Middletown transcript., 1915-05-15

ward Ending Attacks Upon Ameri-
can citlzens-Document, Laid Be-
fore Cabinet Declares Germany
Must Adhere To Established Rules
OF Warfare.
Washington.-Presi Wilson had
practically decided on the first step in
the policy which the United States
Government will pursue as a result of
the sinking of the British liner Lusi-
tania, with the loss of more than 100
American lives.
The President will act promptly
within another day or two A draft of
q communication to be sent to Ger
many was submitted to the Cabinet
and approved unanimously. While no
official announcement was made, it
was learned that the United States
would present and insist upon an ex-
PLANTATION of the series of incidents
which have occurred since the procla-
nation of war zone around the Brit
ish Isles-the sinking of the Falaba,
causing the death of Leon c. Thresher,
an American citizen; the attack by
German airmen on the American
steamer Gushing, the torpedofng of
the American steamer Gulhight, and
finally the destruction without warn
ing of the Lusitania with a toll OF
more than 1000 lives.
Terms Firm and UnmistakabIe.
In what are described by those
familiar with the document as firm
and unmistakable terms, the Presi-
dent voices the intense feeling of the
United States over these happenings,
and in the name of international law
demands an adherence by Germany to
the established rules of maritime war
fare. The note asks that some assur-
ance or guarantee be given hereafter
that unarmed merchant vessels carry
ing non-combatants be visited and
searched when encountered on the
high seas by the German Navy and
passengers and crew transferred to a
place of safety before any prize is de-
stroyed.
NoItCS NO JuSIiUCaIiOns
The President points out, it is un-
derstood, that the United States in its
note which said Germany would be
held to "strict accountability" for any
attacks on American vessels or lives,
had not admitted any right ON the
part Of Germany to carry on such
methods of warfare, and declares
moreover that the giving of official
notice Of an intention to commit an
unjustihable act did not justify the
act or make it lawful.
What will follow in the event of a
refusal by Germany to comply with
the expressed wishes of the note,
about to be sent, no one of the Presi-
dents official family would predict.
They said the President was deter
mined to act firmly and deal with each
situation as it arose. 1t was pointed
out, too, that in his speech at Philadel-
phia in reference to peace Mr.. Wilson
was expressing merely an ideal that
he wished Americans could and would
follow.
Persons familiar with the Presi.
dent't point of view, indicated, how.
ever, that he was by no means unpre-
pared for or unaware of the possible
eventualities of the present crisis, and
knew that circumstances and events
over which the United States might
have no control might make vigorous
action.
The circular from the German Gov
ernment to neutral countries assuming
responsibility and promising repara
tion for any damage in the war zone
to neutral vessels will not affect the
determined course of the President.
Would ExpeI Dernburs.
1t is understood that at least a por
tion of the Cabinet was outspoken II
demanding that something be done tc
silence DR.. Bernard Dernburg, the
Kaiser's propagandist, whose utter
ances since the war began in criticism
of the ADMINISTRATORS policy of neu
trality has served as much as any
thing else to stir up popular prejudice.
in this country. Some of the members
1t is reported, went so far as to advo
cate the expulsion of Dernburg from
the United States.