Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-27
AMERICAS RIGHTS
Continued from Page y

partment did not make public Am>
bassador Gerard's dispatch. but this
optimism Immediately reflected at the
State department and the White
House was taken as convincing proof
that the situation. once threatening a
break in the friendly relations be-
tween the two countries was on the
way to a settlement.
Due to Liberals
The more hopeful officials thought
the crisis had passed and inferred
that the views which Ambassador
Won Bernstorff had been urging upon
Berlin ever since the sinking Of the
Lustania had prevailed with the sup
port Of the Liberals in Germany, who
have been opposing the anti-Ameri-
can policy of the Conservatives Sec
rotary Lansing was reserved. await
ing some definite declaration from
Berlin, and the same attitude was re-
Elected at the White House where it
was indicated that President Wilson.
encouraged at the prospect Of avert
ing a break. still was keeping his
mind open until all the details are
cleared up.
German Concessions
One fact was outstanding in the
whole situation. It was that further
communication is coming from Ger
many outlining a policy which, it is
said. is expected to be satisfactory to
the United States. 1t is understood that
Germany will announce a suspension Of
her submarine warfare on passenger
carrying ships and that submarine
commanders will be instructed not to
sink any merchantmen without warn
ing pending a diplomatic discussion Of
proposal for a modus vivendi for ces-
alton of the British blockade against
neutral commerce.
Germany Surprised
From such information as had reach
ed sources here it was apparent that
the sinking Of the Misunderstanding
that the ship was sunk by submarine.
was as much a surprise in Germany
as it was to the rest Of the world, for
although it has not yet been off1c!ally
stated, it is believed that German sub
marine commanders after the sinking
Of the Lusitania. received instructions
to avoid another such disaster
It was suggested today in diplomat
&c quarters that while Germany had
avoided making public announcement
Of that fact, she now was in position
to do so, because Of the victories Of
the German arms in Poland. The same
sources pointed out that the victories
Of the German armies aided the Liber-
al forces in Germany which have been
contending for the views which Count
Won Bernstorff has been urging on his
foreign ONCE.
The Berlin news dispatches referring
to the German chancellor's declaration
that Germany had adopted q policy de-
signed to settle the question was pug
cling to American ofhcisls and even to
those in German quarters. It was sug-
gested in one source that It might FORE
shadow diplomatic negotiations to be un.
dertaken by Count Bernstorff with the
state department which would take up
the question Of tho much discussed mo-
dus vivendi
There 10 no indication at this stage OF
how Germany's new attitude will affect
the case Of the Arabic. II It IL proved to
the satisfaction Of the American gov.
eminent that q submarine sunk the ship
without warning. the United States prob.
ably not only will ask . disavowal Of
the act, but assurances against repeti.
ton and rerAration for tho Americans
who suffered. A guarantee that there
would be no similar acts in the future In
the forthcoming declaration from Berlin
II accepted - Q foregone conclusion.