Omaha daily bee., 1915-05-14

German government could not have in
tended 10 destroy innocent lives. room IL
given for a disavowal by Germany OF the
practices in the war zone and an assur-
ance that future attacks will be pro-
hlblted.
DipIomatists Anrious.
In executive quarters interse interest
prevailed today and news Of what the
American note contained was eagerly
sought ny officials IN the government de-
partments and in diplomatic circles gen
orally
Some international lawyers and diplo-
mats who have followed closely Ger
many's course since beginning the sub
marine warfare were Of the opinion that
compliance by Germany with the terms
OF the American note would not be sur
prising and even that such a course would
not be a departure from previous express
| sions. Germany has maintained II was
contended, that the submarine activity
was begun only because England would
not permit foodstuffs and conditional
contraband destined to civilians to reach
Germany. and because the neutrals in
their protests had been powerless TO effect
an adherence TO tho rules OF international
law by the allies in questions Of contra
band Should Germany announce it's in
tentlon 20 abandon submarine warfare IL
was believed by some diplomats II would
not necessarily make q stipulation, but
would state its expectation that the
United states as the greatest neutral
would secure equal guarantees from the
allies or questions OF contraband.
Leave Rest 20 Circumstances.
In he
opposite course and refused TO comply
with the wishes Of the United States, high
officials decline 10 predict what steps
would be taken beyond indicating that the
Washington government would deal with
each development in the situation as IL
arose.
Reports that Americans had been ad-
vised TO leave Germany on account Of the
critical state Of relations with the United
States were declared to he wholly UNI
founded by officials.
Americans in all belligerent countries
we're advised by the State department at
the outbreak of hostiiities 70 leave the
danger zone, and no special instructions
have since been given to American en-
voys in Europe
Messages continued TO flood the White
House and State department today. sug-
costing various lines OF policy. Many ex-
pressed entire confidence In the president.
Conspicuous among these was a personal
letter from former President Taft, ex-
pressing his confidence in and his sup
port OF Mr.. Wilson In the delicate situa-
lion, He gave his own suggestions OF
what should be done by the United
states. which. II was said, did not differ
materially from the course the president
had adopted. The White House let II he
known tho president was gratified over
Mr. Taft's action.
Expresses Sympathy.
Stephan Phanaretoff, the BULGARIAN
minister called at the State department
during the day and expressed TO Secre-
tary Bryan his sympathy for the loss of
American lives caused by the sinking of
the Lusitania.
IL became known tonight that tustioe
department Officials are giving consider
alton to the question OF whether publica-
tons containing matter such as editorials
seeking to justify the sinking OF the LUIS
itania and advising the repetition OF such
acts can be kept out of the mails under
tho provisions OF the penal code. making
II an offense to circulate matter OF
character intended TO incite arson, muir
der or assassination" Some officials
think the law might be construed TO APP
ply to published speeches of a similar
character.
DR.. bernhard Dernberg's utterances still
are being given attention in high official |
quarters. and II is strongly intimated that
some steps will be taken 10 end his ac- |
hvity' II was suggested today that the |
ierman embassy might be informed that
Or. Dernberg, German subject, was
making himself offensive to the American
government and people.