Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-05-13
WILSON DECIDES ON
COURSE TO PURSUE
CONTINUED From Page L.,

In official quarters, however, the
eventual severance of diplomatic re-
lations was declared not to be imposs-
lble If there was no abatement of the
German practices.
1t was learned that the president
framed his policy Sunday night and
that his pacific utterance in his speech
In Philadelphia last Monday are not re-
Elected in the firm and unequivocal
passages of the note. It is described as
a business like document, demanding
the "strict accountability which the
United States in its former note to
Germany said it would demand. 1t Is
said it not only asks for termination
Of the unlawful methods of submarine
warfare on merchant ships, but repair
alton in full to the families of the vic
tins Of the Lusitania tragedy.
Everywhere in official quarters to-
day as details of the presidents plan
of action became known, there was
talk Of firmness and stiffening of the
position of the United States govern
ment towards Germany.
Act an Illegal Ono.
Attention is called to the fact that
while advertisements of warning ap-
peared in the newspapers, the United
States government was never ofncially
informed of it, but Irrespective of that,
the position is taken that the serving
Of notice to do an unlawful act neither
justifies 1t nor makes 1t lawful.
The note calls on Germany for an ex-
PLANTATION Of her past and future course
and leaves open the steps the United
States will take to compel an acquies-
cence in It's position.
Cabinet officers known as the advo.
Gates always of vigorous steps in for
eign affairs, were highly pleased. They
said the presidents note was the kind
Of document that fulfilled the desires
Of every American and upheld the dig
nifty and honor Of the United States,
indicating that the American govern
ment was prepared to 60 to the full
length of it's ability.
President Wilson spent the forenoon
at the typewriter. Despite the tensity
Of the international situation the white
house presented an air Of calm.
kilograms from all sections Of the
country from men in many stations in
life and many organizations continued
to pour in. Practically all expressed
the sentiment that the country would
stand behind the president In any &C.
ton he determined on.
Not to Harm Neutrals.
Germany yesterday notified the Unit
ed States through Ambassador Gerard
that submarine commanders have been
specifically instructed not to harm
neutral vessels not engaged In hostile
acts and that Germany will pay dam
ages without prize court proceedings
and express regret If neutral ships are
accidentally damaged.
In previous communications Ger
many has disclaimed responsibility for
any harm that might befall neutral
vessels venturing into the war zone.
Neutral ships carrying contraband
will be dealt with, the announcement
says, according to the rules of naval
warfare.
The German government justifies its
submarine warfare on the grounds that
England Is threatening to starve the
civilian population Of Germany by pro.
hibiting neutral commerce in foodstuffs
and other necessaries.
Up To Germany.
AS the day advanced officials indi-
Gated that the situation would grow
only as serious as Germany chose to
make it and that the United States
would stand on it's legal right, taking
steps to make the imperial German
government understand the honest
purpose of the United States to abate
submarine warfare on noncombatants
and cause reparation for offenses al
ready committed.
One step discussed today was con-
with other neutral govern