The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-06-14
GERMAN NOTE
WAS CHANGED
Bryan Says Revision Soft
ened 1t, But Not
Enough
SAW COMMUNICATION
BEFORE 1T WAS SENT
He Will Not Specify What
Changes Were Made
in It

Washington, June l4.--Former Secre
tary of State Bryan issued another state
ment Saturday declaring that the note t.
Germany was materially revised follow
/ ing the presentation of his resignation
The revision, Mr.. Bryan averred, soft
ened the note but was not sufficient t.
justify him in withdrawing his resigna
ton.
| 1T is true" said Mr.. Bryan, "that
my resignation took effect, but it. con
tanned an important change. | had nc
knowledge of this change at the time
my resignation was rendered and accept
ed.
This change, while very much soften
| ing the note, was not, however, sufficient
in my Judgment to justify me in asking
permission to withdraw my resignation.
As Germany had suggested arbitration,
/ felt that we could not do less than re-
ply to this offer by expressing a willing
ness to apply the principle of the peace
treaties to the case"
"What was the change in the note! r.
Mr.. Bryan was asked.
81 cannot discuss that" he replied.
1t was suggested that the clause added
to the note was that saying the United
States would entertain any evidence Ger
many might have that officials of this
government had not thoroughly per-
formed their DUTY in examining the Lusi-
tania before her departure to see that
she was not armed for offensive action.
Mr.. Bryan only smiled at the suggestion.
Secretary Lansing also declined to dis
cuss changes made in the note.
The clause referred to follows "Tf the
imperial. German government deem it.
self to be in possession of convincing evil
dence that the officials of the government
of the United States did not perform
these duties with thoroughness, the gov
eminent of the United States sincerely
hopes that it will submit that evidence
for consideration"
Irrespective of whether that clause
was inserted or not" Mr.. Bryan was
asked, docs the note not open the. way
for further negotiations with Germany"
II can only reiterate what / have saId,
that the note was softened." Mr.. Bryan
replied, "but not sufficiently to Justify
me in asking permission TO withdraw my
Bryan replied TO published charges of
because he signed the first
tote following the Lusitana incident and
'efused to sign the second. THE notes"
he said. must be considered in connec-
ion with the conditions under which they |
we're sent. The first note presented the
,ase of this government upon such evi.
lence as we then had. IL was like the
Plaintiffs statement in case, his claim
icing based upon the facts as he presents
hem. | did not agree entirely with the
language of the first note, but the differ
noes were not so material as to Justify
refusal to sign it. Then, too. | was at
hat time hoping that certain things
rould be done which would make it cas-.
er for Germany to acquiesce in our de-
hands.
Mr.. Bryan then repeats In his state
lent the three things be mas emphas ized
D his proposal, namely. that the United
tates should offer TO employ the prin.
iple of investigation embodied in 30l
reaties with other nations, should take
ction which would prevent American
tizens from travelling on belligereEtl
iips or American ships carrying contra
and and should protest against inter.
,rence with American trade with neu.
-als. II
mo one will be happier than T." said
n. Bryan, Elf the presidents plan r.. 4
Its in a peaceful settlement, but no
ne was in q position 30 say what effect !
ir note would have upon Germany or
hat results would follow II she in anger .
-oke of diplomatic relations. and ] was
II only unwilling to assume the respon. i
bility for the risks incurred risks
hich no one could with any degree Of \
'curacy measure-but ! felt that, hav-
z done all I could in the cabinet. IL
a. my duty 20 undertake. outside tho I.
binet. the duty upon which have en- I
red.
II have no doubt that the country viii !,
lanimously support the president dur !.
g the war. IL 80 great a misfortune !,
ould overtake us. but ] believe that J.
q chances Of war viii 10 lesscnei In
oportion as the country expresses itself :,
favor Of peace-nOt peace a any !,
ice'-but peace in preference 10 a war
lRed for the redress 81 such grievances
We have against Germany beast =
ainst war until Ne have given 20 Ger
my the opportunity which We are
.dged 20 give Great Britain. Frame
q Russia-to have every difference ~
nv character submitted 20 an inter
ti0naI commission ~ investigation.
Nr. Brvan and his vife left SATURDAY.
NJ for old point Comfort a. remain
81 Tuesday spgn he return Mr.. Brg
expects - amnoumcs his plans for the
mediate future.