The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1915-05-19
GERMAN REPLY
MAY BE DELAYED
tContlnueL from page ~

record as considering violation o.
international law it has been stated
Will have no direct reference to what
Germany does.
Nevertheless, officials suggested
that action by the United States
along this line would show the Ger.
man public that the United States is
not, as has been charged. discriminat.
ing against Germany and that this
wodld be serving as an excuse for Ger
7uany to make concessions to the
United States.
Ambassador Gerard has sent sew
eral messages to the state depart
ment since he delivered the Wilson
note to the foreign office, but 1t was
stated today that in none of them
has he outlined what he believed the
reply will be. Officially the United
States has no intimation Of Germany's
position. All the optimism shown is
due to hope rather than knowledge.
Anxious over Delay.
IBy John Edwin Nevin, United Press
Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, May 19.-Germany's
delay in answering the American note
demanding cessation Of submarine
warfare against merchant vessels.
caused renewed anxiety in official cir
cles today. 1t was realized that ltai-
ian developments were paramount so
far as Germany was concerned, but It
had been hoped that at least an OF
fetal intimation OF the kaiser's posi-
ton would be forthcoming. However,
Ambassador Gerard today notified the
state department that there was no
possibility of reply until next week
at the earliest. The assigned reason,
was of course, the Italian situation,
but it was believed Germany wei
comes delay to have all sides OF the
matter passed on by the military and
civil authorities.
1t was agreed that If the German de-
lay really is due to the Italian situa-
ton, it will be accepted In good faith
but that If Germany simply wishes to
see whether this government will ad,
dress a note to Great Britain demand
ing that she call off her food block
ade of Germany, the latter will be dis
appointed. 1t is understood to be the
presidents plan to let the British
blockade and questions growing out
of 1t remain in status quo until after
the German reply is received.
This is declared absolutely neces-
sary If the matter Is to be kept free OF
suspicion Of bargaining.
Announcement that the British
steamer Drumcree had fallen victim
to q German submarine came as an
surprise, officials having
believed German submarine warfare
against merchant vessels had been in
definitely interrupted. 1t was pointed
out, however, that the United States
has received no official assurances
that Germany has taken such action
and even if it has done SO, the order
for let-up may not have reached
all submarine commanders.
Reports that the United States was
because the sinking Of the
h rye had been sent to German prize
court and had demanded an explana-
ton from the German foreign office
through Ambassador Gerard were de-
MED by Secretary Bryan. He said he
understood the Frye case originally
was sent to prize court and that
his government asked settlement
through the German embassy here. in
order to expedite matters, but if it was
true that Germany believed quicker
aCLIUu COulu NC SCCul CO tAASuEh q
prize court, the United States can
hardly object. 1t Is believed the
prize court reference was a routine
procedure that will later be changed.
The state department was without
official confirmation that a German
tried to sink the Transyl-
yania last Sunday. The consul gener- |
II at Liverpool had sent the depart
nent report embodying the state !
nents carried in the newspapers. but |
10 confirma ton.
Further evidences of the manner in !.
which neutrals are standing together !
,ame today when Minister Ritter ask !
ID the United States to take over
swiss affairs in China. Singing out |
he United States at this time. in the !,
light OF the fact that a number of |
swiss lost their lives on the Lusi- !