The Washington times., 1915-07-26
Officials Here Solemn
AS Crisis Approaches
In German Relations

The feeling in Washington that the
crisis In this countrys relations with
Germany is drawing close at hand 10
pronounced today.
The finality Of tone in tho latest note
is in part responsible for this senti-
ment. The evidences Of resentment In
a large section Of the German press over
the attitude taken by this Government
Is likewise Responsible IN parI ...,.
is the aggressive renewal Of submarine
warfare by the undersea boats OF Won
Tirpitx. 1t looks as II It would not be
long until 1t becomes known whether
respect for the rights of neutrals
A fourth and by no means unin-
portant factor In impressing Wash
ington with the gravity Of conditions
to give attention to the lack of pre-
paredness Of the nation. Although this
is not officially ascribed to the cloud
ed International horizon In the direc-
It is so ascribed by well.informed pub
lie men. Although the Administration
has delayed taking cognizance Of the
utter inadequacy Of the military forces
Of the country and Of the needs OF the
navy in many particulars. it Is con-
cision to take the problem up points
clearly to appreciation Of the danger
Gus possibilities in the present In
ternational complication, more espe-
cially in the Mexican and German dif-
fculties.
Little Optimism.
High officials do not disguise the
fact that they see small warrant for
optimism at this time. Not that they
are talking. on the other hand. in a
peAsimistic vein. They have a certain
measure Of hopetulness that Germany
will take the long-headed course and
proceed on the theory that such slight
military advantages as It's submarines
may gain by sinking merchant ships
without visit and search or warning
would be an absurd compensation for
aligning this country up with its
enemies. They have not much doubt
that If the German foreign office and
the Kaiser are allowed to follow their
bent this course will be taken. But
they are apprehensive that Won Tirpitz
to the other side Of the proposition.
Some dispatches indicate Germany
will transmit another reply without
much delay. Officials are without d.
matter of fact. they are more con-
cerned over how the German subma-
rines actually conduct themselves to-
ward merchant ships, and especially
than they are over the next diplomatic
response.
Takes Last Stand.
The moer tho new American
note is studied and discussed
and the moro the neutral rights
problem Is pondered in oil the
phases. the more clearly 1t Is perceived
that this Government has taken the last
stand in defense OF international law a
sea. II Germany disregards the Ameri
can protestations and II this countr.
permits that defiance to go sharply
positively. and adequately unchallenged
then international law on the sea will
rot be worth the price of the volumes
that have been written describing II.
Il is Government retreats from the Do
sition 1t has taken before Germany witt
respect to life. 1t needs no diagram t
demonstrate that there will be small
use talking about the rights OF ordinar,
commerce on the seas in wartime, and 1
the United States cannot uphold neu
tra' rights, 1t Is hardly to be expecte,
weaker nations can do SO.
The developments OF the next fey
weeks with respect to the American
German controversy are likely to be o
a historic moment. which is as yet bu
dimly comprehended. whether they tur
III favor of a satisfactory understand
Ing or whether they take the opposit
turn.