Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-05-13
PRESIDENTS NOTE
TO REACH BERLIN TODAY

by Germany around the British Isles;
the sinking Of the British liner Falaba
with the loss of Leon c. Thresher, an
American; the attack by German air
men on the American steamship Cush-
ing; the torpedoing without warning
of the American steamship Gulflght,
flying the Stars and Stripes, and, H.
nally, the torpedolng without warning
OF the Lusitania, with It's loss of more
than 1000 lives OF non-combatants,
among them more than 100 Americans.
Second. These acts are declared 10
he lndefensible under international
law. The United states points out
that II never admitted Germany's
right to do them, and warned the lm-
perlal Government that 1t would be
held to a "strict accountability for
attacks on American vessels or lives.
A strict accounting, therefore, is now
asked from Germany.
Third. Germany Is in effect reminded
that no reparation can restore the
lives of those sacrificed In the sinking
of the Lusltania and other ships.
Fourth Expressions of regret may
comply with the legal precedents. but
they are valueless unless accompanied
by a cessation of the practices en-
dangerlng lives of noncombatants.
Fifth. The right of neutrals to travel
any portion of the high seas on neutral
or belIgerent merchantmen is as
serted
Sixth. In the name of humanity and
International law, the United States
demands a guarantee that these rights
will be respected and that there be no
repetition of the attacks on merchant
men carrying noncombatants.
Seventh. Tho giving of warnings to
the American public without officially
communicating them to the United
States Government is commented on
in connection with the German EN-
bassy's printed advertisement before
the sailing of the Lusitanla. but ire
spective of the failure to advise the
American Government of Germany's
purpose, the point is made that notice
of an intention to do an unlawful act
neither justified nor legallzed It,
Eighth. The suggestion Is conveyed
that the German Government, of
course. could not have intended to de-
stroy innocent lives, and that conse-
quently the German submarine COM
manders must have misunderstood
their instructions. The American Gov
ernment indicates it's hope that this
will be found to be true, and cessa-
tion of the unlawful practices thereby
will result.
Ninth. In conclusion. Germany's at
tention Is called to the earnestness of
the Government and people of the
United States in this situation. 1t Is
made plain that the United States will
leave nothing undone either in diplo-
matte representations or other action
to obtain compliance by Germany to
the requests made.
HOW WILL GERMANY REPLY?
Surmise is busy concerning not only
he substance of the message, which in
ormed circles believe to be as given in
no foregoing summary, but with Ger
lany's reception of the friendly -phrased
ut unmistakably firm demands.
How will Germany answer?
Interest In this question equaled curl
slty concerning the contents of the
residents message to the Berlin For
Ign Office.
Although the text has not been made
ublic, yet 1t was pretty we'll understood
hat 1t contained-in brief, a demand for
eparation for the destruction, already
lffered. of American lives and property,
trough German submarine activity in
he European war zone-assurances that
ich occurrences would not be repeated,
} far as Americans are concerned.
Three possible forms of response were
en by officials here:
Acqulescence In Americas demands.
Such n reply would lead to further ne
otiation.
A definite refusal politely worded or
herwise, to grant what President Will
n asks.
Perhaps of these theories the second
ls the greatest number of supporters.
hn Il LntG
init himself in the wrong and promise
u 10 err again was not very generally
,lieved. Yet in his latest note relative
mistaken" German submarine attacks
neutral vessels some thought they
w an inclination on his part not to as
Ime an entirely defiant attitude toward
| the world.
Indemnity, the persons who took this
ew, thought he would grant readily
therwise, 1t was their view that he
ould so couch his reply as to call, no
after how urgently the Washington Ad-
may wish to expedite mat
RS, for further exchange of notes, pos
bly, extending the negotiations out over
considerable period OF time.
of hope that Berlin would unqualiiedly
eld there was not much belief.
SPECULATION RIFE.
A polite refusal to comply with the
nerican demands that submarine war
re on merchant ships carrying neutral
ssengers must cease Is expected to
rtain quarters to be made by Germany.
18th President Wilson's stern warning
g TO be cabled to Berlin today, an off,
al OF the German Embassy and other
,lomats In Washington expressed the
inion that efforts of the United States
'vernment to bring German operations
ainst such vessels as the Lusltania to
abrupt halt would prove unavailing.
was even suggested that the Kaiser's
will welcome an opportu-
y to cast off any restraint in inter
ing with American commerce and now
Il dispatch swarm of submarines to
} Atlantic to sweep from the seas
nerican shipping.
)ne loophole. giving Germany a chance
make pacific advances to the United
ates. is seen In the Presidents note, |
is the suggestion that the LIusItanla.
. Gulflight and other violated ships |
re attacked by German officers acting