New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-24
Pre- Sident Decides
Time for Protests
Has Passed.
AWAITS ONLY
FINAL DETAILS
Will Not Act Until Every
Reasonable Doubt Is
Settled.
BREAK NEXT IN ORDER
High Official Predicts War
Within Thirty Days After
Relations Are Severed.
from The Tribune Bureau ]

Washington, Aug. 23.-Presldent
Wilson and Secretary Lansing have
decided to recall Ambassador Gerard
from Berlin if, after a careful ex-
animation Of the evidence, it is estab-
lished that the sinking of the steam
ship Arabic was without jUstifca-
ton. In taking this step they will
proceed with the utmost deliberation
and will not act until every scrap of
evidence has been vigorously exam
ined and every reasonable doubt dis
sipated. This may take a week or
even longer.
Both the President and the Secre-
tary of State are agreed that the
time for further protests in the
shape of notes has passed. If Cen
many has been deliberately un-
friendly" there is no alternative but
to sever diplomatic relations. They
see no other way out of it, although
they will go to great lengths to pre-
vent a break.
Both men realize that the people
cf the United States do not desire
break with Germany, and will make
every reasonable sacrifice to avoid it.
But they are confident that if sew
erance Of relations is necessary to
uphold the dignity of the nation and
to support the Presidents warnings
to Germany as contained in the Lusi-
tania notes, the country will stand
squarely behind the President in the
course he is forced to adopt.
There was one break to-day in the
official silence which has surrounded
the White House. Secretary Tu-
multy, after conferring with Presi-
dent Wilson, issued this statement:
"As soon as all the facts regard
ing the Arabic are ascertained our
course Of action will be determined"
Affidavits on the Way.
cable message from Ambassador
Page to-day said that the affidavits of
passengers were on their way by mail.
Secretary Lansing wired for a summary
of the affidavits to be sent by cable,
and this is expected tomorrow. The
action of the United States may be
based on this summary, without wait
ing for the complete text of the aiIi-
davits.
Ambassador Gerard reported to-day
that the German Admiralty had re-
oeived no report from the commander
of the submarine that attacked the
Arabic. II is assumed that unless Ger
many wishes TO make an outright issue
with the United States some explans-
ton will be volunteered. Acting with
that thought, Ambassador Gerard was
instructed to-day to report whether he
had received an explanation from the
German government on the sinking OF
the Arabic. He was not, however, in
structed to ask for one.
Whether or not Congress will be
called in special session to provide
funds for large increases in the army
and navy has not been determined. 1t
can be authoritatively stated that be-
yond the recall of Ambassador Gerard
the government has no plans Of action.
A rupture of diplomatic relations, it
is pointed out, would not necessarily
mean war. There are many historical
precedents for recalling diplomatic rep
resentatives without a subsequent dec
laration of war unless further acts in
contravention of American rights are
committed.
Believe War Would Follow Break.
One high official in close touch with
the German situation said, however,
that war would undoubtedly follow
within thirty days after the recall Of
the American Ambassador TO Germany.
The sinking of an American ship or Of
belligerent vessel with loss of Amer
lean lives would bring about a situa-
ton from which there could be no
peaceful issue without diplomatic ne
gotiation, which would then be impos-
sible. There would therefore be no al
ternative for the United States but 20
declare war on Germany.
Neither the President nor Secretary
Lansing is satisfied with the informa-
tion thus far received concerning the
sinking Of the Arabic. Several incon-
sistencies appear on close examination
which are difficult TO reconcile.
Except for the unsworn statement OF
Zellah Covington, one OF the American
survivors, all the evidence that has
come 10 the State Department has con-
sisted Of conclusions and opinions Of
fered By the American Ambassador and
the vice-consul at Queenstown. These
have little weight either at the State
Department or the White House in de-
termining the course tn government