The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1915-06-02


would be trouble at home.
Therefore many officials believe the
next note to Germany should leave
no doubtful grounds and should make
1t clear that what the United States
wants Is assurance that her citizens
win have the protection they are en-
titled to and that we are not trying
to stretch International law so far as
to cover protection to contraband or
of merchantmen admittedly engaged
in that trade.
There Is no doubt that the president
is carefully weighing all suggestions
received by him. In the fall knowl-
edge that the slightest evidence OF
determination will certainly be con-
strued as weakness and will precipi-
tate instead Of prevent a crisis, he is
prepared to make it plain that on the
big question at issue there can be no
backing down by the United States.
If it is possible, however, to assist
Germany in meeting our views by
changing non-essentials, it is certain
that Germany will find the administra-
tion most Sympathetic.
One thing which has caused feel
ing of worry here is the apparent at
tempt On the part Of certain British
and continental newspapers to cause
trouble by mis-stating matters. Stories
that the United States has assured
the allies they can count on support
have been printed In London and
Paris and conveyed to Berlin as facts.
They are entirely false.
The president remains hopeful that
when the last word Is said, the years
=, tvs1y n
Germany will outweigh everything else
and that a way will be found for peace
and continued friendship without thei
sacrifice Of single honorable prin-
ciple. A.
Won Bernstorff Sees President.
TBy John Edwin Nevin, United Press
Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, June 2.-President
Wilson saw German Ambassador Won
Bernstorff today
The two had thirty minutes talk
together at the white house. Two
minutes, before Won Bernstorff left, |
Italian Ambassador Cellere arrived to
see the president. Considering the
relations between their respective
countries, 1t would have been little |
short of a diplomatic tragedy had the
German and the Italian met. White /
house attendants were forced to some
lively maneuvering to get Won Bern
storff out by one route while Cellere |
entered by another.
No statement was issued from the |
white house concerning the nature OF |
the presidents and Won BernstorIfs s
talk. Secret service agents prevent
ed any one from getting very close TO |
the German diplomats as he took his |
Nevertheless, the ques- |
tion was put to him whether he had
any statement to make. In answer,
he shook his head.
II was believed. however, he tciG
the president substantially these i
things: That Germany stands ready
to do all required of her in the way
of reparation wherever it is shown |
that she has infringed on American
rights.
That there must be an understand
ing between the two nations concern
ing the conduct of unarmed and neu-
trail vessels and that, based on such
an understanding, they can be 1uHy
protected. in keeping with the terms
of The Hague convention.
That in the case of the Lusisania,
Germany has reason to believe in the /
soundness Of her position with regard !
to that vessels alleged defiance OF |
the rules of international warfare ard
the violation of an American statute /
the carrying of explosives, /
but that this issue presents no insur-
obstacle. provided clear
can be reached on the
involved.
The most sanguine scarcely ex-
pected the German ambassador to in
dicate his governments Willingness
10 abandon submarine warfare unless