davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
LONDON PRESS AMAZED.
Think Megantic Attack Disposcs Of
Berlin's Excuse.

Sp|cidi cane DSsD1frh 10 TIE SrN,
LONDON. May 3I.-The comment OF the
English papers on the German reply to
Americas note demanding reparation for
the loss of American lives on the Lusi-
tania is generally in a tone OF wonder
at the alleged misstatements in the
note. Many of the papers ask what
excuse Germany will be able TO find for
from Liverpool and unquestionably
without ammunition, her chief excuse in
the case OF the Lusitania being that
there was ammunition aboard. Some of
the comment follows:
The PdN NAH Gazette:
III the slaughter OF the Lusitania's
passengers is TO be defended by the
assertion that the vessel vas carrying
ammunition. We wonder what excuse is
available for Saturdays attempts or the
steamship Megantic of the White Star
LIN That liner, which was outward
bound, cannot be worked into any theory
of c~ontraband on which Germany may
base the right OF murder"
The Daily Mail says that Germany's
answer shows a complete failure to
understand IN" temper OF the American
people, else IL would not have been
couched In such sneering and contemptu-
Gus language. The reply, II says, Is a
fat refusal to take the American Gov
denial Of the serious views taken by
Washington could hardly be imagined.
by making such a reply the German
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

poses to consume time by raising points
which call for further correspondence.
The fact is that Instead OF the American
note hating submarine warfare there
has been renewed vigor, and there APP
pears to be little doubt that the Ameri-
can boat Nebraskan was deliberately at.
tackled last week.
'On the face Of things, however. II
would seem that Germany has been less
frank than the United States and hat
President Wilson Is being toyed with by
impression that his patience will be
sufficient to restrain him from preclpi-
tst.Bs a breach"
The lksblatt.
Another chance for Germany is asked
by the VoIksbldtt. which says: "ff the
American Government wishes to act as
Judge In the matter II first must prove
all the circumstances. II the men in
Washington prefer to act as prosecutins
attorneys II will be a grave misfortune.
We should avoid the clamor of the mob
Just now, above all times"
The Dispatch.
The Dispatch without for a mo.
ment accepting the German contention,
We may recognize that there is n German
side to 1t. The points raised may seem
trifing compared to the main issue set
forth in the Presidents note. but can We
as consistent advocates Of the arbitra-
ton of international disputes deny the
further consideration that Germany
asks? II Is now nearly a month since
the Lusitania was sunk II is nearly
three weeks since the President sent his
note 10 Berlin. What Is to be gained
by iaring up and insisting on an imme.
date answer now. more than two OF
three weeks agoy'
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
CHICAGO.
The stats Zcitung.

The Stdnts Zcitung says: The Ger
mar Government goes further in its
answer than Our Government in Wash
ington could have expected. Not only
does It regret that several neutral
vessels were sacrificed 10 the submarine
warfare but IL is prepared TO make
compensation for the damage done.
This fact alone ought TO prove that
In no way is II the intention OF the
German Admiralty to destroy neutral.
especially American. shipping. The
administration cannot honestly dodge
the questions raised by Germany. The
German Government does not deny the
responsibility for the sinking OF the
Lusitania, hut wishes to determine the
status OF the ship. whether or not she
was an auxiliary cruiser"
The Daily News.
The Daily Neps says: "Germany's
reply to the note is OF course quite un-
satisfactory. The Washington Govern
ment has before il a historic opportunity
10 condemn the intolerable feature OF
Germany's submarine warfare and 10
point out the glaring faults in Herr
Won Jagow's reasoning.
Having performed this task with
patience and courtesy. It will have TO
await Berlin's further reply. That
reply should he marked with a consider
able degree OF detiniteness. Meantime
the United States will expect German
submarines and aeroplanes to refrain
from attacking American vessels sailing
under the American flag"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

The Public Ledger.

The Public Ledger says "Of all the
lame excuses In the German note the
lamest is the assertion that the Lusl-
tania had forfeited her right to be
treated as a merchantmen by carrying
ammunition. or all the ~insolent assump-
tons the most ~insolent Is tho assertion
that the United States became particepo
criminis by allowing her to break lts
laws. Equally remote from the fact
IL the assertion that the Lusitania car
ried guns mounted under decks and
masked
Another uneasy attempt to Justify
the outrage is found in the assertion
that the l.usitania went down SO quickly
because OF an internal explosion othor-
wise her passengers in all human prob
ability would have been sav,Al, This liz
a baseless assumption, but IL II were
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
"SoIicitude on One Point"
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
SYRACUSE.
The pOat-standard

The POst-Stdndmd says: THE Ger
man note does not make a straight
forward reply to any of the contentious
OF the American note. II is evasive in
form and apparently designed to he
procrastinating In effect. 1t gives no
guarantees that our rights on the sea
will be recognized and yet 1t does not
~unequivocally deny them.
III Is a plea for delay pending further
investigation rather than a brief in
Justification. 1t Is courteous in tone, but
does not breathe any deep concern for
continued friendly relations with the
United States"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

no means trining Is shown by the tone
OF the American press.
We have every hope that Mr.. Wilson
VIII ind a way out. but IL is idle To-
assume that the situation between the
nlted states n Germany is an agree
able one. Whatever the course Of the
president. he will ind back OF him a
united people"
The Star.
The star: Won Jagow's interview
says this note Is only n preliminary to
y discussion. The United States has
no desire nor intention to begin a long
diplomatic discussion OF violations OF
international law and neutral rights.
during watch the violations continue.
That the President VIII make this plain
IN "A speedy answer We may be sure"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
ST. PAUL..
The Dispatch.

The Dispdtch says: "Germany's re-
ply, coming az Il did on Memorial Day
when American hearts are attuned TO
the sweet, sad memories OF their sol
der dead. viii se~ve but to increase
the national feeling OF sorrow and
thoughtfulness.
Americans will he impclled 10 med!-
tate on the sacrifices which they OF this
generation may be called on to make
for the right, In the unfortunate event
that tho Washington and Berlin Gov
ernments canno effect an understand
ing"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
ROCHESTER,.
Democrat and Chronicle.

The Democrat aud Chronicle, Repup-
lican. under the caption, "A Shifty
Reply" says: "Germany's reply to the
American note is slngularly indefinite
unsatisfactory. The issue cannot be
met by sophistication or lodging.
1T Is to be hoped that Germany will
not have to be too severely prodded be
fore facing the situation squarely. for
there IL a limit to the patience Of the
American people and the American Gov
eminent. SO deep is their sense of out
rage and injury. and so firmly are they
convinced OF the Righteousness of their
contention In the present crisis"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
HARTFORD.
The Times.

The Times says: THE German note
Is ,purposely indefinite. II raises as
eertions. the accuracy or falsity OF
which ran be determined only by inves-
tigation. This will take time. Time
brings calm.
Perhaps the indignation aroused by
the tragedy OF the Lusitania may be
forgotten in the contemplation OF newer
and greater horrors along the battle
front and In the soothing emptiness OF
protracted diplomatic correspondence.
Meanwhile, II IL stupid to regard
the situation az other than grave
Wisely or unwisely. VI have made a
demand upon Germany. Germany re-
veals no intention OF complying with
that demand. What are W. going 10 dc
about it?'
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
DENVER.


The TI,ncS SAYS "Thosc who Nou1
force President Wilson to overhas,y
action are urged 80 withhold the We.
meant counsel. Nothing Is gained hy
noisy agitation. The country has every
confidence that President Wilson will
act wisely and firmly. The German note
leaves the way open. Its assurances o.
friendship and desire TO do the lsh'
thing should be taken literally IN,
Lusitania victims cannot bee restored 70
life by forcing matters. The lu'cu.hlnr
of notes has done much To- y.ot, ihs
atmosphere. Humauity's cause may
s'in lao won without tho shi,,ering -
international friendship
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

The journal.

The Journal says: ''The German note
is not a reply to the American note. pu,
a postscript t. what Germany reply
should have been. 1t is "A bubble. AN
evasion. IA pettifogging argument about
minor details, when the occasion de-
mands a state paper meeting the issue
with breadth. with Justice. with candor.
Germany has nothing 10 say about
the rights OF American citizens to voyage
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
"Meets Every Expectation"
Herman Ridder's Stadts-Zeitung.

H'TWuN HfuuSF q DfuutS-LcIthVH
The reply returned by the German
Government to the note addressed TO
it by the Secretary of State of the
United States on May 10 meets every
expectation which the latter could justly
give rise to.
The German reply is courteous. logl-
cal and straightforward. II deals solely
with those matters touched upon in the
American note which have to do with
the alleged violation of American rights
II does not concern itself with the dis
cussion of Germany's methods OF war
ring Upon Great Britain and her allies
and was in no way compelled at this
juncture to do 80.
The dominant strain in the German
communication il pacific and friendly
md OPENS the way for that peaceful
settlement OF the questions with which
II Is concerned which both the German
and the American people desire, The
communication is in no sense final. 1t
Is not impossible that we have been
wrong in some of our assumptions and
that Germany is not justified In all OF
hers. Germany will undoubtedly be
quite ready to accept the verdict when
the case has been thoroughly and
properly tried. our best efforts should
be exerted In support of our brief, but
We cannot deny Germany the privilege
Of doing the same.
The American people nay we'll sus-
pend judgment n leave action to the
President, assuring him of their solid
support in any decision at which he
may arrive which is based upon in
contestable rights. but leaving 1t no
less unmis,akable that they know nc
justice which Is not justice to all. no
honor which dishonors another and no
desire for wal hat IL avoidable.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

A benefit concert in aid OF the Polish
Victims Relief Fund will he given or
Thursday evening in the grand ball.
room Of the Waldorf Astoria. Ienaca
Jan PadoreWski Hili attend. The ar.
lists include Giuseppe Aldo Randagger
an Italian pianist Nine. Dc We're Sa.
pio. soprano; Miss Elizabeth starr
contralto, and Oscar ]. Ehrgott, barry,
tone.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
KANSAS CITY.
The star.

The star observes There il nothing
in the German note to alter the position
OF the United States as set forth in
president Wilson'S communication OF
May IL. II does. indeed, disavow the
destruction OF the American vessel Gull
flight by a submarine and the attack on
the Gushing by an aeroplane. But the
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

The Jo~na1.

The Journal says: THE answer is
that Germany is Justified In what she
has done and hat she will continue In
the course she has mapped out for her
self. regardless OF what we think about
1t. The President will OF course brush
aside this contemptuous insult and insist
on an immediate compliance with our
demands. failing which he will proceed
to sever diplomatic relations"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
ST. LOUIS.
The Times.

The Times remarks: THE German
note was badly timed for its arrival
IN this country. The American eagle
does not fancy having its tail feathers
pulled on any occasion, hu, the process
is particularly unwelcome on Decoration
Day, when the memory OF the country's
heroes II revived, That this view is by
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
Organs Thirty Treaties"
The Fdthcrld nd,

We have concluded thirty treaties
making "A years discussion obligatory
before the rupture of diplomatic rela-
tons. This Is Americas most sub
s~tantial contribution TO the civilization
OF the twentieth century. Germany has
accepted this theory in principle. She
now accepts Il in practice. We cannot
refuse her proffered hand without vio-
lat!ng the spirit OF every one OF those
thirty treaties
II We insist upon making an excep-
ton tn the noble tradition established
by us solely in the case OF Germany
We would furnish proof both 10 her
and to our own citizens that we are
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
true It would have no bearing on 4
case"
The Evening Bulletin.

The Evening Buiietin-"Evasion and
dilatory purpose are so obvious in rhe
reply OF Germany to President Will
sons note as severely to test the tenn
per OF the American people. The Ger
man reply disregards the essential
points OF the American communica-
ton. or at least p%ostpones consider
ation OF them"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
CLEVELAND
The Leader.

The Leader says: mo such reply to
the demands OF the United states Gov
m can satisfy the American PEG.
pie. President Wilson cannot let the
case rest with such negative results.
He assuredly will not retreat from the
high ground taken In his first note. He
knows that In the position maintained
at that time he has the support OF tho
entire nation behind him"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
2A3 Veterans March Thr"nGh Pat
erson Streets.

PATERSON. y. j, MAJ - No1'
$500 men and boys mar.ho! "'' 90
o43 civil wal veterans Of nJ' -"@ a',
vicinity in their annual par '"-'i'
Memorial exercises were held - Ei'
side Park, where Hugh g.. l.-1 ''r'
No. {. Sons Of Veterans, fired Sa'l',
of twCuty-Ouc guns.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
..NOral B~lindness.'
Netr York Herald.

While the signature to the German
note on submarine piracy is Jagow. the
impression deepens the more closely II Is
read h II should have been Dern-
burg. 1t seems incredible that any one
else on either side Of the Atlantic could
be so blind to American public opinion.
and the document shows insincerity and
insolence which NJ other German official.
so far as past performances go, would
be likely to master.
German statecraft since last July has
been smitten with some terrible malady.
Germany mn conceive that this
country regards her exploits in the SUBJ
marine field as murderous piracy and
mistakes the polite terms OF the note OF
May 10 as merely a friendly inter-
change. Her hands are dripping with
American blood and yet II is coolly pro-
posed from Berlin that we shall talk
about II as II II were a question of
joint control Of the Samoan Islands or
the percentage Of chemicals which we
should allow in imported fertilizer.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

on the high seas IN safety. nothing 10
say about the established rule of inter-
national law as to non-combatants. even
on enemy ships nothing to say about
the duties Of "a civilized belliEercnt
toward n~eutrals.'
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
GREEN STRIPE SCOTCH
Ask for the Non-re6llabl.
Bottle with the Green Stripe,
ANDREW USHER & CO., Edinburgh

terrible tragedy OF the Lusitan.a re.
mains.
This Government would fail IN ia
duty to It's citizens and 20 tho cause u
humanity II It did not stand by III.
terms OF its great protest"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
The Consultation.
PITTSBURG.
The Gnxctte-Times -.

The Gdsottc-Times says: "Germsny's
reply to the American note Of a fort
night ago falls short OF meeting the situ-
alton. 1t Is possible that Germany pro-
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
The Tribune.

The Tribune says: W. suspect that
the foreign policy OF the Wilson Ad-
ministration has been OF the kind which
has made Germany discount all the firm
ness contained IN the Lusitania demand.
There Is no discussion OF the inherent
right OF Eeutrals TO travel the high seas
unmolested by hostile ships. despite the
fact that the kaiser's representative at
the Hague convention proposed and
signed such n guarantee. There Is sim
ply the arrogance of a mil!tarism which
regards all ante-war treaties and agree
ments as so many scraps Of paper when
they stand In the way OF immediate
tactical advantages"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
NJ
The y~olksblRtt.

The Toiksbldtt says: IF the Lusi-
tania vas AT English auxiliary cruiser,
II II carried guns and ammunition on
board. then II was no longer a merchant
vessel. but n ship Of war. and as such
entitled to no protection. and no more
consideration could be given persons
on board than II they were on an
armored English cruiser.
'1f the facts show the Lusitania 10
have been OF the character OF a mer-
chant vessel. then Germany will admit
the blame. hut without hts proof IL
would he unjust in the highest degree
10 require Germany TO confess guilt"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01

The NeUs says: INSTEAD Of the Just,
prompt and enlightened action which
President Wilson in his note of May 10
said the people OF the United States ex-
pected Germany has taken recourse to
evasion. cavill,ng and procrastination.
Reposing full trust In President Wilson
and ready to support him to the utmost.
Americans can only hope against hope
that he will yet be able by peaceable
means to show Germany how wofully
mistaken she is II she thinks the United
States unable or unwilling to defend
the women and children OF her W or
other lands and uphold the cause OF
civilization"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
OF OUNTR
ON THE GERMAN ANSWER
Symposium of Editorial Comment Gathered From Pub
locations Representing Opinion in Every
Part of the United States.

The Sun presents herewith editorial comments. represen,in every shade
of opinion, in all parts Of the United States, on the German ANSWER &c presi-
dent Wilson's note OF May 49,
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
RICHMOND.
The NewALeadeP.

The News-Ledder says: TWENTY-FIVE
words for more than LOO lives, one
complacent clause for the murder OF 100
neutral Americans, nifty helpless in
fants, 400 unattended women-this Ia
Germany's answer to the protest OF out
ragged America.
1T must n will be answered promptly
with a demand for action rather thar
for argument. And II Germany hoes not
at once take that action for the safety
~ neutral trade Mr.. Bernstorr must
be given his passports and Mr.. Gerard
recalled. America is In no temper FOR
sophistry cynicism does not atone for
assassination"
The Evening Jousnah
The Erenirg Journal says: After two
weeks Of preparation the German Gov
eminent has succeeded In saying moth
ing in many words, The letter from
that Government Is not a reply to Presl-
dent Wilson's remonstrance and friendly
warning or a response.
1T is a fairly polite and conclliatory
evasion of all the issues presented and
the questions asked. 1t Is slightly de
FAINT and Is offensive. inasmuch as
II reasserts Germans determination &c
be the Judge of The propriety OF her own
actions and Of the rights Of other bellig'
erents and of neutrals, regardless Of the
opinion of the rest OF the world"
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
"The Answer Of an Outlaw"
Nep York World.

Nep York World.
The only basis Of diplomatic relations
between two nations lies In the mutual
observance Of International law.
President Wilson's note TO Germany
was a formal demand for the reestab-
lishment Of international law on the
high seas in respect no the time honored
| rights OF neutrals and non-combatants.
Germany's reply Is q fiat refusal.
We need not concern ourselves with
the Junker tone OF the German reply.
or with tne studied insult to the United
States involved in the repeated accusa-
lions of violated neutrality In respect
to the Lusitania. What Ia important
is germany's attitude toward the vital
principle OF neutral and non-combg,ant
rights on the high seas In time OF war.
This attitude IL one OF unyielding def-
ance.
There is nothing to mediate between
the United States and Germany. Me-
d~lation. like diplomatic relations. hinges
upon due regard for international law
and international obligations. The
United States has fulfilled all It's duties
under international law There is no
ground OF mediation between law and
anarchy.
Germany's answer Is The answer of
ar outlaw who assumes no obligation
oward society but expects society to
recognize obligations toward him. There
can be no diplomatic negotiations on
such terms. The German note " not
! nnal, bur. on THU issue President Will
sons reply should be ANAL. The United
| States cannot barter. as with bandits.
/ for the lives OF its citizens.
Fool the German People,"
New York Times.
Possibly Herr Won JagOw's reply TO
the Presidents note was intended "
fool the German people. That would
explain It's fathomless stupidity and in
eptitude, ITS total lack OF adaptation to
diplomatic ends. Americans have not
been for a single moment deceived By
1t; with one voice they proclaim II an
unsatisfactory. reply to the Presidents
demands. The German people are in a
different position. They are as yet
ignorant of the facts of the Lusitania
case. for they have been systematically
fed upon falsehoods by their conscience
less and servile newspapers. The Ger
man press has justified the torpedoine
Of the Lusltania as a legitimate act OF
war az for the Americans who los,
their lives .t,served them right for dis
regarding the German Embassy's warn
ing. So IL may be that within the EN-
pire Won Jagow's note will be accepted
as a valid defence Of the Government.
How the German people could be
fooled by Won Jagow's note after they
had read the Presidents note liz nj
course inconprehensible. But there is
much In the behavior of the German
people that We cannot comprehend. They
will get a new chapter of information
when they read the Presidents reply.
Its effect is quite beyond conjecture
II we were to judge by what their Gov
4 arptnapf lnaa and What fneir ppwSna ma re
say we should conclude that the German
people were lost In blindness and In
madness. That seems incredible. and
there may he an awakening. But al
present Il would seem that the gods had
doomed Germany to destruction and
had taken the well known classical pre-
paratory step.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-01
The Evening Jousnah.
ATLANTA.
The journal.

Tho journal says; "Germany's reply
evades the vital principles at Issue and
leaves the United States no alternative
but positive action unless perchance
Berlin at the eleventh hour reconsiders
and accedes to our original demands,
Germany must he and viii be held to
strict accounting"
The Constitution.
The Constitution notes Instead OF
replying Germany evades, instead of
Offering reparation she submits lis
i~nterrogatories instead OF assurance OF
protection to American life she seeks
self justification. President Wilson can
be counted upon to put the next state
ment in such terms as will force answers
to these questions: VIII Germany con-
tinue to make wal upon innocent Ameri-
can citizens? And will she max amends
for the wanton slaughter she has al
ready committed"