The Ely miner., 1915-05-21
GERMANY TO REPLY
THIS WEEK--GERARD
TEuToN PRESS NOT PERMITTED
TO PUBLISH TEXT OF
AMERICAN NOTE
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR ACTS
Works With Count Won Rernstorff In
Endeavor to Prevent Rupture
of Friendly Relations Between
Germany and v. S.

OF last Friday before the end of this
week. Ambassador Gerard cabled the
state department that he had read the
document to Herr Won Jagow, the for
eign minister, and that an early reply
would be forthcoming
The ambassador was given no init
nation of the feeling of the German
government. He was assured merely
that the subject would require consid-
GRAFTON by the higher officials, and
that reply would be ready soon. In
asmuch as the press had not been per-
mitted to publish the text of the note,
the ambassador also was unable to re-
port on the state of public opinion to-
ward 1t.
Diplomats Are Active.
In the meantime the diplomatic ac-
tivity of Count Won Bernstorff, the
German ambassador, and DR.. Constan-
tin T. Dumba, the Austrian ambassa-
dor, both of whom are understood to
be endeavoring to prevent a rupture
Of friendly relations between Germany
and the United States, Is attracting
much attention.
Neither of the diplomatists would
discuss the subject.
Doctor Dumba had a long confer
ence with Secretary Bryan and later
with other officials at the state de-
partment. 1t is known that he dis
cussed informally the situation pro-
duced by the sinking of the Lusitania
and the sending of the American note
and 1t is understood also that Secre-
tary Bryan apprised President Wilson
In New York of the substance of the
conversation. Later, Doctor Dumba
conferred with Count Won Bernstorff.
Urge Suspension of Attacks.
Both the Austrian and German am
bassadors are understood to have
telegraphed to their governments urg-
ing suspension of submarine attacks
on passenger ships while the diploma
tic discussions are in progress, be-
cause of the serious situation that
resulted in the United States from
the sinking of the Lusitania. They
have cautioned extreme care lest the
sinking of another ship with American
lives aboard may lead to an imme-
date break in the relations Of the
United States with Germany.
Austria is watching with much in
terest the situation which her ally is
confronting in the United States and
her influence is being used in the di-
rection of assisting in a peaceful set
tlement.
Protest to Bnitain Considered.
The general expectation here is that
Germany will reiterate her willingness
to abandon her present submarine war
'are on merchant ships and follow the
maritime laws if neutrals will influ-
ence the allies to permit the shipment
Of foodstuffs to civilians in belligerent
territory. In this connection, there
has been some consideration given in
official quarters here to the advisable
lty of sending note of protest to
Great Britain against the actual op-
erations of its fleet in enforcing the
blockade of commerce with Germany.
While the United States in effect
recognized the right of the allies to
maintain an effective blockade of the
German coast, it has never admitted
their right to interrupt the trade with
neutral countries unless it is proved
to be a contraband character with an
ultimate enemy destination. Many
non-contraband cargoes bound for neu-
o1c fa ho hnnn dot o6
and the sending of an emphatic note
to Great Britain on the subject in the
near future would not be surprising,
according to well-informed opinion to-
night.
U. S. Not Obligated.
High officials have made 1t clear,
however, that whatever the United
States may undertake with reference
to the allies must be distinct from its
controversies with Germany and
it will not be obligated by another
country to secure concessions from
Great Britain though endeavoring of
its own accord to secure an acquies-
cence in what the American govern
ment considers it's right under inter
national law.
AS for the questions raised in the
American note, which Germany is un-
derstood to be willing to arbitrate, Of
ficials here say the American govern
ment will not be satisfied with less
than an acceptance Of the principles
of humanity and legality set forth in
her note.