Board of the Navy which i'm
plies that the navy will supply guns and
gunners TO protect American ships from
pirates. Some of the vessels will have
to be strengthened structurally to bear
the weight Of the six inch guns that will
be provided when Uncle Sam finally
makes up his mind about the details.
Several vessels including the st. Louis,
were strengthened in 1898 at the time
of the Spanish war; and the mounting
of guns on these ships would necessitate
few changes.
Shipping circles hear that the Navy
Department is quietly making advance
arrangements for the necessary guns
and gunners. The bureau of ordnance
has this work in charge. A high official
made the significant remark to-day that
the question of American Line sailngs
would be disposed Of very shortly now
The suggestion that warships be sent
with American merchant vessels is re-
tected as impracticable. There are not
enough warships available and ii is
doubted that warships would furnish
sufficient protection. The only way out
of the quandary II American ships are
TO continue in service is to arm the
merchant ships and let them take care
of themselves. Warship conveys are
regarded as incXped!ent for the reason
that Germany might see in the step an
act which could legally be construed as
state Of war.
Must Have I. :. Protection.
u. A. s. Franklin OF the International
Mercantile Marine announced last night
that no ships of the American Line VIII
be sentstN sea unless the United states
provides warship protection or unless
it supplies guns and gunners with
which the line can protect Its own prop
erty and the lives for which 1t would
feel responsibility. The announcement
grips American and other neutral ship
owners. Shipping interests look to the
American Line for guidance and 1t may
be that the heads of other steamship
companies will be forced to adopt the
policy which Mr.. Franklin finds neces-
sary.
"As far as the American Line is con-
cerned." said Mr. Franklin, 1--WE have
done our best in every direction to Sc
cure the necessary guns and gun crews.
but it does not seem possible to us that
private corporations will be able to equip
our ships with defensive armament. II
looks as II the American Line steam
ships will not be able to sail at all un-
less the Government decides either to
provide conveys or to put on each or
our steamships the guns and trained
crews essential to the safety of pas
sengers and crew.
Unless We get convoy OF American
warships or proper naval guns with a
trained crew for each gun the ships of
the American Line will not sail. II has
been found that even IL the line were
| able to secure guns for defensive pur-
poses 1t would take n long time to get
| the proper gun crews and equipment
The only source Of supply in the United
States, it seems, is the Government.
Cannot Find Even One Gun.
British ships are sailing to and from
! this port with indifference to any orders
l,from Germany because they are armed
| but the American Line cannot find ever
one gun to protect itself In case of emer'
gency. We should really have two {
| inch guns upon every ship unless con,
| voys are furnished. Otherwise We mus
obey the German decree There are toe
many lives and too much property a
stake for US to take chances.
| Every gun factory has been can
vassed without result and we are VI
against a situation which daunts u.s.
The local agents of the Scandinavian
| American Line announced yesterday tina
| the Frederik VIII will sail at +. NJ.
on Wednesday with Count Won Bernstorf
and his staff and German consular
agents as passengers. Other bookings
will be accepted.
| Permission was received by cable yes
| terday from the home office to send tho
Frederik VIII. to sea. The German
Ambassadors party will include abou
800 persons, and the police of this cit,
| and Hoboken yesterday made the neces
| sary arrangements.
| A wireless message was received a
the American Line offices last nigh
! from Capt. Barman of the Kroonlant
stating that the ship would arrive of
Ambrose Channel at midnight last night
Chief of Police Hayes of Hoboken ant
Police Commissioner Woods have ar
ranged to patrol the water front and t,
guard the piers while the Germany part!
is being transferred and while they wal
In port.
There was a rumor last night that In
Frederik VIII. would sail on Tuesday
but the announcement by the line gave
iP. NJ. on Wednesday as the sailing hour
Halvor Jacobsen. agent OF the line. sal,
the weather might interfere with the ar
rangements by delaying the coaling o
the ship. II will be. necessary for tn
Frederik VIII. to touch at Halifax s
as to give British officials opportunity t
inspect vessel and passengers.