Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-07-12
U. S. OFFICIALS
VIEW SITUATION
As VERY CRAVE
Unanimous Verdict is that Reply Of
Kaiser Thoroughly Unsatisfao.
tory and that Crisis
Near.
ISSUE NOW UP TO WILSON
Little Disposition in Washington to
Hurry Decision in Momentous
Matter.
POSITION is IMPROBABLE

POSITION is IMPROBABLE
WASHINGTON. July 11.--Official
Washington takes grave view Of
the situation produced by Germany's
refusal to meet the demands OF the
United States growing out Of tho
sinking Of the Lusitania with a loss
Of more than 100 Americans.
Upon President Wilson rests the
burden of deciding the policy which
the United States is TO follow. Quietly
and carefully he is considering the
situation, Il was stated at the White
House. after telephone conversations
with the president at Cornish, NJ H..
and the country may expect him to
act with "deliberation as we'll as
firmness" when he has examined all
phases OF the problem.
wIthhoIda Con.ment.
Secretary Lansing withheld comment
As soon as the complete official text OF
the German reply arrives, which will be
tomorrow, he will begin a careful study OF
Il and on Monday or Tuesday will 60 10
Cornish for conference with the presi-
dent. The president win then return TO
! lay before the cabinet the course upon
( which he has determined
what action the United States will take
officials would not predict. Some OF those
who have been familiar with the presi-
dents point Of view and with the details
! OF the present situation, however, pointed
( out that there seemed to be but ono
course open with dignity and honor to
the United States--the continued asser-
/ tton and exercise Of the rights Of neutrals
on the high seas In accordance with the
established. principles OF international
law.
would Fix Responsibility.
Responsibility for any rupture in
friendly relations which mie mt subse--
auently ensue between the United States
and Germany, It was declared. would
then fall upon the Berlin government.
/ There is as yet no definite capitalization
a. opinion among officials as to details.
= but the distinct tendency Is toward
reiteration, not only in formal note, but
IN actual practice, Of the principles for
which the United States has been COM
tending.
The unanimous verdict OF high officials
was that the German reply was thor
oughly unsatisfactory and that the situa-
ton was az the same point as in the days
following the sinking OF the Lusitania.
While the continued exercise OF Ameri-
can rights In the future is urged as
logical course 70 be followed. It is recog-
nlzed also that the United States cannot
abandon the demsnds It has made for
the disavowal OF intent to drown Amerl-
cans and tho question of reparatlon.
what IL May Lead To.
Germany's refusal on these points may
lead. 1t is believed, to steps by the United
States TO show its disapproval Of the last
note. Whether Ambassador Gerard might
be recalled and complete severance ot
diplomatic relations ordered again was
discussed In official circles as we'll as
among diplomatists. In the absence OF
word from the president no definite indi-
cation Of what might be done eventually
was obtainable.
Before taking any definite steps. how
ever, officials familiar with diplomatic
preeedents and International usage de-
clared that the American government
probably would send a note to Germany
formally rejecting the proposal 70 per-
NIT the unrestricted use OF American pas
senger ships or four hostile merchantmen
under the American flag provided they
carried no munitions Of war In the same
note formal notification probably would
le given to the German government OF
the intention OF the United States to con-
tinue to exercise its rights with the am
nounced expectation that they would be
respected
There is little disposition in official
: quarters to hurrS decision on the mo-
mentous questions involved. Since the
negotiations began two months ago. Il
was pointed out the United States vir-
tually has been using the high seas in
accordance with lis views on international
law and there have been no bellgerent
ships carrying Americans torpedoed with
out warning.
Since German submarine commanders
have made their practice square with In
terns tlonal law 10 that extent officials
do not believe the refusal OF the German
government itself to give explicit assur-
snees will be followed by any overt acts
inducing further loss Of American lives
The controlling factor in the situation,
according TO indications IN officials quar-
ters. is the attitude the United States
should take as result OF the Lusitania
tragedy itself
situation Grave.
II is that which Is giving officials most
/eoneern-the shaping OF a course that
(Continued on PAGE Two. Column Three J