New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-28
Friendly Tone Called
Attempt to Shift
Blame.
YASAkA GOT
NO WARNING
But Proof That American
Was on Board Is Not
Yet Established.
From The Tribune Bureau

From The Tribune Bureau
Washington, Dec. 27.-lnsplred
statements from Vienna that the
Austrian reply to the Ancona note
will be friendly in spirit are be-
lieved by officials here merely to in
dicate that Austria will attempt to
put on this country responsibility
for the break which continued il
legal activity of Austrian subma-
rines in the Mediterranean brings
closer.
The report to-day Of the sinking
Of the French liner Vile de la Cio-
tat and confirmation from official
sources of the report that the
Yasaka Maru was sunk without
warning were construed as meaning
that Austria is making no real eff
fort TO meet the American demands.
Such an attempt by Austria to shift
the blame for a break will fail, Of
ficials assert, declaring positively
that Vienna cannot induce the
United States TO enter into any long
discussion o. the case or 10 accept
any compromise. It is now realized
that Austria will make every effort
to convince not only her own people,
but the rest of the world, that this
government is at fault in the issue
provoked by Austrian acts. But, it
is insisted, in go clear a violation OF
international law, this government
is prepared to face that responsible
ity if Vienna fails 10 meet the
American demands.
Expect Reply This Week.
At the State Department this after
noon it was stated that the reply from
Austria was expected this week. The
inspired press reports are taken to in
dicate that her reply will offer some
concessions and attempt TO open the
way for further discussion. II is not
now believed that Vienna will make any
offer of arbitration, since Baron Zwie-
dinek, her charge here, is understood to
have been informed by Secretary Ian
sing that such an offer could not be
accepted. She will, it is supposed, offer
indemnity for any Americans lost and
offer to enter into discussion OF the
law involved
Neither of these offers would satisfy
this government Nor will the United
States permit the case 70 be made the
subject of informal discussion, as was
done with the Arabic case, officials in
sst. Baron Zwiednek has been at
tempting to find some compromise on
which the two governments nigh,
agree, and has called on Secretary Ian
sing several times for that purpose, but
has been informed, it is understood.
that nothing short of full compliance
with the American demands would sat-
isfy this government.
In German circles a distinct increase
Of pessimism was noted to-day. A man
in touch with both Teuton embassies
outlined the situation for The Tribune.
"If the United States intends to in
sist on exact compliance with its de-
mands there Is no hope of an agree
ment." he said. THE Austrian govern
ment cannot meet any such demands.
Her people are touchy, and she is an
old and very proud government She
will not be at all inclined to give way
to demands which she cannot under
stand, and which were, in the frst
place, couched in terms almost insult
ing.
Break Means Little.
"T think the real trouble is that
neither government has any particular
reason TO fear a break in relations and
both have good reasons for wishing 20
appear TO their citizens 20 be standing
firmly for their rights. What has the
United States 70 lose by break.
There is no chance Of war. since she
could not get at Austria. There are no
important commercial relations, and
those there are will continue TO be han
died through Germany. And there are
very good reasons, in American politics.
why the administration cannot appear
10 take weak stand.
Austria is In the same situation. She
has no important interests here. The
chief intercourse comes through the
heavy migration of Austrians 20 this
country. and, this Austria would be glad
10 prevent. And her political situation
is such that she cannot, either. afford
10 appear TO her people to be taking a
weak international stand.
80, with good reasons why both
should refuse TO compromise and no
reason why either should fear a break.
what is the chance for compromise! So
tar as ! can see. the only thing either
government is trying to do is TO put tho
responsibility on the other. That game
cannot be kept up very long. II wss
very different when the strain was with
Germany. Then both nations had good
rersons for avoiding a rupture
The chances that this. governmcr
would not he called on TO take up ar
other case Of Austrian submarine a
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