New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-13

States in this situation II Is made
plain that the United States Will leave
nothing undone, either IN diplomatic
representation or other action, 70 OBJ
tain a compliance by Germany TO the
request made.
Reports as 70 the exact form OF this
note are still largely guesswork. When
the Cabinet discussed Yesterday the
basis of protest TO Germany the note
from Berlin admitting responsibility
for the observance Of international law
in the treatment Of neutral vessels
had not vet arrived. 4 general protest
against Germanv's lawless sea policy
was at first intended. That IS hardly
necessary now. The scope OF the dif-
ferences between the two governments
has been materially narrowed. and the
only vital point left 20 be dealt with Is
whether Germany will acknowledge the
night Of American citizens TO travel on
British merchantmen and promise 70
spare the lives of American passengers
when such merchantmen are to he tor
pedoed and sunk.
On this narrowed issue the Presi-
dents letter restates the American po-
sition thoroughly and with added posi-
tiveness All those who are in posi-
'ion 70 know declare that II will meet
he Just expectations Of the public. Il
- not threat nor an Ultlmatum. IL
doe. not state categoricslly alterna-
lives Of action, one or other or when
must be accented Internationally. IL
leaves Germany a certain latitude IN
response. But II thoroughly eniightens
the German government on the state OF
public opinion here, allowing the Der
lin Forelzn Ofice 20 draw its own CON
clusion as 10 the determination OF the
American people TO reassert their
rights on the high seas and 10 carry
that resssertion 70 logics! finish
wherever fate NAV lead.
In short, in writing the note the
President has reacted to popular sen
timent and not given rein 70 any him
dering personal thoughts.
What will follow the receipt by Ger
many Of the American communication
There are two opinions here. One, com
ing from those who share Mr.. Bryan's
p.cifst inclinations, holds that there
will be no rupture of diplomatic rela-
lions for the present. According to
this view. Germany will revive the old
proposition Of bargain with Great
Britain BY which the German war
4one" proclamation viii be Withdrawn
IN return LOT Iilt NAH lItAASlNiA ~ pANNN
Britain OF her embargo on the imports-
ton Of foodstutFs into Germany II in
tended for the exclusive use OF the
civilian population Such move would
necessarily prolonC negotiations, even
though the British governments re-
flsal to dickCr may be accepted as a
fOregone conclusion.
There is no last word in diplomacy"
said Mr.. Bryan recently II Germany
wants 10 test the validity OF Mr..
Bryans theory there are q dozen ways
in which 10 test IT, The United states
is doubtless willing 20 discuss fairly
any scheme, compromise or adjustment
which seems TO be offered in good faith.
There is another opinion. however,
which foreseeS an abrupt breach in re-
lations between the two governments.
From this point of view, the Kaiser
would have 20 take into account the
German public's violent animoslty tow
ard Great Britain and its III concealed
resentment 81 the recent course OF the
United States To cripple the subma-
rine campaign against British com
merce by admitting that unarmed brlt-
ish merchantmen carrying American
passengers may be destroyed only after
the safety OF those passengers has
been assured. would stir the German
people 10 wrath, possibly to open re-
volt against the governments conces-
sions. 1t il held that a rupture OF re-
lations with the United States even
IN open declaration Of war would
eem a lesser evil 20 the Kaiser than
q humiliating diplomatic surrender.
The American protest is so framed
that the choice between friendship or
Cnmity now passes 10 Germany. The
solution rests with Berlin. and Berlin's
answer, il Is safe TO say, Will be dc
ated not by strictly diplomatic con
.iderations. but by the political and
military exigencies Few here think
nat Germany can yield.
Whether IL brings peace or war the
.ew note will have n lasting efect on
cur domestic nOIc.os. Never again IN
our time viii the United States drl1t
within sight Of war with so poor
,reparation for offence or defence. TINS
administration has been foe or mil
itsry Dreparedness. The President has
been content 20 LEI the country muddle
long with fair but not adequate
navy. and with military establish
uent which Is little better than a JOKE
4 some accidental international frlc-
lion can so easily array US, almost
without notice. against any one OF me
great military powers OF the world II
IS folly on our part 10 remain uh,
arrned and therefore unable 70 delenu
a lust cause except al an lnordinate
cost and with the cruel sacrihces en-
tailed by unpreparedncss
This note viii also be message 70
Congress and the nation, calling for
he Institution of rational programme
~ defence by sea and land the crea-
tion Of real army and the expansion
II the navy so that IT Will be able 10
meet the navy of any other power IN a
nosition to force war upon us. Al las'
rnr great illusion of immunity Is shat-
tered and q proper development OF 0ur
military resources is IN slent.