The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1915-05-10
NOT TO BE DRAWN
INTO CONFLICT
Certain That President Does Not Intend to Call
Congress in Special Session Expected to
Present His Idea of What American Policy
Should Be at Cabinet Meeting

N3odlN01ON, May 1O.7SpeculdtlOn
as to what the United States probably
would do as protest against the torpedo
ing of the Lusitania with the loss of more
than 100 American lives developed among
officials and diplomats today the general
opinion that President Wilson would ex-
press in his policy denunciation of the
act as inexcusable under the laws of ma
tions and humanity
When the cabinet meets tomorrow
President Wilson probably win present
his ideas Of what the governments policy
should be-
1t is now certain that be does not intend
to call Congress in extra session.
This disposes Of the suggestion that
Germany's action viii cause the United
States to be drawn into the European con-
hict
Considerations, such as the military i'm
potence of the United States to affect the
course Of the struggle abroad and possibly
of the entry of this country into war
would cause reduction in supplies and
ammunition to allies because Of greater
need at home, have influenced many off
cials to the belief that the disapproyal of
the United States can be voiced in more
effective way without entering the war
The withdrawal of Ambassador Gerard
without severing diplomatic relations has
been suggested as an Indication of the
feeling of the American government
Other. CfFsciole IoIio,-, -,.-o,a.,,-
plomatic relations until an apology is
made probably would conform to American
opinion.
Before such a point is reached certain
preliminary steps viii be followed
As soon as Ambassador Gerard's report
from the German government on the fact
is received it is expected a note will be
sent demanding full reparation under
warning Of the United States that Ger
many would be held to strict accounta-
bility for the loss of American vessels or
lives
The case of the Gulfight, torpedoed
without warning, and the attack by Ger
man airmen on the American ship Cush-
ing, and the drowning of Leon c. Thresh-
er, an American, probably viii be grouped
in the general representations.
Upon the German reply will depend the
nature of the next step by the United
States
Messages from all parts of the country
continue to pour into the White House
counselling various courses. Some advo-
Gated war, but the majority counselled
peace.
Chairman Stone of the senate foreign re-
lations committee was at the White House
today and saw Secretary Tumulty, but did
not see the President.
| Explaining that he expressed his own
view and not those Of any officials, Sena-
tor Stone said he questioned whether
there was any reason for calling an extra
session of Congress at present He said
he did not know what the President was
Iplanning to do.
President Wilson continued his consid
Grafton of the disaster in seclusion, but il
was indicated that before many days have
passed he will let the country know what
steps he has decided upon.
While officials reiterated that he would
not allow himself to be hurried into hasty
decision, he realized that public sentiment
favors prompt indications of what the
United States viii do.
The President spent a quiet day yester
day apart from his official family-and fol
the most part alone. He went to church
in the forenoon and took a ride after
luncheon.
Most of the time he seemed preoccupied
He sat in his study, it was said, in deeI
thought, undisturbed for hours Secre
tary and Mrs McAdoo dined with him las
might, but it was understood no reference
was made to the war situation. 1t was th'
first time Mr. McAdoo had visited tn,
White House since he was operated upoI
a few weeks ago.
When the President returned to hi
desk last night he found scores of tele
grams from all parts of the country. Man.
urged the adoption of severe measures
Several, among them a few from working
mems organizations, advised a declaration
of war as the surest preventive of furthe
affronts to American dignity Others sug
gested a severance of all diplomatic rela
tions until adequate apology was made
Some other counseled a peaceful cours
but advocated frmness. A few message
. Justified the sinking.
Secretary Bryan, who spent the day a