OCEAN SUBMARINE ASSASSINS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3016, 1 March 1917, Page 5

OCEAN SUBMARINE ASSASSINS

THE LACONIA CRIME TERRIBLE ORDEAL FOR THE SURVIVORS , . London, February 27. the 'Daily Chronicle's" correspondent at Queenstown states that tho Lacoma was torpedoed without warning on Sunday night, in comparatively calm weather. After the second torpedo was discharged, the vessel listed, and the boats wore launched with difficulty. There was no panic, and the small loss of ufo was due to the excellent discipline. Besides the two American women believed to be drowned, there wore four other Americans on board, who wcro rcsoued after terrible experiences in the boats. A steamer with 267 survivors has arrived at Quoenstown. They wero picked up from eight boats. Somo of the survivors say that twenty-two wore drowned, others that only ton were drowned. Survivors' Stories. Later. The "Dady Chronicle" states that the latest nows regarding: tho Laconia is that thirteen peoplo are missing. The torpedo explosions account for moat of tho killed and wounded. The engineering staff and firemen underwent an awful ordeal, but most of them were picked up. The Rev. Father Waring states: "When the ship was torpedoed, I wont, to the lifeboat assigned to mo during the boat drills. Thoro was a little confusion, owing to the explosion extinguishing tho eleotric lights. Whilo a. boat was being lowered the tackles jammed, and Dr. Kennedy, seeiug that tho boat was at a dangerous angle, cut. tho rope and she reached the water. Tbero was a similar difficulty with another lifeboat. Somo of tho occupants of the third ifpboat wore thrown, into the Eoa, including two Amoricans, named JM're. and Miss Hoey. There is grave reason to fear that they were drowned, as they are missing. The very moment my lifeboat was being rowed from tho sinking ship another explosion was beard, and tho big vessel rolled over. Twenty minutes elapsed between the firing of the two torpedoes. Captain Irvine now decided toabandon the ship. The wireless operators meanwhile were ]iard ab work sending wireless calls. They got ft prompt reply from a warship at Queonstown. Although the night was dark,, the moon came out occasionally, and enabled us to Bee the grand spectacle of a noble ship disappearing beneath the waves. We were in the boat from 9.30 p.m. until 4 a.m. We wero in no immediate danger, though there was a heavy Atlantic swell. 'Hie women were rory ill, bnt behaved admirably. 1 think the deaths do not exceed ten." Mrs. Mills, of Toronto, a saloon passenger, said: "Tho experience was ■■>, terrible one. The women were in the drawing-room when tho torpedo struck. Instantly they knew what had happened. We had boat drill several times on the passage, and were able to utilise our knowledge in getting in the boats. When the submarine came to the surface to make sure of the Laconia's destruotion, a. man in a boat said to the submarine commander: 'Don't you know you have torpedoed a ship contain iiig women and children P' Tho commander replied: 'They are all right for :i. few hours. A patrol-boat will piok them up.'"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DEATHS OF AMERICAN LADIES CONFIRMED London, February 27. The deaths of Mrs. and Miss Hoej are confirmed. The United Press agent attempted to interview Dr. Hoey over the telephone. Hβ said, "I'm an old man. of Bi. This is a terrible blow—my own dear wife and daughter pone." The conversation was broken off suddenly, and the servants later sa-id Dr. Hoey had collapsed completely in his bed. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OTHEJJ CASUALTIES. London, .February 27. Official.—Three of the Laconia's passengers are dead, and three missing. Sis of the crew arc missing, and six are in hospital.—Router. London, February '27. Two of the Laconia's boats, containing fourteen living and oight who had died from exhaustion, reached Bahtry. They had terrible experiences. Fifteen American negro seamen were saved.—The "Times." / WHAT WILL AMERICA DO? PUBLIC OPINION AT WHITE HEAT flow York, February 27. Mr. Lansing (United States Secretary of State) went to tho White House to a, conference with President Wilson this morning. It is believed that he took with him the latest official details about the Laconia. Public opinion is most angry about tho deaths of Mrs. and Miss Hoey, and will support President Wilson if he decides that an "overt act" has taken place. ■ But them is no indication of what Mr. Wilson's course will be. It is expected that he will await further details.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE OFFICIAL ATTITUDE ON THE LACONIA. : (R<?c. March 1, 0.20 a.m.) New York, February 27. The "Now York Times" Washington correspondent says that the official attitude on the Laconia. crime will oonstituto an overt act. No fothor facts from the inquiry are needed until Congress acts on tlio President's recommendations. All indications are that Congress will pass the Empowering Bill—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TATI7OTP At"DI7f"T AT? TUP TDIPFC GERMANY WILL NOT GUARANTEE SAFETY OF NAVAL REFUGEE SHIPS (Roc. March 1, 0.20 a.m.).! Washingtan," February - !?'. Germany refuses to guarantee the safety of tho American naval vessels Desmoines and Caesar if these are sent to Beirut with relief for destitute Americans, and also to bring off one thousand American refugees. The officials say that it will mean war if they are attacked. Some discuss the possibility of the refugees returning »jia Suez and tho Pacific. Arrangements have been made for the withdrawal of tho diplomatic officers from Austria, if necessary. The belief is that a break is inevitable. Spain will be asked to take ovor America's interests. , Diplomatio opinion states that Germany is trying to force a. break between America, and Austria. The Senate's Foreign Relations Committee has agreed to the amended draft Bill, which empowers the President to act. The draft carries the "full blanket" power asked for. The amendments permit shipowners or the President to arm merchantmen, and also stipulates that defensive guns may be placed fore and aft. Senators sa-y that the draft empowers anything short of sending an armed expedition to Europe, even permitting the sinking of manoeuvring submarines. There is widespread opinion that the arming of vessels is most likely to load to hostilities.

THE RECENT OUTRAGE ON DUTCH SHIPPING ■■>. •HOLLAND SENDS A NOTE. (Rcc. February 28, 9.10 p.m.) Amsterdam, February 27. _ Tho Dutch Foreign Minister has sent a Note to Berlin, the terms of which hold Germany responsible for the torpedoing of the seven. Dutch eteamers (reported on Moii'day). It is understood that if Germany is disposed to compensate Holland for tho loss of the vessele, Holland suggests that the Dutch Government should take over' the German merchant liners at presont taking refuge in , tho Dutch East Indies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

LATEST VICTIMS OF THE HUNS London, February 27. The following vessels are reported sunk:—Britisli; IJeadley (4953 tons), Seagull, Algiers (2361 tons), and Aries (3071 tons). Twelve survivors of the Aries' crew bavo landed, also the Falcon's orew. —The "Times."