Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-11
GERMAN EVASION
CAUSES FEARS OF
DIPLOMATIC BREAK
White House Announces PresI-
dent Will Be Deliberate
and Firm.
U. S. CANNOT ABANDON
FREE SEA DEMANDS
Public Opinion Insists Upon Repara-
ton and Disavowal of Lusi-
tania Massacre.
BRYAN'S ACT COMPLICATES
Some Think Berlin Misinterprets
Attitude of American Sentiment
Due to Nebraskan's Resigna-
ton From the Cabinet.

Growing conviction that the
United States must hold firm to
its position in demanding dis
avowal from Germany of intent
to blow up the Lusitania, with a
consequent loss of about lis
American lives, was evidenced in
discussion of Germany's reply last
night.
AS official and public opinion
crystallized it was increasingly
evident that grave fears are en-
tertained that Germany's refusal
to meet any of the demands OF the
United States may lead to serious
differences between the United
States and Germany-and pos
sibly to the withdrawal of Am
bassador Gerard.
There was in official circles last
night a strong undercurrent OF
feeling that Germany has been in
spired in her change of attitude
toward the American demands
by a misconception that public
sentiment in this country is di-
vided in support OF the President
as a result Of the resignation of
Secretary of State Bryan.
Upon President Wilson rests
the burden of deciding the policy
which the United States is to fol-
low. Quietly and carefully he is
considering the situation. it was
stated at the White House after
telephone conversations with the
President at Cornish, n. H., and
the country may expect him to act
with "deliberation as we'll as firm
MSS" when he has examined all
phases of the problem.
Mr.. Lansing Is Silent.
Secretary Lansing withheld comment.
AS soon as the complete official text of
the German reply arrives today he
will begin a careful study of 1t and
Monday or Tuesday will go to Cornish
for a conference with the President.
The President will then return to lay
before the cabinet the course upon
which he has determined.
What action the United States will
take officials could not predict with
certainty. Some of those who have
been familiar with the Presidents
point of view and with the details of
the present situation, however, pointed
out that there seemed to be but one
course open with dignity and honor 10
the United States-the continued asser-
tion and exercise of the rights of neu-
trails on the high seas in accordance
with the esta bIished principles of inter-
national law.
Responsibility for any rupture in
friendly relations which might sub
seQuently ensue between the United
States and Germany. il was declared,
would then fall upon the Berlin gov
ernment.
There is as yet no definite crystal
lization of opinion among officials as
to details. but the distinct tendency
is toward a reiteration not only in a
formal note but in actual practice of
the principles for which the United
States has been contending. The unan-
imous verdict Of high officials was
that the German reply was thoroughly
unsatisfactory and leaves the situation
exactly at the point where it was in
the days Immediately following the
sinking OF the Lusitania.
Cannot Abandon Demands.
While the continued exercise of
American rights in the future is urged
logical course to be followed, il is
recognized also that the United States
cannot abandon the demands ii has
made for the disa avowal of intent to
drown Americans and the question of
reparation.
Germany's refusal on these points
may lead, II is believed, to steps by
the United States to show its dfsap-
proval of the last note. Whether Am
bassador Gerard might be recalled or
a complete severance Of diplomatic re-
lations ordered was again discussed in
ofncial circles as well as among diplo-
matists In the absence of word from
the President no definite indication of
what might be done eventually was
obtainable
Before taking any definite steps,
however. officials familiar with dipio-
matte precedent and international
usage declared that the American gov
eminent probably would send a note to
Germany formally rejecting the pro-
posal to permit the unrestricted use of
american passenger ships or four hos
tue mefcNahtment under the American
nag provided they carried no munitions
of war.
In the same note formal notification
probably would be given to the German
government of the intention of the
United states to continue to exercise
Its rights with the announced expecta-
tion that they would be respected.
There is little disposition in officia]
quarters to hurry decision on the
momentous questions involved Since
the negotiations began two mont hs
ago. it was pointed out, the United
States virtually has been using the
high seas in accordance with its
views on international law. and there
have been no belligerent ships carry
ing Americans torpedoed without
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