The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1915-05-14

| NeIiHdH vessels OF war on neutral
ships of commerce will not be made
and that even when such ships have
contraband of war on board they will
be dealt with by submarines solely
according to the rules of international
law applying to prize warfare"
Germany also states unequivocally
| in this latest circular that should any
neutral ship come to harm through
German submarines of aircraft on ac-
| count of an unfortunate mistake, 1.-The
German government will unreservedly
recognize its responsibility therefore. "
Protection for Neutrals.
These statements of the German
circular were taken by state depart
ment officials as absolute assurance
that no American ships entering the
war zone even if laden with contra
band, would be in any danger of being
sunk without warning as was the
English liner Lusitania.
1t was the general opinion in WASH
ington official circles that the modi-
fled position taken by Germany was
due to the interference OF popular
opinion in the United States as con-
yeyed to her officials in this country
resentation of the administration to
the German government
The German ambassador, Count Won
Bernsdorff, has heretofore shown on
several occasions and in an unmis-
taxable way that he was more con-
cerned about the public opinion of
America than he was about the atti
tude of the administration III affairs
affecting the European war situation.
Up to the time of the sinking of the
Lusitania the ambassador had found
very strong element OF public opin-
ion supporting the German conten-
tons. There was sudden, a violent
and menacing change of opinion
when lis American lives were sacri-
feed through the torpedoing of the
Lusitania.
The very next day the ambassador
Won Bernsdorff, called at the state ue-
partment to express his regret over
the loss of American lives. His eX-
preston of regret was followed by an
official expression of regret by the
German government There was no
sign that public feeling has been al
layed by these expressions of re
greet and today came the circular from
the German foreign office giving am
pie assurance that no American ship,
even though it carried contraband of
war would be in danger of disaster
through the hasty action of German
submarines
These concessions by Germany can
not have been the result of any de-
mands or representations made by the
United States government, because
absolutely none have gone forward.
In fact, Secretary Bryan stated ex-
plicitly that when this government
sent a request to Ambassador Gerard
to get from the German government
its report on the sinking of the Lusi-
tania, this government did not express
any view or opinion to the American
for submission to Ger
many.
The change in the German position
therefore, is regarded here as being
to the widespread and posi-
tive expression of public opinion man
ifesting adherence of Germany's ac-
ton in sending over a thousand per-
sons, many of them American citi-
zens, to their death without warning
and without any opportunity to es-
cape.
Great Change in Policy.
Ambassador Won Bernsdorrffs atten-
ton was called tonight to the fact
that Germany's note, made public to-
night at the state department today,
declared an entirely different policy
with respect to neutral shipping than
that which Dr. Dernburg has been
stating in his speeches was the in
tention to pursue.
I'VE will refer you to DR.. Dern-
burg's Cleveland speech TO last Satur-
day evening, in which he said he was
a private citizen expressing his own
private view," replied the ambassador. |
This was the only comment he could |
be induced to make.
1t is not believed that the German |
assurances on the subject of neutral |
shipping have to any extent relieved |
the obligation to make representation |
with respect to the loss of lives on the |
Lusitania. But it is regarded as very |
much less likely now that what the |
president may have to say about the |
Lusitania disaster will lead to any |
clash with Germany He probably |
Will express in strong terms the gen
eral indignation felt in the United |
States over the disregard shown by
Germany that many American lives
would of necessity be sacrificed |
through the torpedoing of the British
iner, but at the same time he is ex-
,ected to note with qualification that |
Germany pledges herself not to treat |
Neutral passenger vessels with such
hooking lack of consideration for the
'recious burden they carry.
Reports Of Division.
During the long session of the cabi-
let there were reports that members
we're divided in opinion as to what |
hould be the character of the repre-
entation to Germany, even after the
German official statement had been
cad and considered. 1t is said that
few of the cabinet members favor a
nost vigorous denunciation, notwith-
landing Germany's weakening, but
hat the moderate view prevailed and
hat the president took up the ma
ure of the forthcoming reply from
he new lights before him.
The cabinet was in session for near
q IL