Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-15
u. S. WILL INSIST
ON D|SAVOWAL OF
ARABIC SINKING
To Sever Diplomatic Rela-
tions Unless Demand Is
Satisfied.
ALL EVIDENCE IN CASE
Is FURNISHED TO BERLIN
Outcome Depends Entirely on
Action on Recommendations
Made by Bernstorff.
TENSION GREATLY LESSENED
Both American and German Circles
Hope for Friendly Ad-
ALL EVIDENCE IN CASE
Is FURNISHED TO BERLIN
TENSION GREATLY LEssENED
Both American and German Circles
Hope for Friendly Ad-
Justment.

WASHINGTON. September 14-Fa-
vornble adjustment OF the submarine
controversy with Germany depends en-
tirely on Bcrlin's acceptance OF recon-
menda tions cabled to-day by Ambassa-
dor Bernstorft result of his confer
cnce yesterday with Secretary Lam
sing.
Details OF the conference became
known to-day, throwing light on tho
critical stage the negotiations had
reached. Tho Washington government
was almost ready to sever diplomatic
relations. but decided to delay taking
any step until Germany could be fur
nished the evidence In its possession
on the Arabic case.
Friendliness and candor are under
stood to have characterized the con-
vcrsaton between Mr. Lansing and tho
am ba ssador. The latter now has BEEN
given an opportunity to communicate
freely with his government. so It may
be clearly understood in Berlin why
officials here are convinced the torpe-
doing of the Arabic could not have been
mistake. justified or unjusthed.
In view of the evidence, the United
States wants disavowal OF the act
That was made clear to Count Bern
storff. Arbitration cannot be an issue
for consideration until the attitude of
the German government toward the act
itself is placed record. Later tho
American government may consider a
proposal to arbitrate. not the principle.
but what indemnity should be paid for
lives lost
MUCH MORE HOPE
OF FRIENDLY ADJUSTMENT
Tension was lessened to-day, and
there was much more hope in both
State Department and German quar-
ters of friendly adjustment Much
emphasis was placed on the fact that,
for the first time since relations be-
came strained informal discussions are
proceeding at both Washington and
Berlin. giving the first opportunity for
an exchange OF views confidentially and
informally.
The note from Berlin which brought
the situation to crisis asserted that
the submarine torpedoed the Arabic
because her commander thought the
liner was about TO attack him. refused
TO admit liability for indemnity for
American lives lost, even il the COM
mandcr was mistaken in his belief.
and offered to submit the matter to
arbitration. The evidence which has
been submitted to Berlin by the United
states is regarded here as proving con-
clusively that. until she submerged 10
launch the torpedo against the Arabic
the German submarine was concealed
behind the sinking British steamer
Dunsley. and could not have been seen
by the captain OF the Arabic Further
more. it Ia shown that the Arabic was
struck in such a way that the subma-
rine must have been at right angles
from her when the torpedo was fred.
instead OF in a position to make RAM
ming by the liner possibility.
SUGGESTIONS by BERNsTORFF
TO HIS FOREIGN OFFICE
Ambassador Bernstorfr is understood
to have scrutiniZed this evidence care
fully. and 10 have made certain sue
Sestions to his Foreign Ohce II prob
ably VIII be, ten days before a reply
can be received. If Berlin disavows
the submarine commanders act. Of
ficials here feel that questions OF in
demnity then can be LETT to arbitra-
tion.
Should Germany fail to satisfy the
demand for disavowal. indications to-
night were that Washington would
sever diplomatic rela tions
Associated Press dispatches from
Berlin announcing that Ambassador
Gerard had been handed a note dis
claiming responsibility for the sinking
OF the Hespcrian and expressing belief
mat the ship struck a mine attracted
comparatively little interest here AS
the Hesperian was struck forward
when we'll beyond the zone in which
German submarines usually operate.
and as no one on board saw d subma-
rine or torpedo. officials had NOT ex
pccted an issue 10 dcvelop over .ha
case Up TO late hour tonight tho
note had not reached the State Depart