AMERICA AND THE PIRATES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2549, 25 August 1915, Page 7

AMERICA AND THE PIRATES

THE SINKING OF THE ARABIC GERMAN ATTEMPTS TO EXPLAIN IT AWAY By Telegraph—Preßß Association—Copyright Now York, August 23. Messages from Berlin indicate that German official spokesmen, seeking to allay American irritation, suggest that the Arabic wa-s blown up by a mine, ilot torpedoed by a submarine. They quote a Copenhagen newspaper as stat- ' ing that mines are floating around the East and West Coasts of England. Count Reventlow' (the German publicist) suggests that Captain Finch gave the passengers and crew lifebelts preparatory "to an attempt to ram the submarine, and adds: "Should proof be forthcoming that a submarine destroyed the Arabic and thereby Americans were drowned, it will be a new proof of the rightfulness of the German policy, for we have always warned neutrals against embarking in ships destined to cross the war zone, and have regretted that tlio United States has disregarded , the warnings and tried thfoupfli tHreats to foroo Germany to relinquish the submarine war on commeroe." Count Reventlow _ believes that this represents the. undivided opinion of Germans. OFFICIAL HINT OF A RUPTURE. The High Commissioner reports:— London, August' 24, 5.40 a.m. 'Dispatches from Washington predict the breaking off of, diplomatic relations unless Germany, justifies tho sinking of the Arabic." AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. (Rec. August 25, 1.45 a.m.) Washington, August 24. It is officially announced that America's course of action will be determined when all the facts concerning the - Arabic are ascertained. This is interpreted to mean that President \\ilson will suspend judgment, as his present information is fragmentary. ■The "Times" predicts that if it is- ' proved that the Arabic incident was a deliberate and unfriendly act, President Wilson will recall Mr. Gerard from Berlin, and dismiss Count Bernstorlf, and may also summon ■, Conjjress to make additional military provision. TlioJ'New York World" shows that a person with tho initials "M.P." obtained a candid_ and confidential statement from President Wilson respecting his (tho President's) attitude, and then informed, the German agents, who reported to their Embassy. This report alleged that a Not 9 of protest would go to England regarding interference , with American cargoes whether Germany - • satisfactorily replied to the Lusitania Note or not, but, if possible, to settle , the Lusitania satisfactorily, and then President Wilson would bind himself to carry a. protest against England to the uttermost. "M.P.'s" information die', not mislead the Germans, for a secret report to the Ambassador described the statement as .unbelievable. PUBLIC OPINION INFLAMED. _ DEMANDS FROM THE PULPIT. (Rec. 'August 24, 8.30 p.m.) Washington, August 23. President Wilson is still awaiting tha details of the Arabic incident. The British announcement concern*'' ing tho Arabic states, that the liner was not convoyed, nor did she attempt to escape. Further, she was not warned. This has inflamed public opinion. Even New York church sermons demand more vigorous action by the Government. ANOTHER LINER SUNK OCEAN S.S.'COY.'S DIOMED. London, August 23. The Ocean Steam Ship- Company's v liner Diomod, 4672 tons, has been sunk. Eer commander, Captain Myles, and two others were killed. Seven others, were drowned and several injured.