Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-06-01

+ problems with respect 10 Germany
( and Mexico, confronting the Unit
! ed States, preparation OF second
/ note to Germany was begun and
| warning to the factions in Mex
! leo was completed
No announcement was made further
than that the presidents statement
warning the Mexican leaders TO i'm
prove conditions will be made public
tomorrow morning.
The prevailing belief after the cab
met meeting was that a note, proba-
bly, very brief. would ask Germany
whether she intended by her answer
to disregard fundamental principles
of international law. II Germany in
dicates unwillingness TO recognize
what have hitherto been regarded uni
versally as principles of international
law. based on customs and laws OF
humanity. the United States probably
will sever diplomatic relations. That
view found expression in quarters
close to the White house.
Washington, ID. c., June 1.-Presi-
dent Wilson told callers today he did
not feel il would be wise for him TO
discuss Germany's reply 10 the Amer
ican note until after he had consulted
his cabinet and studied further the
important questions involved.
The president said the American
rejoinder would not be many days de-
layed He spoke of having studied the
official text last night and his inten-
ton to have a preliminary discussion
with his cabinet at today's meeting.
Calm and showing none of the
strain of international problems be-
fore him. the president received the
Washington correspondents for their
usual Tuesday visit. Questions con-
cerning domestic affairs had hardly
touched the edge of his mind" as
he phrased 1t. because OF the greater
importance of the international sit
uation.
Tomorrow Count Bernstorff, Ger
man ambassador, will. at his own re-
quest, see the president. In well in
formed quarters, however. it is said
he is not in close touch with his gov
ernment because of difficulty In COM
munication. The reply is expected to
go forward Thursday or Friday.
The president. it is understood, has
been much impressed with the prac-
tically unanimous verdict of Ameri-
can editorial opinion that the German
answer Is not really an answer, but
an evasion of the greater issues or
law and humanity His close advisers
say he regards il as a true reflection
OF the opinion OF the country and will
endeavor by his action 10 express II.
De- 10 na I'll
While the president himself would
give no intimation of his course.
many of those familiar with his prev
ious attitude thought the American
rejoinder would be brief and would
demand an early reply. Failure TO
meet the American representations
would, it was predicted, result in a
severance OF diplomatic relations. The
pressure for that course has been
great in many quarters since the sink
ing of the Lusitania. Some friends or
the president have indicated that he
would not hesitate to adopt 1t in case
of final unsatisfactory answer. Dip
Iomatic non-intercourse, would not
necessarily be followed by any other
step unless American rights were
again deemed fiagrantly violated.
The president indicated in his
speech yesterday at Arlington that he
hoped 10 have the widest counsel in
the present situation. He intends to
90 over the new note carefully with
Counselor Lansing and legal officers
of the government before 1t is dis
patched.
For the first time in several weeks
the meeting was held In the cabinet
room in the executive offices, instead
of in the presidents study Secretary
Redfeld was the only absentee.
That the note will not he sent before
Thursday is the prevalent belief be-
cause Count Won Bernstorff. the Ger
nan ambassador. has been granted an
interview with the president for to-
morrow. Its purpose has not been re-
reaied. but In Austro-German quarters
I is said he will endeayor by In
'ormai discussion to reach an under
standing as to the wishes OF the United
States tor transmission to his govern
;ent