The sun., 1915-02-18
D. S. SEES BIG MENACE.
Danger 60 American Lives and
shSps Believed Great.

wAsHrNoroS. Feb 17.--with the Ger
man war zone decree. the gravest mem
ace 10 American life and property at
sea. now in effect the position Of the
United States in relation to the war is
regarded here with great seriousness.
In all quarters in Washington to-day
were heard expressions OF grave concern
over the predicament in which the
United States as neutral fnds itself
in the desperate struggle between Eng
land and Germany. The likelihood OF
disaster to American bfe or property
within the war zone is conceded to he
strong. The situation has reached the
stage where the more conservative are
advising extreme caution.
The State Department learned un-
ofiicialiy to-day that the reply Of the
German Government 10 the vigorous
no<s Of the United States regarding
operations contemplated under the terms
of the war zone decree Is in the hands
Of Ambassador Gerard and will prob
ably reach the President tomorrow.
knowledge, however. as it is regarded as
certain that the German note will con-
tain no such assurances for the safety
of American shipping as were sought
nor any satisfactory proposals
II is declared that this Government
Britain could assure. that no British
vessel would ny the American flag when
in the vicinity OF the area Of operations
Of German submarines. In regard to
the suggestion which Germany may
make that American vessels enter Brit
ish ports only during daylight. II is ad-
mitted that this is procedure which
10 likely to commend itself to any mari
ner In the circumsta noes. but the sug-
gestion, already made. that the United
states navy be used TO convoy merchant
men 10 not likely 10 be welcome one.
Many reasons are named in objection
to the suggestion Of a convoy for Amer
cah merchantmen. The frst is that the
United States ought no, TO assume that
is merchantmen are not entitled to the
high seas without the forces Il .hc navy
actually present for protection: also that /
favorable action upon this suggestion
would be recognition of Germany's right
to sink merchant vessels without the
universally required preliminary of visit
and search for establishment Of nation /
ality. Moreover. II Ia predicted that the .
chances Of the United States becoming
involved in the struggle in Europe would
be Increased tenfoId II American war
ships were to be sent In numbers into the
area OF operations sing.e mistake
upon the part of submarine COM
maader in the case of trrpedoing a bat
tleship would put Germany in the po-
sition OF having committed a hostile act /
against the United States
The situation with respect to Great
Britain and her policies Is no more as
suring to the Administration than that T
with regard to Germany. Announcement .
OF q blockade or some other form OF
retaliation against Germany is expected .
hourly here and the general belief Is
that whatever mode OF retaliation the
British Government has decided upon
II will be something likely tn increase
the difficulties confronting the United
States.
The note from Great Britain, made
public to-day in reply TO the United
states protest against British interfer-
encs with neutral trade. Is regarded as
strong evidence that tho British Gov
eminent is contemplating "A more drastic,
instead OF a more lenien.. policy with
respect to shipments OF food to Ger
many. On the other hand the State
Department made public note received
from the German Amba ssador. the pur-
pose OF which was to show that the
'sritish policy even as now understood, is