Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1915-09-15
BY CHARLES p. STEWART.
United Press Stan Correspondent.

United Press Stan Correspondent.
WASHINGTON. Sept 15.-It is
Germanys next move.
This was government officials
freely expressed opinion today re-
garding the submarine warfare con-
troversy.
A lapse OF several days. probably a
fortnight. was predicted before mat
ters come TO a head. In the mean
time informal discussions through
German Ambassador Bernstorn and
American Ambassador Gerard will
continue. The administration is wait
ing and has hopes OF securing from
Berlin a disavowal OF the sinking Of
the White Star liner Arabic. Until
/ Germany gives or refuses such dis
avowal, high officials said no active
steps would be taken by the United
/ States.
The new development which de-
creased tension here and gave addi-
tional hope for a satisfactory settle
ment was the delivery 10 Ambassador
Gerard of a note disclaiming respon-
sibility for the Allan liner Hesper-
ian's destruction.
While the Hesperian note, accord
ing to Berlin reports which have
reached the State Department. merely
say IL is almost certain that a mine
and not a torpedo sank the steamship,
the communication is regarded as fur
ther assurance of Germanys pledge
TO cease attacking passenger liners
without warning Omcials believe the
natural inference from the Hesperian
disavowal Is that Germany Is loath to
believe her submarine commanders
are not oheying orders.
Regarding future developments In th
Arabic case. the President awaits Ger
many's response with the new evidenc
of the Arabic's crew and passengers a
hand. Ambassador Bernstorif has sui
mitted a summary of this evidence
his foreign office. The President thinl
il utterly controverts the claim th.
the U-boat commander made a mistak
That Germany win be brought 10 th
= view. will discipline the undorsca bo
commander and then disavow his acti'
Is the Administrations earnest hope
If Germany refuses, stands hy q
commanders report and contends that
may have been justified in mistakii
! the Arahic's alleged hostile intention
: that Americas course must then be q
termined.
That there viii be no break of rel
tions with Germany until all honorab
resorts are exhausted can. on high al
> thority, be given as the Presidents pos
tion.
II Germany disavows the Arabic Al
tack officials forcsee little difficulty
settling the whole affair The Unite
States would then consent 10 arbitrat
the mere question Of the amount {
damages from Germany for the tw
Americans killed on the liner.
II was reported in official quarter
that probably the Hesperian incidea
was closed with receipt Of Germany
I note denying the vessel was tor
! pedoed The State Department II
, awaiting the result of Ambassador
Pages investigation Thus far thi
investigation has not established con
2 clusively that the liner was torpedoed
The British Admiralty has not con
b tended that she was torpedoed II
view of the doubt surrounding IN
case and Germany's disavowal. it i
5 doubted whether an issue will be mad
+ of the affair.
Austrian-American relations wer
considered improved also. Ambas
sador Dumba's request for recall 20
r leave" and his plans for early de
/. parture tended to decrease IN
a tension.
The State Department was toda
x arranging a safe conduct for Dumb