The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-05-13
UP TO KAISER TO ACT


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content itself with breaking off di-
plomatic relations with Germany,
taking no further steps in the event
of an unfavorable reply to the note,
circles 1t is freely asserted that this
action would be impossible. Germany.
it is pointed out is probably the
proudest nation in Europe, and break
ing diplomatic relations would be a
blow to that pride which would al
most certainly be held to demand
drastic action and would undoubtedly
be followed by Immediate picking up
of the gauntlet by the German gov
eminent.
There also was a disposition among
officials to resent bitterly the sugges-
ton of the British government lead
ers and British newspapers that in the
event of war, the United States should
agree to speed up her factories and
keep the allies supplied with NUM-
tions possibly lending her very eff
Gent fleet but not sending troops to
take any part in the present attempt
to crush Germany.
War Only for Honor.
This government, it was stated.
cannot accept any such suggestion
which, it was agreed, the millions of
Americans of German descent would
be justified in resenting.
If this country must go to war
with Germany, it was declared, it
must go to war for Americas honor
and for no other cause.
In German circles here it was said
today that confidential advices indi-
Gated there never was any intention of
sinking the Lusitania. Her torpedoing
was deliberate, it was stated, but it
was believed that she actually was
almost unsuitable and that all that
was hoped was to fill several of her
watertight compartments that she
either would have to be beached or
have her passengers and crew taken
off the ship, sinking later in shallow
water.
Lives Above Cash Indemnity.
Reports that Americans had been
advised to leave Germany on account
of the critical state of relations with
the United States were declared to be
wholly unfounded by officials. Amer
leans in all belligerent countries were
by the state department at the
outbreak of hostilities to leave the
danger zone, and no special instruc-
tions have since been given to Ameri-
can ENJOYS in Europe.
Officials who have seen the note to
Germany made it clear that it makes
no specific demand for financial rep
aratIon for the loss of American lives,
but asks PREPARATION in general terms
and avoiding any impression that the
loss of Americans on the Lusitania
could be atoned by the mere payment
of cash indemnity.
Although nearly a week has passed
since the sinking Of the Lusitania, mes
sageS regarding the disaster continued
to arrive at the White House today
from all parts of the world. Prac-
t1cally all of them expressed conf
dence in the president.
The German embassy stated today
that no statement or intimation had
been given by the embassy or any Of
1cial of the embassy concerning what
response would be made to the Ameri-
can note regarding the LuSitania-
a ST feY11 ont
in the press this morning
to the effect that officials of the Ger
man embassy have outlined the posi-
lion of the German government to-
wards the American note regarding
he sinking of the Lusitania and have
5eclared that the reply would be a po-
lite but firm refusal to cease subfna-
-ine warfare against belligerent mer-
chant ships.
1t was pointed out that the en-
oassy itself so far4was ignorant of the
erms of the American note; that it
had received no instructions whatever
rom the German government regard
ng the note and, finally, it was de-
,lared that no official connected with
he embassy had expressed any opin-
on on the subject at all.
Confidence in President
In announcing the decision to pub
ish the note tomorrow morning, Sec
'etary Bryan said he expected it could |
,e transmitted to Germany in time for
delivery to the German foreign office
.arly tomorrow. Actual transmission
~ cable and through Rome and Wen
la, he said. would occur late today. |
numerous communications, the secre- |
airy said, have reached the state de- |
,artment from citizens on the attitude |
his government should take.
The advice Offered in these COM
said the secretary, diff |
crs, but all conclude with expressions |
# support of the president of the |
United States"
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