Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-18
discuss the subject today. IA
Or. Dumba With Bryan


DR.. Dumba had long conference
with Secretary Bryan and later with
other officials at the state department.
It is known that he discussed lnfor-
mally the situation produced by the
sinking Of the Lusitania and the send
ing OF the American note and 1t Is
thought also Secretary Bryan apprais-
ed President Wilson. in New York,
the substance of the conversation.
Y.ater ~ Dumba conferred with
Count Won Bernstorff.
Urge Suspend Attacks
Both the Austrian and German am
bassadors are understood to have tel
egraphed to their governments urging
suspension Of submarine attacks on
passenger ships while the diplomatic
negotiations are in progress over the
serious situation that has resulted IN
the United States from the sinking OF
the Lusitania. They have cautioned
extreme care lest the sinking of an
other ship with American lives
aboard may lead to an immediate
break in the relations of the United
Austria is watching with much in
terest the situation with which her
ally is confronted in the United States
and her influence is being used in the
direction of assisting in a peaceful
settlement.
Many Suggestions
Various suggestions have been dis
cussed by the German and Austrian am
bassadors and it is understood that many
Of them have been cabled to their home
governments. Neither is Informed as ye;
as to the policy the German government
finally will follow. That Count Won
Bernstorff is endeavoring 10 secure the
adoption of a policy by his government
which will satisfy public opinion in Ger
many with reference to the continue
use CT the submarine as & commerce de-
stroyer and still meet the American APP
peal for humane treatment of passengers
and crew of belligerent vessels is the
prevalent belief.
The general expectation here is that
Germany will reiterate her Willingness to
abandon her present submarine warfare
on merchant ships and follow the mar
thine prize laws il neutrals will inilu-
ence the Allies to permit the shipment
of foodstuffs to civilians in beliigerent
territory. In this connection some con-
sideration has been given in official quar-
ters as to the advisable of sending a
note Of protest to Great Britai against
the actual operations of it's fleet in en-
forcing the blockade of commerce with
Germany.
While the United States in effect recog-
nized the right of the Allies to maintain
an effective blockade off the German
coast, it has never admitted their right
to interrupt trade with neutral countries
unless it is proved to be of a contra
band character with an ultimate enemy
destination.
v. S. Stand Firm
High officials have made it clear,
however, that whatever the United
States may undertake with reference
to the allies must be distinct from its
controversies with Germany and that
it will not be obligated by another
country to secure concessions from
Great Britain though endeavoring of
it's cwn accord to secure an acquies-
cence with what the American govern
ment considers it's rights under inter-
national law. AS for the questions
raised in the American note which
Germany is understood to be willing to
arbitrate, officials here say the Amer
lean government will not be satisfied
with less than an acceptance of the
principles Of humanity and legality set
forth in her note. That Germany may
question the right Of neutrals it is an
ticipated here. This idea already has
been rejected in high official quarters
because Of the conviction that the
American position is indisputable UNI
der the laws Of nations and there is
nothing to arbitrate.
Should Germany admit the legality
Of the American argument but de-
scribe her acts merely as reprisals of
war opening the way to a modus vi
vendi or temporary arrangement
whereby the belligerents would agree
not to load contraband on passenger
ships or to announce that merchant
ships plying to and from American
ports would not arm or resist capture.
Il carrying passengers, it is CONSIDER
ed likely that the United States
would undertake to act again as the
for the adoption of such
Any such action. however. would be
taken with the definite understanding
that the American government did no.
recede from its announced position tina.
citizens of the United States have an