The Washington herald., 1915-06-08
Forecasts of the German Note.

Just Ambassador Gerard was able to send to
Washington an accurate forecast OF the contents
of the German reply to our protest against the
sinking of the Lusitania before it was transmitted
to him by the Berlin government, it appears
Ambassador Bernstorff may if he desires ad-
wise his government of the main features of the
Presidents rejoinder, in advance of its formal
transmission. There is every reason to accept as
trustworthy the information which has been per-
mitted to reach the public concerning the position
the President will take
IT. as predicted he gives Germany to under
stand that there is nothing at issue between the
two governments which is proper subject for
consideration at The Hague, thus dsposing of
Germany's pretext for delay and further diplomatic
negotiations that step will win the hearty ap-
proval of the whole country. 1t is suggested that
in adopting this course the President stands firm
ly for two principles-onc that until Germany
complies with existing Hague agreements covering
maritime warfare it would be mere shilly-shally-
ing to seek adjudication before that tribunal of
matters involving such agreements and the other
that before writing his first note the Lusitania
case he had proof of his facts, which are there
lore not the subject of inquiry and negotiation
This is strong ground and in assuming it the
President is assured of the steadfast support of
all the people. The United States has a right
questioned nowhere outside Of Germany, to
prompt consideration of its complaint upon its
merits, without further parley and evasion and
immediate yes or mo- from the Berlin gov
ernment in reply to the reiterated demand that
the killing of Americans and the destruction of
American property at sea shall cease, and that
guarantee of safety from German submarines
shall be given.
That is the case of the United States and it
stands unaffected by collateral issues, although
the intmation is given that in his rejonder the
President will make known his purpose to insist
upon the maintenance OF neutral commerce be-
tween the United States and Germany especially
the carrying of foodstuffs from this country for
the German civilian population That, however
is, so far present negotiations are concerned
affair OF Germanys, relating solely at this stage
TO the relations between this nation and the allied
belligerens. The principal objection to the inclu-
SION of such information in note relating to the
Lusitania the Falaba, the Guhght and the Cush-
ing is the possibility of clouding the issue and
conveying to the receptive mind of the Berlin gov
ernment false impression of yielding on the
part of the United States. 1t has been held that
it is solely the business of Great Britain to asccr-
tain the ultimate destination OF the enormously in
creased exports that at this very time going
from this country to neutral countries contiguous
to Germany, and to prevent such supplies con-
traband or otherwise, from being reshpped from
such neutral countries to her enemies. 1t is the
business OF the United States to regulate its own
commerce and to deal with all conditions affect
ing it; the question is not involved in the case at
issue with Germany. If it is referred to in the
note soon to go to Berlin, this is fact which
no doubt will be strongly emphasized