The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1915-06-12
THIS IS BELIEF
IN WASHINGTON
OVER LAST NOTE
GERMAN GOVERNMENT, 1T is
POINTED OUT, HAS BEEN
GIVEN GOOD OPPORTUNITY
TO ACCEDE TO OUR DE-
MANDS.


publication of the latest American
note to Germany concerning the sink
ing of the Lusitania, officials OF the
United States government and diplo-
matists generally discussed among
themselves the probable character OF
the German governments answer.
While there was no definite informa-
ton, the feeling in German quarters
was that a favorable response was
likely, as the note seemed to open the
door to a solution compatible alike
with the interests OF both Germany
and the United States. An answer
from Germany is not locked for under
ten days or two weeks.
The note, it was said, vas purposely
phrased so that it would give Germany
an opening to meet the wishes OF the
United States with dignity ard in con-
formity with German public opinion.
Many officials wonder why Secretary
Bryan declined to sign the note, which
they regard as friendly in tone, and
carrying many expressions of good
will. They claim it's friendliness is
the very means that he had suggested
-persuasion-to accomplish the Amer
lean purpose. Most everybody in Of
ficail circles disagree with Mr.. Bryan
that the note might lead to war.
Unofficial advices received here
said that the note which had been
considerably delayed in transmission,
had ben received by Ambassador Ge-
rad in Berlin. 1t was to be presented
today to Herr Won Jagow, the German
foreign secretary. 1t is expected here,
however, that Germany will await the
arrival of Meyer Gerhard, personal
representative of Count Won Bern
storff, the German ambassador, who
now is en- route to Berlin to outline
the attitude of the American govern
ment, before response.
The note which brought on the
crisis in President Wilson's cabinet
and eliminated in the resignation of
William j. Bryan as secretary of
state, although friendly in character,
firmly renews previous demands that
the German government furnish as
surances that American lives and YES
sells shall hereafter be safeguarded.
What action the United States will
take in the event that Germany re-
fuses to give such assurances is not
indicated in this note.
The note further declares that in
the view of the American govern
ment the contention that the Lusitania
was carrying contraband of war or
that these munitions were exploded
by torpedo "are irrevelent to the
question of legality of the methods
used by the German naval authorities
in sinking the vessel"
at is upon this principle of hu-
manity," the note adds, 'as well as
upon the law founded on this prin-
ciple that the United States must
stand"
The note assures Germany that it
must have been misinformed when it
assumed that the Lusitania carried
guns, but the opportunity is given to
Germany to submit any evidence that
American officials did not execute
their tasks of thoroughly inspecting
the Lusitania before sailing.
State department advices indicated
that the presidents note had not yet
been received in Berlin Officials
we're confident, however, it would be
in Ambassador Gerard's hands some
time today and would be placed be-
fore the foreign office as soon as it
could be deciphered and translated.
1t became known today that al
though the onte was shown to former
Secretary Bryan by direction of Presi-
dent Wilson just before it was dis
patched, it was not altered after Mr..
Bryan had seen it. Acting Secretary
Lansing, who showed Mr.. Bryan the
note. said today that mot word or
letter" had been changed. Mr.. Ian
sing had not signed the note as sec
retary ad interim when he took it to
Mr.. Bryan, and at that time, by the
terms of Mr.. Bryan's resignation, the
latter still was secretary of state.
Immediately after the conference
Mr. Lansing signed the note and Mr..
Bryan's resignation became effective.
Mr.. Lansing attended today's cab
met meeting by specific invitation of
President Wilson. He was not pres
ent at the opening of the session, TAX
ing the ground, as it was expressed
at the state department, that he
should not attend unless invited in
view of the ad interim nature of his