Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-07-16
Won Bernstorff Places Kais-
er's Proposals Before
Secretary Lansing.
HOPES FOR MEDIATION
Willing to Halt Submarines
if England Gives Up
Starvation Policy.

Washington, D. = July 16.-Count
Won Barnstorf. the German ambassa-
dor, had an engagement today to con-
fer with Secretary. of State Lansing on
the situation that has arisen between
Germany and the United States over
Germany's method Of submarine war
fare. The ambassadov was to present
the German view that way had been
opened by the latest German note for
a move by the United States towards
settlement of the whole problem Of
sea warfare.
such an adjustment would bring
about a definite understanding not only
as to Germany's submarine campaign.
but also S to England's order in coun-
cl which Germany holds responsible
for her under sea activities.
Count Won Bernst0rf, it is under
stood, hopes that there may be a pos
s-oi-ity oil mediation on the part of the
United States between Great Britain
and Germany which eventually may re-
suit in the establishment of the free
dom Of the seas principle for which the
United States contends.
That Germany is willing to Join the
United States in an effort to establish
the American principle was empha-
sized in the latest German note. ac-
cordiug TO Count Won Bernstorff, who
is certain his government VIII accept
@ ProneT on the part OF the United
States of its good Offices. Germany
previously has declared a willingness
81 abandon her submarine warfare if
England Will give up her policy Of
starving the German people
Count Won Bernstorn told Secretary
Lansing today ne believed the Ger
mau reply to the last American note
ea submarine warfare presented op-
por-uut7ies for settlement Of the con
tToversE by further diplomatic nego-
Tho ambassador conferred with Mr..
Lansing an hour and talked later with
Assistant Secretary Phillips. He said
eha interview was satisfactory, but
would give no details. Secretary Ian
sing also vas silent
No LasitaHa Repetition.
In the absence of President Wilson,
Secretary Lansing was unable TO in
form the ambassador what course the
United States would pursue in its next
note but he heard with much inter
es. Count Won BernstorG's explanation
OF the purposes OF the German govern
maur to satisfy public opinion at home
on the maintenance of submarine war
fare and at the same time to maintain
in friendly relations with the United
States.
The ambassador is convinced there
VIII he no repetition Of the Lusitana
disaster aud that German submarines
now are exercising great precauti0n
TO avoid incidents which might inlame
public opinion in the United States. He
urged that the United States take ad-
vantage of the intimation IN BerHn's
reply. that Germany would be willing
to have the entire question of freedom
OF the seas mediated with Great Brit
ain through the American government,
Such a course, American officials have
indicated. might he more welcome If
accompanied by some assurance that
during the peudencv Of the negotia-
tons American lives and vessels
would he safe from attack and dan
ger
The torpedoing of the American
steamer Nebraskan, for which Ger
many has expressed regret and prom
ised reparation. also was discussed
The note from Austria-Hungary on
war exports was not discussed, it was
Stated on the highest authority.
Berlin July Is, (by wireless to Say
vile, y Y)-Among the news items
gwen out by the Overseas News agency
today was the following:
The German newspapers continue
generally TO express high satisfaction
regarding the Austro-Hungarian note
10 the United States in the matter OF
war munitions. The note is consider
ed testimony OF the good will and
threwd political Judgment OF the Teu-
tonic allies.
The Vossische Zeitung hopes that
tae strong neutrality argument Will
impress and convert President wilson
as ex-Secretary of State Bryan was
converted before. The newspaper says
mat the United States now has gold
en opportunity 10 show its readiness
70 observe a true neutrality in spirit
nut it is skeptical about the effect the
note Will have"
A-se