The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-05-24
pxyr RELATIONS WITH
GERMANY AND ENGLAND.


Il Forecasts Of the Garman reply TO President
Fllnon's note agree IN one respect: the
sxone 81 the note vii he friendly, II was
5&enrrely reasonable 10 expect anything else. On
*4her items there is q wide divergence Of
&pinicn, but tie longer the reply is delayed the
Sssrer does 1t seem that great efforts will be
Snade to satisfy the demands of America as set
firth In the note.
Tid Germany intend to force break with
Hid government she would have replied the
|sv sitter the note was received in her Gus
Xoxnary hrusQue fashion when dealing with ma
E&X0ns toward whom she has determined her
4osrse OF action That she did not take such
|~teps with the American note shows that she
Ex6ther did net anticipate our action that would
S taken as 1t was. or that she has decided to
|f16er her previously determined course.
M III her hestance there are several factors
|xK fhe German advisers in this country are
E&1fve 70 the spirit of the people, they have In
&orrned their government with what serious
E&oes the whole American nation regards the
|xxyns and rights OF its citizens. Then too. the
[xtS1fan situation probably has its effect in de-
lying the reply.
1Aere Is another possible cause for the de-
|&nD That is the aspect which is represented
N the effort to sound American sentiment on
E1ke proposal of the German empire TO swap
[I2rxe concessions for American influence in
E&Scurfng British abatement of the embargo on
&ocd supplies Such a proposal win not even
t Ke considered by this government, and II the
zXa1ser and hiE advisers are wise and desire
this nation 20 remain on good relations with
them they will meet every condition laid down
IN Mr.. Wilson's note. That note did not state
M ground for negotiations. It stated the least
S1hst America win accept from Germany as
4 1ftonement for an inhuman act.
Our relations with Great Britain also in
IN highly pregnant state While the adminstra
311cn may be expected to scrupulously avoid any
Slxfrps towardf arranging an understanding with
8EngIand that may seem to comply with the
fGerman hint that we drive bargain for them
I'M may be also expected to take every due ster
r1t 70 omit any word or act-that viii gair
from England the due recognition of the rish'
#uf American shipmasters or American citizens
xn transact their legitimate business, just as II
I'LL demand of Germany that our citizens be
nn1e In their lives on the sea when travelling
nn their proper business.
Great Britain has committed hlunder in
R1ankfng a public statement that an informal
ESonference among shippers and British agents
n Any manner represented the position Of the
3kanerican Government. Great Britain has heen
saeorrected In no uncertain terms by the proper
|5American ofic'a1 Her error in this respect IL
MD the more excusable In view Of the fact thai
kmerica expressly stated the unofficial confer
ices did not represent the government. This
- been In error Just as Germany erred in
laxlecting the strict accountability clause OF
s*fhe Presidents first note to her
mis- matter will receive attention We are
- less determined that England shall respect
kMnr rights on the high seas than that Germany
|xlheII do so. and as soon we have settled one
nestiun, we will address ourselves to the other