The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-14
BERLIN AMERICANS
FEARED HOSTILITIES
Lusitania Disaster and L. s.
Note Caused Much Alarm
at First.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK POOR
Special Correspondence 10 THE suS.

Special Correspondence 10 THE SuS.
BERLIN. May 2+-Twice we have seen
Americans In Berlin really excited. Once
when the Lusitania disaster occurred
and then again when Americas pro-
test relative to this tragedy was pub
lished here. In both instances many
Americans seemed to be In a state
bordering on hysteria. Numerous were
the reports hat were born and propa-
gated with all the auto-suggestion en-
gendered by war times. THE United
states was on the verge of a war
with Germany" THE United States
had seized or was about to seize
German ships in American ports
And many more such fanciful rumors
buzzed through the American colony.
Nor was the general state of
ness quelled when the American Con-
sulate issued to Americans In Ber-
lin the following postals with answer
cards attached
BERLIN. May 10. 1915.
In order that the list of Americans
residing In the consular district OF
Berlin may be brought up to date
YOU are requested to return the at
tached card. filling in the desired in
formation. Very respectfully yours.
JULius @. LAY.
American Consul-Generd
The desired information" called foi
the recipients name. address. telephone
number, occupation and plans for the
future. Upon being questioned Mr.
Lay declared that the purport OF these
cards had been none other than tho
regulation Of the American registra
tons in Berlin. TO which quite a nuni
her of Americans In town had not given
the proper attention for months.
II may be opportune TO mention In
this connection that many Americans
here are inclined to support Germany's
standpoint in regard to the Lusi-
tania case. as also 10 the country's
general policy in the present conflict.
However. many Americans have been
leaving Berlin Of late. acting upon the
advice of the American Embassy.
Another one OF the many reports that
had been circulated was hat unless
iermany's answer to Americas protest
turned out satisfactory to the Washing
ton Government diplomatic relations be-
iwcen the two countries would instantly
cease. In speaking Of the reasons OF
the American Embassy for urging
Americans to leave for home the Ameri-
can Ambassador. James W. Gerard, de-
clared that he and his stan were only
continuing to advise that which they
have been advising for the last nine
months viz. that during such troubled
times as these the place for every
American was at home and not in
bcllicose Europe.
Just now the general business out
look In Germany is nom too good, GER
ta!nly not for American Investments.
George T. Atwood. the secretary of the
American Association OF Commerce and
Trade IN Berlin. declared the other day
That business In Berlin was stagnant
and that the prospects looked unfavor-
able, especially since Holland had re-
fused to import any freight consigned
TO America after June 1.
Jus. now" said Mr.. Atwood. FAR
too many goods have been accumulated
for going TO America"
Nj. Atwood also expressed his sur
prise that SO many Americans should
have LEFT q rmany in alarm. and In cor-
clusion remarked You may quote me
as saying that Americans in Berlin are
In no danger whatever, and that. 10 my
belief, they are just as well of here
as anywhere else