HE WEATHER PROODABLY SNW TOl) Y Ar ikrn D UNITED DAY AND WIRE SE NwAqw PRESS ERVICE I- VOL. XXVII. No. 115. ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1917. PRICE FIVE CENTS t CgANAL CgAN RESIST NAVAL ATTACKll IS GOETHALS' OPINION DiEFENSE Of -11, DITCH" AMPLY BUILDER ADMITS GREAT LACK O F FOOD SUPPLIES 'TAU BETA PI TAKES IN HONOR MEMBERS Major-General G. W. Goethals iiated by Engineering Fra- ternity Last Night In. Constructive Way "I do not Features of Giant Water- D(ewonstrated in Lecture look for a strong naval development against the Panama canal in the event of war being de- clared against the United States. The experiences of the United States in our attacks on San Juan and Santiago and the more recent naval actions by the British in the Dardenelles, con- clusively proves that sea coast de- fenses are not in danger of being over- whelmed by a naval attack," said Ma- jor-General George W. Goethals in characterizing the military situation on the Panama. canal, in his speech, "Some Constructive Features of the Panama Canal," delivered last night in Hill auditorium. Defense Provided For According to General Goethals, the defense of the canal has been amply provided for by the government, the armament being stronger and more powerful than that possessed by any other nation, notwithstanding the fact that the 14-inch guns and 12-inch mor- tars were constructed in the United States. A garrison of 9,000 troops is stationed on the canal zone, and if the naval experts are correct in their be- lief that the largest force that any nation could hope to land for use against the canal is 5,000, no fear need be entertained said General Goethals for the safety of the waterway. Although believing that military pre- cautions were sufficient to withstand any attack, General Goethals admitted that there was a grievous lack of sup- plies, and asserted, that in the event of war the U. S. could not hope to hold the waterway unless provision had been made for the storing of sup- plies. At the present time there was meat sufficient to last three months, but of other supplies only enough for one month. General Goethals also claimed that we lacked aeroplanes. Construction Shown The constructive features of the giant waterway, the workings of the double lock system in use in the Gat- un and Pedro Miguel locks, the huge drydock, able to accommodate the largest battleship afloat, and views of the coaling stations that have been built on both coasts to aid in the fuel provision of war ships were shown in the slides with which General Goethals illustrated his lecture. Slides, accidents, and explosions all hindered the project, the explosions often resulting in the loss of life. The slides, which have not yet ended in the canal, proved the most trouble- some and often necessitated much ad- ditional excavation. THEATER REHEARSAL Opera Cast to Be Given First Taste of Footlights Tonight Last night, for the second time, the cast and chorus of "Fools' Paradise" ran through their parts together, this time not a hitch marring the entire presentation. Starting with tonight and continu- ing until the initial performance Wed- nesday night, rehearsals will be held at- the Whitney theater. This will give the men an opportunity to become thoroughly acquainted with the stage and the glare of the foot lights. Word was received yesterday from the Van Horn company of Philadelphia that the costumes had been shipped and they are expected to arrive in Ann Arbor today. Yesterday's seat sale was second only to that of Monday, yearly mem- bers of the Union getting their tickets yesterday. The sale this afternoon will be open to yearly members, and those desiring seats who have not as yet procured them are urged to do. so at this time, as the general seat sale opens Saturday morning-at the Whit- Tan eta Pi, the national honor engineering fraternity, held the most successful initiation in the history of Michigan Gamma chapter yesterday afternoon when Major-General George W. Goethals, Lyman F. Moorehouse, '97E, Sutton Van Pelt, '98E, and Prof. John C. Parker, '01E, honorary mem- bers, and 11 junior engineers were taken into the organization. The ritual ceremonies were held at 4 o'clock in the engineering library and were followed by a formal ban- quet in Barbour gymnasium at which occasion T. W. Sheahan, '17E, acted as toastmaster. General Goethals was the principal speaker of the even- ing. H. A. Taylor, '17E, extended the welcome of the chapter to the newly elected members and W. B. Sickler, '18E, responded for the initiates. Prof. L. M. Gram of the engineering fac- ulty also spoke. It is estimated that 105 men were present at the affair, 64 of whom were local and out-of- town alumni. MEETING Of RAIL EDS MAY PRECIPITATE STRIKE NEITHER SIDE SHOWS INDICA- TION OF INTENT TO YIELD New York, March 14.-The railway managers' committee and the railway brotherhoods' chiefs held separate meetings in New York this afternoon preparing for the joint session tomor- row, which may precipitate the pro- gressive nation-wide strike starting ir the East Saturday. In neither camp was there any in- dication of intent to yield, the brother- hoods standing pat on the demand for operation of the Adamson eight-hour law, and the employers refusing to act until the supreme court renders its de- cision on the law.' May Make Statement At railroad headquarters, where it was reported the managers were for- mulating their program,. it was said they might have a statement later in the lay. The brotherhood chiefs met in a hall on the lower east side with, chairmen of their organizations on eastern roads. The 19 railroad managers, repre- senting 250 railroads, met in the Grand, Central terminal building. Elisha Lee, chairman of the committee, said he was "always hopeful for a settlement," but the railway heads were understood to be drawing a blunt refusal of the trainmen's demands. Government Control Brought Up Statements of brotherhood leaders to the effect that if the public is op- posed to a strike the president would seize the roads and put the federal eight-hour law in operation, were the basis of charges by their opponents that the strike leaders hope to force government ownership. Unanimous endorsement of the pro- gram submitted by the big four broth- erhoods was announced late today at the meeting of representatives of the various groups of trainmen. +This gives the leaders the solid backing of the inen in their plan for a progre'- sive strike to be effective probably Saturday if no arrangement is reached in the meantime. SCHERMERHORN TO COMPETE IN PEACE CONTEST FRIDAY' Michigan will participate in the seventh annual state peace contest on Friday night, March 16, in Pease audi- torium, Ypsilanti, when James Scher- irhorn Jr., '18, this year's repre- sentative, will deliver his oration, "The Course of Empire." Five speakers from as many schools in Michigan will contest. The winner will receive a testimonial of $75, and will represent the state of Michigan in the next elimination contest to be held in April. Prof. R. M. Wenley to Lecture Today "Dogma and Fact" will be the theme1 of Prof. R. M. Wenley's lecture this afternoon in St. Andrew's Episcopal1 church at 4:30 o'clock. This is the1 third lecture in a series on the gen- LAUNCH CAMPIGN TO INCREASE NAVAL RESERVE MAJOR-GENERAL GOETHALS AND LIEUT. LUNDY ADDRESS 'VOLUNTEERS Ancampaign to increasevthe enroll- ment of the Michigan naval reserve from 110 to 150 was launched last night by the officers of the organiza- tion, acting under instructions from battalion headquarters, when the en- listed men were addressed by Major- General Goethals, and Lieutenant Commander Chas. B. Lundy of De- troit, in the lecture room of the Na- tural Science building. Major-General Goethals spoke to the men for a few minutes before lec- turing in Hill auditorium. He ex- pressed his pleasure at seeing the men present and said he wished their num- ber might be increased. Lieut. Com- mander Lundy explained the need for men of the University type and the op- portunities for national service by the local reserve units. Lieut. Command- er Lundy is the executive officer of the First Battalion of the Michigan Naval Milita. Inspect Volunteers The immediate occasion for the en- largement of the University divisions, along with the other units of the naval forces of the state, is the na- tional emergency now existing. With- in two weeks a board of federal and state officers will inspect the organ- ization and examine officers and men preparatory to incorporating them into the National Naval Volunteers. It is desired by the authorities that these divisions should be at full war. strength. In explaining the status of the Un- iversity divisions, and the work that. already has been accomplished, Lieu- tenant J. R. Hayden, commanding the 8th Division, in an interview, pointed out that although the present enlisted men were mustered in on January 10 last, they had drilled for some three months prior to that date, six weeks last spring and a like period before the Christmas holidays. "We feel therefore," he said, "that our organiza- tion has reached the point at which we can handle efficiently and assimilate quickly 20 recruits in each division." Are Units in Battalion As to the place of these divisions in the armed forces of Michigan and of the United States, Lieutenant Hay- den stated that at present they are units in the first battalion, Michigan (Continued on Page Five) INLANDER OUT SOON Lightness to Characterize March Is- sue of Magazine For its March number, which will appear on the campus about Friday, March 23, the Inlander will offer rather more of the purely literary than it has served to its readers so far this year. Articles of a conten- tious nature are lacking, yet the poems, stories, and essays of the lighter type, will make up this de- ficiency. Prof. Willard T. Barbour of the Law school, has contributed an article on undergraduate life at Oxford. Al- though the history of the ancient in- stitution of learning is touched upon, as well as some of the present day aspects, the whole presents a vivid picture, more impressionistic than de- tailed. Lightness is the element most mark- ed throughout the table of contents, only a few pages of editorials taking up in serious wise important ques- tions now at issue. DEUlTSCHER VEREfN GIVES ONE ACT PLAYLET TONIGHT The Deutscher Verein will meet at 3 o'clock tonight in the society's rooms. The program will consist of a one act playlet whica has been pre- pared for the occasion by s:me of the members. Applicants for membership will be, wscu:sed by the executive board, which meets at 7 o'clock. Dr. A. G. Hall to Run for Alderman. Dr. Arthur G. Hall, registrar of the, University, was nominated to run on, the Democratic ticket for alderman of the Seventh ward in the coming elec- tion to be held April 4. Mr. Charles A. Sink was nominated by the Re- GOVERNMENT TAKING ALL POSSIBLE STEPS Administration's Belief of Unchanged Teuton Policy Confirmed by Action Washington, March 14.-The sink- ing of the American ship Algonquin unwarned by a submarine confirmed today the administration's belief that Germany would carry on her "ruth- lessness" against American shipping, but, for the moment, it does not alter the general situation. The sinking convinced authorities that they have nothing to hope for in the way of modified procedure on Ger- many's part. While there was gen- eral agreement that the Algonquin case does not mean war at present, state department officials regarded the incident as extremely serious. The general view, however, was that despite the overt character of the case, this government for the present is taking all the steps it can through its ship armament policy. Affidavits from members of the crew of the Nor- wegian steamer Scorstad cabled to the state department today confirmed pre- vious reports that Germany utterly disregarded the Belgian reief flag when she sunk the vessel without warning. CHINA BREAKS TEUTON DIJMAlC RLTIONS SEIZES GERMAN MERCHANT VES- SELS IN SHANGAI - HARBOR Washington, March 14.-Diplomatic relations between China and Germany were broken by China today, accord- ing to an official message to the navy department. The Chinese government has seized the German merchant vessels in Shanghai harbor, and the crews have been sent ashore. Armed guards have been placed aboard the vessels. The message came from the senior naval commander in Chinese waters. China is expected to help supply the allies from her enormous store of metals and her munition factories. The German vessels seized were small boats which had been interned for many months. Shortly after receiving the- navy message, the- state depart- ment received the following message from Minister Reinsch: "China has broken off diplomatic relions with Germany. The German minister will be handed his pass- ports today." The break represents a complete change in sentiment from that which existed in China at the start of the war when the population was gen- erally pro-German. As a result of the break, China will probably obtain the extension or remittance of the Boxer indemnities along with several other concessions she has greatly desired. ENGLISH SHIP SUNK Vessel East Point Torpedoed Without Warning March 9 Washington, March 14.--The British steamer East Point was torpedoed off Eddystone lighthouse March 9 without warning, according to a message to the state department from the Ameri- can consul at Plymouth. The entire crew was saved. A ,esssge from Consul Frost at Queenstowii -Lqnld of the kiling of five British, and the narrow escape from death 'f one American, John W. Vin- cent, Oak Bluff, Mass., hi the torpedo- ing of the Leland trader Norwegian. Duchess of Connaught Dies in London London, March 14.-The Duchess of Connaught died here this evening. SINKING LEAVES SITUATION ALTERED FOR THE MOMENT UN- UNITED STATES STEAMER ALGONQUiN FALLS VICTIM TO GERMAN SUBAIE"RUTHLESSNESS"1 VESSEL IS ATTACKED WITHOUT WARNING1 ENTIRE CHEVY SAVED PROF. REEVES SAYS SINKING OVERT ACT United States' Entry Into War De- pends on Wilson's Interpreta.- tion, He Declares -"The sinking of the American ship Algonquin is an act of war against the United States," said Prof. Jesse S. Reeves, head of the department of political science yesterday. "No declaration of war on our part is necessary for the president to take steps with reference to a further de- fense of this country," said the pro- fessor. "The fact that no lives were lost is a happy one, but the sinking of the vessel is just as much an act of war as it would have been had a large number of lives been lost, and I believe the president will take steps to speed up the mobilization of the navy, and possibly of the army as well. "The fact that congress. is not in session will in no way hinder Presi- dent Wilson, although, of course, without congress in session the United States could not declare war. The president has already authorized the arming of all vessels that are to sail, and before that he had broken off diplomatic relations with Germany. All that is left for him to do is to issue a call for mobilization, and I look for an immediate speeding up of all mobilization. It is within the power of the president to construe the act of Germany as an act of war," continued Professor Reeves. "His in- terpretation of the act may or may not so construe it. The entrance of the United States into the war de- pends o President ~avsn's inter- pretation of the act, which is undoubt- edly overt." AETNA POWDER CO. BLAST KILLS SIX Loss Is $800,000; Think Explosion May Be Result of Plot Clean, New York,. March 14.-Six men were killed in an explosion in the Aetna Explosive company's plant at Emporium, Pa., near here, today. The building was destroyed with a loss of about $800,000. While the building was burning, fire broke out in the cotton storage plant of the company about a quarter of a mile from the recovery plant. The two fires following each other so closely lead to the suspicion here that they were the result of a plot.' SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS FAVORABLY ON DR. GRAYSON Washington, March 14.-The sen- ate naval affairs committee today or- dered a favorable report on the nom- ination of Doctor Carey T. Grayson to be medical director of the navy, with rank of rear-admiral. This action was taken by a party vote, the Republicans on the committee opposing the con- firmation. It is expected that Doctor Grayson will be confirmed in a short time. ALL-FRESH MANDOLIN CLUB TRYOUTS HELD TONIGHT Tryouts for the All-fresh Mandolin club will be held at 7 o'clock tonight in room 205 north wing, with the object of securing men who may be trained for next year's Varsity club. Those who have already had experience in team work with the freshman club will be given prefer- ence. A violin, 'cello, saxaphone, and flute is needed. Rex St. Clair, '19F will be in charge of the meeting. ELECTRIC TRAIN ACCIDENT KILLS ONE, INJURES FIVE Fort Wayne, March 14.-On3 man was killed and five other persons were injured, two probably fatally, today when an outgoing Bluffton electric passenger car was struck by a freight train about two miles south of here. The dead man was believed to be Carl Thompson of Bluffton. Sub Comes to Surface Upon Finding Boat Unarmed; Crew Loses BelongIngsa By Ed L. Keen (United Press Staff Correspondent.) London, March 14.--The American steamer Algonqui fell victim Monday to the ruthless submarine warfare. All of her crew of 27 were saved, according to official advices received by the American embassy from the American consul at the port where they landed. The Algonquin was attacked with- out warning by shell fire from the German U-boat. After her crew had taken to the life boats the German commander sent a detachment of his men aboard the Algonquin. They set bombs, which sunk the ship. The submarine opened fire from a point three miles distant from the Algon- quin and fired 20 shells at the first fusilade. When appealed to, the submarine commander refused the request of the survivors to tow the lifeboats, and, departed, leaving the Algonquin crew to their fate. :Captain Norderg of the Algonquin reported today that his ship was attacked at daybreak. Crew Loses Belongings Four, of the fusilade of shells di- rected at the Algonquin struck her forward. At that time the weather was bad, and no vessels were in sight. The crew of the Algonquin lost all their belongings and suffered consid- erable from exposure in lifeboats. Captain Norderg also remarked that after firing a round of shells, the Ger- man U-boat came up close to the Al- gonquin and circled around her sev- eral times,rapparentlysighting through the periscope for arms. Find- ing the ship without guns the sub- marine came to the surface. Af- fidavits of Captain Norderg and mem- bers of his, crew are to be cabled -to Washington. Vessel Unarmed New York, March 14.-The Ameri- can Star line, owners of the subma- rined American steamer Algonquin, today declared the vessel was not armed. Line officials said there were 27 men in the crew. At least 11 were Americans. The Algonquin was formerly in lake traffic, and was put in trans-Atlantic service when the demand for bottoms became so great that many lake ships were bought for such a purpose. The cargo was valued at $1,500,000. Lloyd's lists the Algonquin as reg- istered from Port Arthur, Ont., as a steel steamer of 1,806 tons. When she was transferred to the American Star line she was put under American registry and flew the American flag. Professor Bonner to Address Club Prof. CampbellBonner of the Greek department, will address the Classical club at 8 o'clock this evening in the lecture room of Memorial hall. After the regular meeting, an informal so- cial will be held in the basement. Professor Bonner will discuss the Greek play "Iphigenia Among the Taurians," in regard to its period, dramatic technique, and plot. He will also compare this play of Euripides with Goethe's "Iphigenie." The Sodalitas Latina of Ypsilanti, will attend in a body. All active and associate members, who, expect to at- tend, are requested to notify Ruth Kelsey, phone 114, before noon today. 1mr. -Fetter to Address Women Mr. N. C. Fetter, of the Y. M. C. A., w ill speak to University women on the subject, "The Silent Force," at 5 o'clock today in Newberry hall. Mr. Fetter gave this adc ross last year. be- fore a large audi-nce of University wo en, and has been asked to re- peat it at the regular m eekly vesper service for this week. Helen M. Bourke, '18, newly elected presient of the Y. W. C. A. will preside at the meetia;. SHIP SET UPON BY SHELL FIRE AND BLOWN UP WITH BOMBS COMMANDER REFUSES TOW TO LIFEBOAT