The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-30
Teutons Seek Neutral SYM
pathy-May Ask Wilson
to Mediate.
BRITISH ISSUE TO BE
TAKEN Up AT ONCE

cials in Washington think they can
see in Germany's change Of policy
toward the submarine issue larger
purpose than the mere maintenance
OF friendly relations with this Govern
ment They believe that Germany,
II not actually seeking TO pave the
way for peace negotiations. Is at least
preparing herself for the day when
such negotiations will he begun.
AS viewed by these officials, and in
diplomatic circles here. Germany is
moving to rehabilitate herself in the
eyes Of neutrals. 50 that when "a move
ment for peace Is actually undertaken
she may he assured Of larger meas
ure Of sympathy and support from
neutral Powers than would he ac-
corded to her now.
The view that Germany Is looking
forward to possible peace develop
ments from settlement Of the sub
marine issue is not mere surmise or
speculation. 1t has "A very substan-
tial foundation in suggestions that
have repeatedly been thrown out by
German representatives in this coun-
try.
Ever since the submarine issue he
came acute they have urged inform
ally upon Washington officials the
great opportunity for a step in the
direction of peace If the United States
could only successfully mediate the
submarine and blockade differences
between Germany and Great Britain
II has been their contention that such
an important step would probably
prove to he only "A beginning and that
the way would then be open for the
United States To use its good offices
In promoting a still broader under
standing, which eventually might re-
suit In peace.
Since the Arabic incident and the
more conciliatory attitude Of the Ger
man Government toward the United
States, talk along this line has been
revived in German quarters here.
Again the possibility Of the President
serving as leader in the movement
for peace is being held out.
Peace Possibility stronger.
Entirely aside from the German sug-
gestious officials here acknowledge tina;
II the submarine issue is satisfactorily
disposed OF President Wilson will be
much more available as a possible peace
mediator than would otherwise have
been the case. So long as strained rela-
tions existed between this Government
and Germany the door was practically
closed to President Wilson attempting
10 play the important role of peaccmakcr
In the European struggle.
Not only will a settlement of The sub
marine controversy in the opinion OF
Washington officials make the President
more available from the German view
point. hut II viii also AFFORD him an op.
portunity To demonstrate to the world
the absolutely impartial stand of the
United States as IA neutral.
There is no doubt here now that Pres
ident Wilson il eagerly awaiting the op-
portunity to assert the rights of the
United states against british violations
of International law as firmly as he did
against Germany. II can he said that
he will move in this direction as soon
as the submarine issue has been disposed
of, and IL he can bring Great Britain
to make concessions, as Germany now
seems disposed to make them, 1t is ac-
know ledged here that he viii be in the
strongest possible position to offer his
services as mediator in the great war.
Ii was only a few weeks ago that
nearly everybody, including tho Presi-
dents owr advisers, We're saving that
all chance had disappeared of the
United states being able at the proper
time to render this important service
to the world. but now. with the clouds
apparently rolling away from the sit
uation with Germany, an entirely diff
ferent view is taken,
MANY here believe that Germany
carefully considered this phase of the
situation ana the possibility of a
settlement of the submarine issue lead
ing to steps in the direction Of peace
before she decided on "A more Concilia-
tory policy
<Ote 10 Great Britain.
II was learned here to-day on hign
authority that the President will not
only move speedily against Great Bri-
tains violations of the rights of Ameri-
cans on the high seas but also in the
direction of n settlement Of the MeNi-
can situation as soon as the German
issue has been settled. The controversy y
with Germany has hung like milestone
, about the neck of the WaShingtou Ad-
ministration for the last five months
The President and his advisers have
hesitated to push the issue with Great
Britain so long as they We're confronted
with the likelihood of an upcu break