New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-09

son Of Justice Harry OoVlngIon' o.
the District OF Columbia Supreme
Court. Justice Covington discussed I,
routine matter with the President and
purposey refrained from mentioning
the sinking Of the Lusitania.
On the links Of the Columbia Coun-
try Club this morning the President
took part In the raising or the amer
can flag on the new hagpoie or the
clubhouse. After a round Of the INKS
be returned 20 the White House, and
in the afternoon took a long automo-
bile ride. Late in the evening Joseph
p. Tumulty, his private secretary had
a long talk with him. Mr.. Tumulty
was the only person with whom the
President discussed the disaster IN
even a remote way.
President Wilson's silence was al
most uncanny, because it Is something
unknown to official Washington. Other
Presidents, IL was said, would have
called the Cabinet quickly; they would
also have called upon their most trust
ed advisers; but President Wilson has
called upon no one. Thus far he has
assumed the full burden himself. Sec,
retarv BRYAN, Secretary Garrison and
other members Of the Cabinet can
celled their appointments to-day, ex'
Meeting a call from the President
None was forthcoming. however.
Awaiting Reports from Berlin.
Tho President is playing waiting
game. He is waiting for the report OF
Ambassador Gerard at Berlin Ter the
German report Of the disaster ano
also for the report Of Ambassador
Page at London. Until these reports
come in there will be no Official at-
terance.
Secretary Bryan to-day announced
that he had transmitted instruction.
TO Ambassador Page at London and
Ambassador Gerard at Berlin to make
all injuries regarding the attack or
the Lusitania and 70 report with
promptness to the State Department
The communication to Ambassador
Page also gave instructions for the
care and succor of the survivors
Mr.. BRYAN maintained the semblance
of an outward calm in his discourse
with the newspaper men. He refused
pointblank 20 give any intimation OF
the intentions of the State Department
with regard to its future course in
dealing with Germany. He admitted
that he had not been in communication
with the President to-day. saying that
he had had mo communication by wire
or wireless or otherwise with the Chlei
Executive
Secretary Bryan's Advice.
"The only thing have found to say
20 the members of the press said Mr.
BRYAN. us that at this time the admin
istration looks 20 them 10 keep from
rocking the boat
In other words, Mr. Bryan IS as cog
infant as any one IN Washington from
the President down that IN dealing
with the case Of the Lusitania the first
consideration Of the administration
must be public sentiment.
Secretary of the Navy Daniels de
clincd 20 comment upon the Lusitarla
disaster. lie said that there had been
no suggestion of any change in the
plaus for the fleet review and the ma
nnuvres now planned 10 be held at
New York and in the neighborhood OF
Narraganett Bay. beginning on May -
Secretary of War Garrison was also
indisposed 70 discuss the subject lie
said that he had not seen the Presi-
dent to-day nor been In communication
with him.
Washington continues appalled, and
stunned by the sinking OF the LuSl-
tania. Various little incidents, how
ever, cropped uD to-day 10 show the
drift O; sentiment. One OF these
vas the sale of blue cornhowers by a
number of pretty girls for The beneht
of a children's home. The girls did a
large business, until the word began to
filter around that the flower was the
favorite If the HOhenzollern family.
The sales at once diminished. and
many men who had gone through the
streets with the flower in their button
hole threw them away.
Close friends Of the President point
ed 10 a speech he had made TO the
Daughters of the American Revolution
about three weeks ago as equally APP
ulicable TO the present situation.
"There are many tests by which a
nation makes proof Of its greatness,
the President said at that time, but
II seems TO me the supreme test 10
self-posession, the power TO resist eX-
element, TO think calmly, 20 think In
moments of difficulty as clearly as in
moments Of ease-tO be absolutely
master of itself and its fortunes
Il may have been sentiments OF this
kind which prompted Senator W. J.
Stone 70 issue statement to-day
which, It is understood, did not meet
with the favor among administration
officials that Senator Stone anticipated.
Senator Stone said:
The tragedy IS OF course TO be pro
foundry regretted. II the reports as TO
the loss OF life are true, the sympathles
Of the civilized world will be deeply
stirred. But for Us It seems to me that
good sense dictates that we keep our
heads until We get our bearings. It IS
a bad time to ge; ratified and act i'm
pulsively. Don't rock the boat
without expressing an opinion as
TO our relations TO this event or as 10
our duty in the premises, there are
some facts we cannot overlook and are
bound TO consider We cannot overlook
the fact that the Lusitania was a Brit
ish ship, flying the British flag and sub
iect at any time 10 be put into the &C
tual naval service of the government.
Indeed. il is stated that at the time she
was attacked she was carrying mill
tery reseryists to England for service
In the British army.
Senator Stones Analogy.
"Truc. there we're American citizens
.,ocyJ nm. IL must not be forgotten