The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1915-05-12

Washington, D. c., May 12.-Presi-
dent Wilson's note to Germany on the
Lusitana has been completed.
Drastic action to force Germany to
stop the unlawful practices of the
submarines" will be taken if neces-
sary but this first note will probably
only set forth the United States de-
mands.
The note asks Germany to account
for the series of violations of Ameri-
cans rights in the war zone. not only
a financial but moral accounting, and
to guarantee that there will be no un-
lawful practices of the submarines.
The note does not say exactly what
the United States course would be
in the event Of refusal, nor would Will
sons advisors indicate, except to say
that each step would be considered as
made.
In official quarters, however, it is
said that severance Of diplomatic
relations is possible, if there is no
abatement Of the German practices.
President Wilson realizes fully the
gravity of the note and is prepared
for any eventuaities resulting.
. The notes final details we're re-
vised today and it will probably go
to Germany tonight or tomorrow. The
cabinet members favoring a vigorous
foreign policy, are satisfied with the
note. The conservative members are
alss satisfied.
The cabinet members are unanimous
that it uphoIds the dignity and honor
of the United States. The note was
written Sunday before the Philadel-
phia speech was delivered. The note
does not reflect the pacific utter
snces of the Philadelphia speech.
Today's note, although firm, does
for the German people. AS for the
warnings to the Lusitania, the note
said the notice of intention to CON-
NIT an unlawful act did not justify
that act.
It was announced last night taat the
president had practically decided upon
his first step in the policy which the
American government will pursue as
a result OF the sinking of the Lusi-
tania with the loss of many American
lives. 1t was stated that the presi. |
dent would act promptly. A draft of
the communication to be sent to Ger
many was submitted to the cabinet |
members and approved unanimously. |
While no official announcement was
made it was learned that the United |
States would present and insist upon |
an explanation of the series OF Incl |
dents which have occurred since the |
proclamation of a war zone around the |
British Isles-the sinking of the Fala-
ba, causing the death of Leon C. |
Thresher an American citizen: the |
attack by German airmen on the |
American steamer Gushing, the torpe-
doing of the American steamer Gulf
light. and finally the destruction with
out warning of the Lusitania with a
toll of more than a hundred American
lives.
In what are described by those ia
miliar with the document as firm and
terms, the president
voices the intense feeling of the Unit
ed States over these happenings and
in the name of international law de-
mands an adherence by Germany to
the established rules of maritime war
fare. The note asks that some as
surance or guarantee be given here
after that unarmed merchant vessels
carving non-combatants be visited
and searched when encountered on
the high seas by the German navy
and passengers and crew transferred
to a place of safety before any prize is
destroyed.
The president points out. it is IN