Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-13

& prfsvniled to-day. and news OF what the
lAnierlcan motto contained was eagerly
$son8ht In the government departments
4 ana In diplomatic circles generally.
KS Some international lawyers and d!plo-
q mats who have followed closely Ger
smany's course since heginnins the sub
y marine warfare were OF the opinion
That compliance by Germany with
ssthe terms OF the American note would
mot be surprising, and even that such
"a course would not he departure from
SspfeVious experience. Germany has
lfnsintained, 1t was contended. that tho
cause England would not permit food
stuffs and conditional contraband
destined to civilians 10 reach Germany.
and because the neutrals. by their pro-
tests, had been powcrless 10 effect an
adherence to the rules of international
law by the allies in questions of con-
traband. Should Germany announce
her intention to abandon submarine
warfare, it was believed by some diplo-
mats. she would not necessarily mako
stipulation, but would state her ex-
pectation that the United States. as the
greatest neutral would secure equal
guarantees from the allies on questions
OF contraband.
DECLINE TO PREDICT WHAT
STEPS Will. BE TAKEN
In the event that Germany took tho
ODDOE1te and refused n ri
with the wishes of the United States.
high officials declined to predict what
steps would he taken beyond indicat-
ing that the Washington government
would deal with each development in
the situation as it arose
Reports that Americans had been adj
vised TO leave Germany on account OF
the critical state of relations with the
United States were declared to he
wholly unfounded By officials.
Americans in all helligerent coun-
tries were advised by the State Depart
ment at the outbreak OF hostilities to
leave the danger zones. and no especial
instructions have been given since 20
: American ENJOYS in Europe
Messages continued to food the
White House and State Department
suggesting various lines of policy.
Conspicuous among these was per
sonal letter from former President Taft
expressing his confidence in and his
support of Mr.. Wilson in the situation.
He gave his own suggestions of what
should be done by the United States
which. II was said. did not differ mate
rally from the course the President had
adopted. The White House let IL be
known that the President was highly
gratifed over Mr.. Tafts action.
1t became known tonight that Jus
tice Department officials are giving
consideration to the question of
whether publications containing mat
ter such as editorials seeking to jus
tify the sinking of the Lusitania and
advising the repetition of such acts
can be kept out OF the mails under tho
provision OF the penal code, making ii
an ofense to circulate matter of n
character intended to ncite arson,
murder or assassination" Some Of
hcials think the law might be con
strued to apply to published speeches
of similar character
DR.. Bernhard Dernburg's uttcranccs
still are being given attention in high
official quarters, and il ia strongly in
timated that some step will be taken
to end this activity. 1t was suggested
to-day that the German embassy might
= De informed that Or. Dernburg. n Ger
man subject, was making himself Of
fensive to the American government
and people.