Evening star., 1915-06-12
Washington Awaits Word
From Berlin as to Notes
Reception.
SENTIMENT is REPORTED
TO BE AGAINST YIELDING
German Ambassador Leaves City for
Vacation, His Destination Be-
ing Secret.

Officially Washington today looked
to Ambassador Gerard in Berlin for
some indication of how the German
government views the American note
to Germany concerning her submarine
warfare.
Members of the administration
seemed to have settled down. with an
air of confidence, to await Germany's
reply. The President himself went Off
to golf on his regular weekend recre-
alton, and many cabinet members were
out of the city. There was a marked
relaxation in the tensity which per-
vaded official circles during the prep
aration of the note and which accom-
panied former Secretary Bryan's resig-
nation.
Unof1cial advices received here said
that offlclals of the German foreign Of
ice were familiarizing themselves with
the contents of the note, and il was
expected here that as soon as they
had done SO the ambassador would
promptly send some definite informa-
tion concerning the German attitude.
1t was also stated that Germany
probably would not give its answer
pending the arrival of Meyer Gerhard,
the personal representative of Count
Won Bernstorff, the German ambassa-
dor to Washington. From this it was
concluded here that reply would not
be forthcoming for perhaps a fort
night.
German Envoy Leaves City.
Count Won Bernstorfr, the German
amba ssador, left Washington today for
a short vacation. His destination was
withheld by the embassy.
While Mr. Bryan firmly refused to
discuss the identical phraseology Of
the note as shown him and as sent to
Germany, 1t was made clear at the State
Department today just what happened.
There were minor changes inserted In
the language of the note just before 1t
was put in its final form and these
was shown to Mr.. Bryan by Counselor
Lansing, now Secretary of State ad
interim.
Mr.. Bryan's resignati tion had been al
ready rendered. but had not yet taken
effect. Changes made in this final form
apparently did nto affect the attitude of
Secretary Bryan. The note in the pre-
else text as shown him was then put in
code and sent to Berlin without the
change of word or letter.
Whether the President directed that
the final note be shown to Mr. Bryan
was not disclosed, but it would have
been shown to him anyway without
any instructions. technically Mr.
Bryan was still in office.
Word from Ambassador Gerard as to
the German attitude toward the Amer
lean note was awaited with the keen
est interest here, particularly in view
of conflicting unofficial information
from Berlin.
Dispatches coming direct from Ber-
cof1 hat
regarded the note as more conciliatory
than cable dispatches had indicated. On
the other hand. dispatches received by
way of London said that Berlin was
pessimistic regarding the continued
maintenance of friendly relations with
the United States.
Against Granting Demands.
German opinion, it was said. was
unanimously against granting the
American demands for assurances that
American ships and lives would not be
endangered by submarine warfare.
The feeling in official circles in
Washington, however. continued OPP
timistic that way would be found for
a peaceful settlement of the issue be-
tween Germany and the United States.
Hopes were based upon the friendly
character of the note which they re-
garded as opening the door to a salts
factory adjustment with honor to both
countries. This confidence of a favor
al BILE outcome of the negotiations also
was shared by diplomats here.
officials made it clear that the note
purposely had been phrased SO as to
reiterate the earnestness of the United
States with respect to the principles of
humanity and international law, and
at the same time to afford Germany an
opportunity with dignity to make her
practice square with the principles eK-
pressed.
Note to London Soon.
1t was officially stated that note
would soon be sent to Great Britain
and her allies, insisting change
In the operation of the blockade con-
Quoted by them so as to conform with
the principles of international law for
bidding interference with trade in nom
contraband articles passing to and
from a belligerent country through
contiguous neutral country. ,,
This, it was generally beileveo'
would be an important factor IN con-
yincing the German government that
the United States would maintain the
same vigorous position on the 1unda-
mentals in international law with re-
spect to the allies as has peen the
case in the American correspohoehoe
with Germany.
Tho statement issued last night by
william Jennings Bryan revealed that
while Secretary of State Mr.. Bryan
favored the sending OF note urging
nrompt adherence blythe allies to the
reauests of the American note OF
March 80 to Great Britain and France
CONCERNING the order in council. Mr:
Rryan disclosed that the President mad
differed with him as to the Tune "hsn
The note would be sent, but that the
Intention to send such communica-
ton was fixed.