New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-18
AUSTRIA ANXIOUS
AS TO POSSIBLE
EFFECT OF NOTE
Using Her Influence to
Induce Germany to
Agree with u. S.
lFfom Tie Tribune Bureaa.l

Washington, May 17.-Ambassador
Gerard reported to-day to the State
Department that he had delivered the
American note of May - 20 the Ger
man Foreign Office. Secretary Bryan
declined to admit that any hint had
been given in Mr. Gerard's message
as TO the date on which the German
reply would be completed. In the de-
partment a pronounced feeling Of op-
timism still reigns, in spite OF unoiil-
cial predictions from Berlin that the
German government will not agree to
abandon it's submarine campaign
against enemy merchantmen or even
offer 70 suspend that campaign while
negotiations with the United States IN
reference to it may be under way.
Both the Austrian and German am
bassadors are understood TO have
cabled 20 their governments urging
suspension Of submarine attacks on
passenger ships while the diplomatic
discussions are in progress. because Of
the serious situation that has resulted
in the United States from the sinking
Of the Lusitana. They have cautioned
extreme cerc. lest the sinking OF an
other ship with American lives aboard
may lead TO an immediate breaking
of the relations of the United States
with Germany.
Austria is watching with much in
terest the situation with which her ally
is confronted here, and her influence
is being used in the direction Of assist
ing in a peaceful settlement
Working For Compromise.
Various suggestions have been dis
cussed by the German and Austrian
ambassadors, and it is understood that
many OF them have been cabled 20
their home governments. Neither rs
informed as yet as TO the policy the
German government finally will fol-
low. That Count Won Bernstorf is
irving TO secure the adoption Of pol
ic, bv his government which will sat
;,fy public opinion in Germany with
reference to the continued use OF the
submarine as commerce destroyer
and still meet the American appeal for
humane treatment Of passengers and
crews Of belligerent vessels Is the be-
lief in many quarters.
The general expectation here is that
Germany will reiterate her willingness
10 abandon her present submarine war
fare on merchant ships and follow the
maritime prize laws If neutrals will in
fuence the Allies to permit the ship
ment Of foodstufs 70 civilians IN bel
ligerent territory.
High officials have made II clear,
however, that whatever the United
States may undertake with reference
20 the Allies must be distinct from It's
controversies with Germany and that
il will not be obligated by another
country to secure concessions from
Great Britain, though trying OF It's OWL
accord TO secure an acquiescence IN
what the American government consld
ers its rights under international law
VIII Insist on Principles.
As for the questions raised in ths
American note which Germany is un
derstood 20 be willing 70 arbi;rate. Of
ficials here say the American govern
ment will not be satisfied with les.
than an acceptance Of the principles o.
humanity and legality set forth in hei
note. That Germany may question IN,
righ, of neutrals aboard belligeren
vessels carrying contraband and ofei
20 arbitrate il is expected here. This
idea already has been rejected in hig'
- o,,a,taru ka.auaa nf fha rnn
Continued on mage L column