Omaha daily bee., 1915-05-10
WORLD AWAITS
VOICE OF EAGLE
OVER ITS SLAIN
Eyes of Universe on Wilson as He
Studies Course to Be Pursued
in Regard to Sinking
of Lusitania.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT Is MADE
President Says He Knows People
Expect Him TO Act with Delhi.
Grafton and Firmness.
BRYAN PLEADS FOR cALMNEss

WASHINGTON, May s.-Presi-
dent Wilson, upon whom the eyes of
the world are focused at the pres
ent moment. studied in quiet seclu-
sion. yesterday the aspects of law and
fact in connection With the sinking
by German torpedo of the British
liner Lusitanla with consequent
loss of many lives.
The great human tragedy coupled
with the responsibilities of the hour
caused the president to deny himself
to all callers even to members of his
official family, while he turned over
in his mind the course to be pursued
by the United States government in
one of the most serious crises in its
history.
The Statement.
Tho only glimpse u the Workings OF
tho presidents mind vas given when
tho White House at night issued ito first
formal comment on the disaster. The
announcement was made that the prcsl-
dent realized tho country expected him
TO deal with tho situation with delib-
Grafton as well as firmness" The an
nouncement was as follows;
After conference with the presi-
dent at the White House this evening.
Secretary Tumulty seid; or course.
the president feels the distress and
the gravity Of the situation TO the
utmost and is eonsidoring very
earnestly but very calmly the right
course of action 70 pursue. iIe knows
that tho people OF the country wish
end expect him 20 act with delibcra-
tlon as well as with firmness.'
Tho official data. upon which formal
action will he based. had not arrived
The president therefore did not eommuni-
cate with Secretary Bryan or officials
OF the state department Nor did he
consult members OF the cabinet OF con-
eness .
sifsiag a. for. Hip,reif.
lie has heen aising such close per-
lsonai sttentfen IN the last few weeka
70 the particular questions involved that
he was thought 70 be oetermined to sift
for himself the various ouestione and
ehape policy 20 be submitted 90 the
cabinet. probably on Monday or Tuesday.
I'm the meantime public opinion was
oxbected to crystalizs and help point the
way Members of tho cabinet cancelled
other engagements and held themselves
In readiness for the presidents cali. At
tho state department when Secretary
Bryan was asked II there was any ad-
vice 20 communicate to the American
people at this time. ne replied that no
did not think this was needed for the
I
| This Is no time 20 rock the boat
he said. II was the same sentiment
which Chairman Stone OF the senate for
eigu relations committee had expressed
earlier Ia the day. ~The single phrase
expressed tho desire OF the Washing
ton administration that prejudices and
passions be not thrust into the unstable
equilibrium while the government en-
deavored TO learn ali the details.
Carried No Guns.
Ono important fact was definitely
ascertained by the Washington govern
ment yesterday from the port authorities
New York. who gave clearance 70 the
Lusita ania--that II carried no guns. either
mounted or unmounted. IN accordance
with the caution OF the State department
and British government early IN the war.
This disposed In the minds Of officials
the claim that the German submarine
had n right to attack the Lusitania be-
cause 1t was an auxiliary or a converted
cruiser Officials OF the cunard line are
understood TO have stated that the Lusi-
tania was not conveyed.
/ These facts. in the opinion Of law Of
fieers OF the American government. left
the German submarine no excuse under
law or reason for an attack without
warning on ship with hundreds of non
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