The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-05-08

note % Germany regarding the war zone
decree and the operations foreshadow
in that PROCLAMATION
II was declared that Germ ny would
be held 10 a strict accountability for the
action Of her naval commanders. and IL
was more than limited that the destruc-
ton OF American life and property on
the hsh seas by German would make
II difficult to maintain the friendly re-
la'ions existing between the United
States and Germany.
How the Administration can do other
wise than Sguarely meet Germany on
the basis Of It's assertion OF its rights
and Intentions as expressed IN this note
Is not seen here. Furthermore. the Ad-
ministiat!ou ras made il apparent that
1t holds that no American can be de-
prIved Of his rights by Germany issuing
warning to him that he will be in dan
ger OF his life II he acts in pursuance OF
these rights
In no quarter was the situation with
which the United States is now con-
frouted viewed with greater concern
than among the foreign embassies and
LEGATIONS here. The impression has per-
rn-atct the entire diplomatic quarter
here that the United States only policy
o. this war - t. do nothing which in
wolves any risk OF this Government be-
coming involved In the world struggle
President Wilson vas about to leave
the White House for a game Of golf
when he learned Of the sinking. lie i'm
mediatcly turned about. cancelled all
arrangements 'or the afternoon and
retired 10 his office 10 await develop
ments
The President was plainly shocked
nj tho news and eXfsessed tho deepcs,
anxiety for tho safety of the Americans
on the l.usitanIa
At his dire tion tho White House
telegraph circuit vas connected with
mat AZ the state Department so that
OH ial cable dispatches from London
might ne handed to him direct from the
w.re without the delay ~ being copied
ana Transmitted from tho state Depart
mont
Members Of Congress who are IN
Wash 'St', expressed great concern
'\e' the SINKING ~ the LusitauIa and
rs probable effect on the attitude Of the
United states toward tho war in Europe.
Privately the, expressed the fear that
he disaster might lead to an uncontrol-
liable outbreaks Of feeling against Ger
many H this COUNTRY.
When seen this afternoon senator
Lodge. who - q recognized authority on
international Law, was not fully advised
concerning the disaster - the l.usi:ania.
II" vas of the opinion at the time tina,
n" Nm'glgtn lives had been lost
With tho understanding that no lives
Adt been lost senator Lodge appeared
20 DE OF the opinion that the United
states would probably not become in.
VOWED In serious difficulties lie de-
''ned 10 comment ou the probable ac-
ton ~ tho United states
Chairman Sto.c sad that IN vow ~,
th" lack o' al. the nets h, would be N.
advisable Tor h:m 10 make a defrl,.
statement 'n the subject
Il cannot comment on a runrosed
state Of fac's,' said Mr. Stone II, IS
needless 20 say that the loss ~ tho Lusi.
'au'a * reCrottlh'e and sincerely hone
mat no lives were sacrificed II u is
merely question Of the loes Of the shin
the United states cannot he concerned
That would he matter solely between
Great Rritair and Germany. as tho Lust.
ian'a Wa n British owred shin.
our concern, Of course. is over tn.
safety OF American passengers We
have no Interest at stake IN the sinking
~ an English ship that Is. mean, ro
sn"cial interest Of course Nc have a
general interest IN such matters"