Evening journal., 1915-05-19
BY JOHN EDWIN NEVIN
Inited Press Stan Correspondent


WASHINGTON. May 19.-The
United States was uniformed official
ly today that Germany had called a
halt in her submarine warfare on
merchant shipping. Certain German
embassy officials declared such action
had been taken. temporarily, but no
word had been received from Ambas-
sador Gerard announcing It. These
embassy officials made their assertion
in support of their view that the
rransylvania's passengers were
"overwrought and nervous" when they
reported a torpedo had been fred at
the Anchor liner last Sunday. They
declined, however. to discuss the Ger
man Admiralty's reported action in
detail or TO say whether a definite or
der had been issued recalling the un-
der-sea craft from service OFF the Irish
and Scotch coasts.
II this has been done, officials
agreed. il would indicate that Ger
many is at least in a conciliatory
mood.
Hope for an immediate reply from
Berlin has been abandoned because of
the Italian crisis. II was admitted
that until Germany can realize her
military and diplomatic forces TO meet
this new and menacing factor. Amer
lean demands must wait. II there are
no further killings OF Americans or
destruction OF ships carrying women
and children. II was understood to be
unlikely that the United States will
press for an answer until the Italian
crisis has passed
Speculation over Germany's prob
able ultimate attitude continued In
diplomatic circles today. The fat
statements from Berlin that Ger
many will refuse to abandon her sub
marine warfare were generally ac.
cepted as representing the miliar,
and naval elements views. Omciall
did not deem this group sure 10 hav'
its way. They were hopeful that Ger
/ man diplomacy viii realize that def
ancc OF the United States viii simpl
line up neutrals hebind the latter ant
consequently win make the conces
sions demanded In the Wilson note.
The growing belief that the admin
istration is about to demand that th'
allies observe international law II
their conduct of their blockade
against Germany promised to prove !
potent factor in the final settlement
II was pointed out that Germany en-
tered the submarine campaign be
cause she declared her people were
facing starvation. The British ordel
in council. following the seizure o.
the Wilhelmina's foodstuffs cargo
consigned direct to Bremen. is ad
mittcd to have been the German mo-
tive for sinking vessels bound fol
England and France. The German
note to the United States declared
that neutrals we're taking no steps Il
/ safeguard their own commerce, sc
Germany was compelled TO act.
President wilson's demand on Ger
many. diplomats tactily concede
was peremptory command. under
the nice-sounding phrases of Ameri
can diplomacy II left Germany nc
alternative. She must accept tn,
American position or friendly rela.
tions must be broken off. The same
sort of a note to England. affirming
the Americans right TO trade will
whom they please, so long as it is moi
In contrabrand, il is said, would pui
the allies in the same position as Ger.
} many. The movement to have tho
President take this step is backed by
the cotton men of the south, headed
by Senator Hoke Smith; by the dye
Importers Of the east, and by thu