Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-07-12

WASHINGTON. July 1I-Study of
Germany's reply TO the American note
on submarine warfare strengthens the
conviction of high officials that a criti-
cal point in the relations between the
two countries has been reached, it was
said here tonight
Not only do officials feel the United
States must refuse to accept German
proposals for the future conduct Of
American citizens on the high seas. 1t
was declared. but the failure of Ger
many to disavow the sinking OF the
Lusitania with the loss of American
lives, in their view, has brought on a
crisis
That there will be no action by the
United States for at least another week
was indicated to-day. Several days
VIII be required to measure fully the
responsibilities the American govern
ment will incur in framing a reply
to meet the situation. Secretary Lam
sing probably will go to Cornish, n. H.
within day or two to confer with
President Wilson He said tonight
he would study the note carefully and
then communicate with the President.
Count Won Rernstorff, the German
am mhassador, intends to call on Secre-
tary Lansing during the week to learn
informally whether he can he of any
service in the situation.
To-day the official text of the Ger
man reply arrived and was made pub
lie. It differed only in unimportant
words from the Associated Press copy.
which came from Berlin on Friday
night
ACTION OF AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT DOUBTFII,
In all quarters here, the reply was
the single topic of concern. What the
action of the American government will
be is doubtful largely in the sense
that the means of expressing the ideas
and purposes of the United States have
not been decided. 1t was Indicated
authoritatively that obviously there
would be no surrender OF America n
rights and no acceptance OF the Ger
man proposal to guarantee immunity
to American ships under arrangements
to be agreed on by naval authorities of
the two countries.
There Is no intention from ind;ca :
a situation. but in whatever policy is
followed, the American endeavor will
be to place full responsibility on Ger
many for any possible rupture in
friendly relations. Since the L,vsi-
tania was sunk on May 7, there has
been no violation of the principles for
which the United States has contended,
unless the mishap to the Nebraskan n
ha ir,r1 Id
Washington government has not finally
reached conclusion as to whether a
mine or torpedo caused the explosion.
In the view of many officials, should
German submarine commandcrs con-
tinue IN practice to respect American
rights, discussion could continue. There
were intimations. however, that in the
next communication the United States
likely would impress on Germany the
serious consequences that would ensue
from any further violation OF Amer
lean rights as proclaimed in notes
already sent.
TREATMENT OF LUsITANIA
CASE IS AN EVASION
The chief obstacle, it appears to per-
hitting virtually a status quo to con-
tinue while further notes are ex-
changed Is the treatment which Ger
many has given to the Lusitania case.
The United States has asked for dis
avowal of intent. to kill Americans and
for reparation, although the latter has
been subordinated to the greater con-
sideration OF whether Germany legally
justihes the action of the submarine
commander or will admit liability. No
direct answer on the questions OF law
Involved were given In the last note,
and the quick sinking of the vessel
was attributed to peculiar circum-
stances" such as. the presence of high
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