New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-13

we'll known. but aside from this officials
declare such an arrangement would IN
no way meet the American demands.
Question Of Principle.
"Our quarrel with Germany one
official said. els not merely practlcal
question, as Germany seems to thlnk'
We are not concerned merely Win
securing adequate transportation fael'-
Ties for American passengers II is a
matter of principle and internauohal
law. II there were fifty American
ships sailing every month and only one
British shin. we should still MAINTAIN
the right Of Americans TO traVel on
that one. ..,..,
"The whole structure of international
law is q house Of cards. Only touch
one corner Of IL. and the whole comes
tunabhng down. II we concede the
smallest Of our rights TO Germany, we
shall be led into concessions WlthouC
end. The vital principle VIII not oe
The statement published in The Trio-
me Yesterday concerning Ambassador
Won Bernstorff's suggestion TO his gov
eminent TO lay particular stress on 'he
principle of freedom OF the seas was
widely commented on. The freedom Oh
the seas is the great principle for whleh
This government has been contending,
and n Is supposed TIM, the suggestion
was made in the hope that point OF
common agreement might be found.
In the form in which II appears IN
the note, however, officials see NIUE
on which 10 base an understanding. II
is thought that, we're Germany SIN
corelv DESTROYS Of establishing the
nrinciple in the present war, she would
90 about il directly by setting the eN-
annie. Had she done this, 1t would
have undoubtedly placed this govern
meut in a difficult position with the
British government, and obliged us TO
assert our position on interference
with commerce very strongly.
Doubt German Sincerity.
officials believe Germany's reference
20 this principle in the note was not
sincere, but 70 create popular teeHng
that she was willing 70 do everything
in her power to play fair" provided
her enemies would do likewise, at the
same time hoping they would not.
Il is believed Germany has no IN
tention Of abandoning submarine war
fare in any circumstances, even should
Great Britain desiSt from interference
with commerce. Public opinion in Ger
many. il is thought, would make II I'M
possible for Germany 20 cease such
operations.
President Wilson has given no init
nation Of the date of his return to
Washington. Il is thought he desires
10 give Secretary Lansing an oppor-
tunity to prepare his notes, IN the
mean time making reflections himself
on the situation.
1t is thought probable that he will
time his return so as to be here for
the regular Cabinet meeting on Friday
Although some surprise has been mani
tested at his remaining away at such a
critical time many officials believe he
is purposely avoiding any appearance
of haste, which might tend to excite
the public.
Won Bernstorff Optimistic.
IN German quarters here the situa-
ton is not viewed as critical Count
Won Bernstorff, the German Ambassa-
dor. believes that the way to further
negotiations has been opened by the
emphasis which Germany in its rote
placed on the establishment Of the
freedom of the seas
Secretary Lansing will soon receive
Count Won BernStorff at the latter's re-
quest. TO discuss the situation in gem
cral II is believed the Ambassador
Will explain informally the German
viewpoint and will in turn be informed
BY Secretary Lansing of the gravity
with which the United States regards
the present situation.