Evening star., 1915-05-14
HOPES FOR DISAVOWkL Or
LUSITANIA TORPEOOlNG
President Requires Guarantee That
Undersea War on Merchant
Ships Shall Case. =
NEXT MOVE UP TO BERLIN
Mr.. Wilson Calmly Prepares for
Eventualities Pending Answer
From Teutonic Governm ut.
Goes to Review Fleet.

The government and people of
the United States today turned
expectantly toward Berlin, where
Ambassador Gerard had been in
structed to present. to the German
foreign Office note calling the
attention of the imperial govern
ment to the unlawful and inhu
man" destruction of the Lusi-
tania, and other violations Of
American rights on the high seas
White House officials adopted
the policy of silence. They felt
that any discussion of the situa-
tion at this time would be useless
and inopportune, inasmuch as the
question is now before the Berlin
government.
President to Leave City.
The cabinet met today in a reg
ular session, but no further action
was contemplated pending the re-
ceipt OF Germany's reply. The
President took short automo-
bile ride before the cabinet meet
ing, and will leave late tonight on
the yacht Mayhower for New
York to review the Atlantic feet
there next week.
During the trip. which will last near
ly a week, the President will be kept
in touch with every DEVELOPMENT IN
the situation, but only important mat
ters will be placed before him. He has
declined many invitations to events IN
New York not connected with the re-
view of the fleet.
No Reply From Mr.. Gerard.
Although Ambassador Gerard had
been directed to notify the Srate De-
partment of his receipt OF the Ameri
can note, no word came today from
him Officials were sure. however, that
and undoubtedly had been presented to
the German foreign office The alb
sence Of any message from Mr. Gerard
they attributed to the congestion of
wires in Italy.
Count Bernstorff, the German ambas-
sador, made an engagement to 20 to
the State Department, ii was under
stood. to call Secretary Bryan's atten-
tion to reports again published today
to forecast complete re-
hryG y
IAN representations, and point out that
The embassy was in no way a source
,f them.
Must Disavow Acts.
Germany ia asked in the note given
publicity today to disavow the acts OF
her submarine commanders i'll the tor
pedoing without warning of the Lust
tania, q British ship. with loss Of
a bout 115 American lives. and the
American steamer Gulfight. as re-
suit of which two or more American
citizens met their death"
Reparation, 80 far as reparation II
possible" is asked. and the United
states declares it Confidently expects
that the imperial German government
Will take immediate steps to prevent
The recurrence" of such acts and prac-
ices. \.
No time is specified for reply. but
ne communication says "the govern
mept and people Of the United States
ook TO the imperial German govern
nent for Just prompt and enlightened
4 ction in this vital matter
Course to Be Pursued.
THE course to be pursued by the
United states in the event of non
.omnIiance with it's requests and ex-
,ectatjons is not stated. but high Off
,ia,s pointed out that the conclusion of
he note was intended to impress upon
that there should be no mis-
,nnrehension in Berlin OF the firm pur-
,o,e Of the United States to safeguard
ts rights by any means necessary.
This 10 expressed in the final SEN
ence, which says:
1.-The imperial German government will
ot expect the government of the United
;tates to omit any word or any act neces-
ary to the performance Of its sacred duty
4 maintaining the rights OF the United
tates and its citizens ana OF safeguard-
ne their free exercise and enjoyment
II was lust a week ago today that the
usitania was struck by a German tor
edo and sunk with the loss or many
eutraI lives, besides about lis Ameri-
ans The United States government 10
he first to act The other neutral ma
ions. most OF whom have been waiting
or the policy of the United States to bs
eyeaIed, are now expected to decide what
they will make.
Stand Against Submarines.
A. the note was read today by dipIo-
,atists and officials generally, one fea-
ure that attracted wide comment was
he stand taken by the United States
sainst the use of the submarine as
ommerce destroyer the attention of
he German government being called to
the practical impossibility" of employ
ng these undersea craft to destroy
without disregarding
hose rules of fairness. reason, Justice
nd humanity which all modern opinion
exards as imperative.
This EAA- .taksn bx naval A9csys