The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-02


tion and the strength Of its determine
ton to uphold the principles involved
In the submarine issue.
Thus. it Is hoped, the foundations OF a
more satisfactory response from Ger
many may be laid in advance OF the
desp itch Of the note OF the United
States. Many see in this the only hope
of bringing Germany to that frame of
mind which IL believed to he absolutely
essential If a break between the two
Governments is to be avoided.
Memorandum for President.
The assembly OF the Cabinet disclosed
the fact that but few of the members
had come prepared to urge or recon-
mend any specific course OF action In
response to the German note. Only one
member had prepared a memorandum
expressing his views, and this was left
Tor the Presidents consideration. This
member submitted a memorandum. fol-
lowing the Lusitania catastrophe, whicn
proved TO be In large part the basis OF
the note that was sent TO Germany. II
IS understood that other memoranda will
reach The President tomorrow.
II is betrayins no secret to say that
The voice OF Secretary Bryan was heard
in favor OF a course least likely to re-
suit in a break with Germany. The
German suggestion that alleged facts in
connection with the Lusitania be dis
cussed mas imide a strong appeal to his
mind. His sincere and earnest advo-
cacy OF "A discussion of these points
raised by Germany enlisted the sym
pathy OF one or two members OF the
Cabinet.
This suggestion met with no favor
on the part Of others present. particu-
larry those trained In dealing with ques-
lions OF law and it's principles. by
these IL was urged that IL was impos-
siolc to discuss questions OF fact. the
relevancy Of which is not yet admitted.
while Germany has not yet declared her
sell on the questions of principle in
VOWED. These members, and they were
III the majority. cOntended that the
United states must insist upon obtain
ing from Germany "A declaration as to
whether she intends or does not intend
TO respect what the United States holds
To he the sacred and inviolable right OF
Americans on unarmed merchant ships
TO he immune from attack on the high
seas.
Should Germany answer In the mega
TIE, this group will consider that Ger
many has admitted by her own d~eclara-
tlon that she Is an outlaw among ma
rons and deserving OF treatment a.
tuch. Severance OF diplomatic relations
with Germany, In the event OF such "A
reply being made from Berlin. would -
their opinion be the logical and inevi-
table Response of the United States.
Three Courses Open 10 t.. =.
In this connection. there was some dis
cnssion at the Cabinet meeting as TO
the probable courses open TO the United
states In the event OF the worst coming
from the present diplomatic nego;ia-
lions. only three possible courses were
acknowiedged-open hostilities with
Germany. "A severing OF diplomatic rela-
tons OF the laying of an emba rgo on
the shipment of all exports to Germany.
IL can be said that no decision has been
reached as TO the course OF the United
States in the event of Germany refusing
TO satisfy the Presidents demands. Such
q decision will not be seriously taken
up until II is apparent hat the diplo-
matte negotiations have failed.
\ compromise course suggested at to-
Gays CABINET meeting was that the
United states deny categorically the
assertions by Germany with regard 10
the Lus!tania. This was urged p~articu-
larry with references TO Germany's asser-
ton that the Lusitania was an armed
cruiser. II was suggested that the United
states might assert first that Il had
every reason to know that the Lusitania
wa not armed, ard. thta even II 4, did
have two guns below decks. these would
not make II. in the opinion of the United
states a vessel OF war. subject 10 the
kind OF attack made by Germany. II
was also suggested that the United
States snould tell Germany that its laws
with regard to explosives on passenger
ships are municipal laws. and have moth
Ing whatever to do with the principles
at stake.
The majority OF the Presidents adj
Vt.arG hnur.N.r hold ,hn. ...z, =,
upon this limited discussion OF the facts
would be extremely dangerous and would
give Germany further funity TO
evade declaring herself on the vital prin-
ciples and prolong!ng the discussion In
definitely.
There was agreement that no sugGes-
tlon Of Investigation by n Hague com
mission or other body could be enter
tained by this Government unless Ger
many pledged herself TO suspend for the
period OF the investigation all subma-
rine operations likely TO involve the is
sues raised by the United States.
The greatest importance is attached
60 the interview which the German Am
bassador is to have with President Will
son. II is thoroughly understood that
Coun Won Bernstorff is earnestly and
sincerely DESTROYS Of making the utmost
enort to avoid a rupture, Furthermore,
officials have reason to believe that
Germany does not want a break with
this country. The question in. doubt
Is what sacrifices. IL any. she is willing
70 make TO avoid a break.
Must Get New Point of View.
The administration holds, however,
that both the Ambassador and his Cow
eminent must bring themselves to look
at the situation in a radically different
light before there will be any hope OF
effecting a satisfactory adjustment OF
the issues between the two Govern
ments. Tha Ambassador has been rep
resented by persons in his confidence as
viewing the issues rs n business propo-
sition, TO be treated as such. Such n
view officials here believe must have
been uppermost in the minds OF those
responsible for the note received yester-
day from Berlin. Unt!l the German au-
thorlties recognize that the issue Is one
OF principle and not one Of facts officials
here declare here can be no hope ..