Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-15

to amend the rules Of
marine warfare, the American gov
would be found aligned
against the use of the submarine
against merchantmen.
Another feature Of the note which
much comment among diplo-
matists was the statement in it re-
plying to the German circular to neu-
trails which arrived here on Tuesday
and agrees to express regret and rep
aration for any mistaken attacks on
neutral vessels by submarines. The
communication points out that while
expressions of regret and offers of
reparation in case Of destruction Of
neutral ships sunk py mistake may
satisfy international obligations if no
loss Of life results" they cannot US
tify or excuse a practice, the neutral
and necessary effect of which is TO
subject neutral nations and neutral
persons to new and unreasonable
risks"
Visit and Search
In another portion emphasis is laid on
the inability Of the submarines to exer-
else the right Of visit and search at sea.
because Of practical difficulties making
it impossible for them to make prize
Of merchantmen since a prize crew could
not be put aboard. or, If taken as prize.
the ship could not be sunk without leaV-
ing the neutral vessels crew to the mer-
cy of the sea in her small boats.
o1in1ff n
the rules of naval prize law to the cases
of neutral vessels carrying contraband
encountered by submarines-whlch at
tracted attention when the German circu-
lar note to neutrals was first examined.
The argument made in the American
note of today is designed to point out
the inadmissability of what had been re-
earded in some quarters as concessions
by Germany in the treatment of neutral
merchantmen.
Treaty Of 1928
The citation in the note of "the explicit
stipulations of the treaty of 1873 between
the United States and Prussia" was re-
garded as important from legal point
of view Under that treaty American
ships are given the right of unrestr1cte1
freedom Of the seas in times OF war an
even if carrying contraband. including
munitions of war, the ships or carSoes
cannot be confiscated but may be detain-
ed and the cargo "requisitioned, III
which event all contraband or non-con-
traband taken must be paid for irrespec-
lively Of its destination.
White House officials adopted the poll
CIV Of silence, holding that any discussion
of the situation at this time would be
useless and inopportune inasmuch as the
question is now before the Berlin gov
eminent.
The cabinet met today in a regular
session. but no further action was
contemplated pending the receipt OF
Germany's reply. The President took
a short automobile ride before the
cabinet meeting and left late tonight
on the yacht Mayflower for New York
to review the Atlantic fleet there next
week.
During the trip, which will last
nearly a week, the President will be
kept in touch with every development
in the situation, but only important
matters will be placed before him.
He has declined many invitations to
events in New York not connected
with the review Of the fleet.
No Word from Gerard
Although Ambassador Gerard had
been directed to notify the state de-
partment of his receipt of the Amer
lean note. no word came today from
him. Ofifficials were sure. however
that the communication had reached
Berlin and undoubtedly had been pre-
sented to the German foreign office
The absence Of any message from Mr.
Gerard, they attributed to the con-
eestion of Geographic wires in Italy
Count Won Bernstorff, the German
ambassador, made an engagement tc
20 to the state department. 1t was
understood, to call Mr.. Bryan's atten-
ton to reports again published today
purportine forecast a complete refus-
al by Germany to all the American
representations and point out that
the embassy was in no way a source
of them.
Won sernstorff's Statement
II have not received any Ninstruc-
tons l have not received anything
have not heard anything. / don't
know anything" said Count Bern
storfr after a conference with Coun-
sellor Lansing at the state depart
ment.
Secretary Bryan, after Ambassador
Bernstorfrs visit. made the following
statement:
1.-THE German ambassador has
brought to our attention the. fac'
that statements have been made ir
newspapers, purporting to be made by
members of the embassy staff
statements which were pure inven-
lions. He asked us to warn the
press against false statements about
the embassy.