Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-05-13

The President points out, it is UNDER
ood that the United States In its note
hlch said Germany would be held to
strict accountability for any attacks
American vessels or lives had not adj
itted any right on the part of Ger
any to carry on such methods of war
re and declared, moreover, that the
wing of official notice of an intention
commit an uniustifable act did not
stify the act or make it lawful.
What will follow in the event of a
fusal by Germany to comply with the
fpressed wishes of the note, about to
sent, no one of the Presidents Off
al FAMILY would predict. They said
e President was determined to act
mly and deal with each situation as it
ose. 1t was pointed out, too, that in
speech at Philadelphia in reference
peace Mr. Wilson was expressing
erely an ideal that he wished Amer
p could and would follow
VIGOROUS ACTION POSSIBLE.
Persons familiar with the Presidents
int of view indicated, however, that
was by no means unprepared for
unaware Of the possible eventuali-
8 of the present crisis and knew
at cirumctances and events over
nich the United States might have
control might make vigorous action
cessary.
The circular from the German gov
nment to neutral countries assum-
responsibility and promising re-
ration for any damage in the war
he to neutral vessels will not af-
ft the determined course of the
esident. 1t was considered by the
oinet to-day, but high officials later
nted out that there is no guarantee
it that the lives of Americans will
safeguarded, as submarines cannot
tommodate passengers or crew of
vessels they attack.
MIND VIRTUALLY MADE UP.
The impression was gained in execu-
e quarters after the cabinet meeting
ht while the President had not definite
determined on the exact course he
uld follow. he had practically decided
ask Germany to furnish some assur-
&c or guarantee that there would be
repetition of the Lusitania tragedy
ich would mean that unarmed mer-
INT vessels with neutral passengers
pard would at least be visited and
rched and non comba tants removed to
place OF safety before the ships
truction as a prize
Whether the request for guarantee
the future would be accompanied by
demand for full reparation to the
niles of the American victims or
ether action on the Lusitania case it
would be postponed until Germany
tude toward the first request was
closed. are steps which the President
understood not yet to have settled in
own mind.
iERMANY'S REFUSAL SERIOUS.
Is recognized that a refusal by Ger
by to meet such a request would pre-
a serious situation, but there Is no
position among the Presidents advis-
to let this deter them from the enun-
ion of a vigorous attitude.
canvass of officials we'll informed in
situation disclosed the fact that they
@ convinced that the President would
bw a course which would he consistent
the dignity Of the United States and
Re him free to adopt If necessary
e emphatic line of action as the atti-
of Germany was revealed
TO CHECK DIR. DERNBERG.
developed during the day that
Gus consideration had been given
he status of Or Bernhard Dern-
k, former German colonial secre-
:. who has been in this country for
eral months past as spokesman
the German cause. The statements
pr. Dernberg justifying the torpe-
e of the Lusitania as an incident
var, taken in connection with other
RANGES, are understood to have met
strong disapproval in high exec
e quarters This has led to some
nination of presidents to see what
rses are open to the government to
riot thu embarrassment which
officials feel has resulted from
activity. The departure OF DR..
hberG or the cessation OF his ac-
les would, it was intimated. not
inwelcome to the authorities here,
by the least