New-York tribune., 1915-07-12
Officials Feel Present
Situation Cannot
Last Long.
GERMAN ACTION
FORCES CRISIS
Evasion of Definite De-
mands Regarded Most
Serious Feature.
THINK BERLIN MISLED
Kaiser's Diplomats Mistaken in
Believing Americans Divided
in Sentiment.
fFrom n. Tribun. Burs,u.l

From The Tribune BureIul
Washington, July II. - Further
study Of the German note by nigh
officials here to-day increased their
opinion as to the gravity of the
crisis which has been reached be-
tween the Berlin government and
America. There is no belief here
that the United States will attempt
to force the issue, yet the conviction
is growing that it is not possible to
continue the present situation long.
This is due largely to the German
refusal to disavow the sinking Of
the Lusitania. So long as there are
no further violation of American
rights the discussion of the legal
points involved might go on indctin-
itely. But, though the Lusitania
case has been subordinated TO the
general questions, the United States
has made certain definite demands
with regard to it, and the German
evasion of these causes a serious
and immediate crisis.
Throughout the day the one thing
that stood out above all others in
the discussion in official circles was
the attempt of the German Foreign
Office to justify the loss of more
than one hundred American lives on
the Lusitania.
The seriousness Of the situation
was emphasized by the report hat
President Wilson may cut short his
vacation at Cornish and return here
for a conference with his official adj
visers. That there had been any
change in the plan of the President
to have Secretary Lansing go TO
Cornish for discussion Of the Ger
man communication was denied at
the White House, but it was learned
tonight that the Secretary had
made no plans to go to Cornish, and
did not intend to do so unless the
President should ask him to go to-
morrow.
Presidents Movements Secret.
More or less mystery surrounds
the difference of opinion regarding
the visit of the Secretary of state
to the Presidents summer home.
Every effort is being made to keep
the time of the Presidents return
to Washington a secret. 1t was said
tonight he would not return for at
least a week. Some officials, row.
ever. said it would not be surprising
if he appeared unannounced in a
very short time.
Count Won Bernstorff, the German
Ambassador, intends to call on Sec
retary Lansing during the week TO
learn informally whether he can be
of any service in the situation. No
engagement has been made for a
conference, but it will probably take
place on Tuesday or Wednesday.
That there will be no action by
the United States for at least an
other week was indicated to-day.
Several days will be required TO
measure fully the consequences and
responsibilities which will be in
Cured by The American government
in framing a policy to meet the sit
uation firmly.
v Ison Gets Official Copy.
An official copy Of the text Of Ger
many's reply was sent TO President
Wilson by telegraph to-day. so that no
now has exact information as to the
German attitude on the continuation Of
its submarine warfare and its justi-
fication Of the sinking Of the Lusitania.
The official text differs little from that
already tinted. There are some minor
changes in phraseology, but that is all.
President Wilson's action is awaited
with the keenest interest. There is no
division of opinion as 10 what the
Presidents reply should be, for it Is
felt that he cannot consistently even
discuss the abridgment Of the rights Of
America citizens on the high seas
without stultifying himself That he
should consent 10 discuss the German
justification for the sinking OF the
Lusitania after his firm demands for
reparation for the loss OF American
lives is regarded as inconceiyable.
The German proposals for freedom
OF the seas" might furnish a loophole
for discussion, but few officials believe
any other course is open 10 the Presl.
dent than 20 reiterate with unmistak.
able hrmness what he has already said
10 the German government.
There is no conceallng the belief a