South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-12-22
NOTE TO AUSTRIA-HUNGARY MAY BE
Ri OW 10 GERMANY AS WE'LL.

BLOW TO GERMANY AS WELL.
secy OF state Lansings the imperial Austro-
Hungarian government is quite in line with American
ideals and in keeping with the general American dis
gust the varying methods of the central powers IN
doing things. There is small need Of further parley'
and apparently be long tolerated. The dual
monarchy distinctly 10 understand that
the American demands of Dec 9Th. the facts Of the
Ancona case being admitted, viii be insisted upon
There t. small need of misrepresentation on the part
OF the American people with respect 10 the Ancona
case such as exists concerning Lusitania evil
IDENTIFY the secretary state intends TO admit of no
such misa pprehensions. Not few people, and espe-
claly Germans 10 be under the impression that
demand for disavowal and the demand for repair
alton for the American lives lost were met when Ger
many was finally induced to give assurances that no
more passenger ships would be attacked without warn
ing Il thought ala that was settled" is a common
remark Il ! published the amount or
indemnity Germany was to pay for each American life
sacrihced"-referring doubtless to mere Journalistic
speculatons this subject and evidently confusing
The settled Arabic unsettled Lusitana
But why did Germany readily offer to do IN the
Arabic failed do in the of the
Lusitana? The answer is simple. The sinking of the
Arabic contrary the orders Of the German gov
issued after concession to American de-
while the sinking Of the Lustana accord
ing to the orders of the German government issued
before any change Of policy had been asreed on Dis
the offer of indemnity in the Arabic case
therefore inevitable and readily forthcomins but
disavowal indemnity in the of the Lusitania
which was sunk by official command. still remained
difhcut If impossibe-from the German point of
view. This explains the diplomatic wrestling and long
delay. our state departments victory in the Lusi-
tania negotiations was only partial one The de-
mands dsavowal OF the and for reparaon for
lost American lives are still to be met.
The correspondence has not been published but it is
thought that Germany has hesated 20 concede the de-
Inand for indemnity because that would imply dis
avowal and under the circumstances. the kaiser's
government determined To stop short 90 formal
disavowal II possible Such is the diff, al. situation
TO extricate his government dignity
prestige 1t is that he has offered sub
NIT the question of indemnity TO The Hague
other tribunal requesting the postponement of the
question OF disavowals until the question of the indem
nifty had been settled 10y arbitral reward-whch
latter doubt be favor of the United states.
long ago reported that our government had
rejected the proposal arbitration and all the ind
cations lead the conclusion that nothing less than
formal disavowal and a direct indemnity will be
cepted.
While the Lustania deadlock may continue some
time, the Ancona ought be IS readily disposed
OF the Arabic The sinking or
should have been less contrary orders than the
sinking Of the Arabic. for Germany Austria are
acting together and should be bound by each
others agreements I'm the of the Ancona, Austria
can follow Germanys precedent in the case OF
Arabic without any dignity it reasonable
her do rather than invite the hazards
OF refusal implied in state departments short
sharp and decisive note
L would appear therefore. that while the question
OF disavowal and indemnity the case Of the Lus-
still remains the serious vexatious dip
Tomato problem which contronts the United States
the Ancona is in entirely different class Aus
tra's attitude is eXplanabe only upon very simple
and plausible hypothesis-that the submarine which
sank the Ancona German craft under the Aus
flag. very reliable eyewitnesses avow that
it was So of course Austria possibly comply
demands the United States that the subma
rines commander be disciplined without exposing a
most cowardly dishonorable scheme by which
Germany sought &c nulify its pact with the United
States.
II is significant indeed suspicious. that in all the
dispatches about the Ancona sinking there been
one tending, disclose the identity
II S proper for this country impugn
honor by openly questioning the real nationality the
submarine Is 20 be hoped that the president will
firm his demand FOR the punishment OF her
commander only to allay growing suspicion in the
mind Of Americans that disgraceful subterfuge
adopted by Germany 10 cloak continued opera
tion OF submarine warfare non-combatant yes
sells ia the Mediterranean.
II il was really Austrian vessel there is reason
Tor not disclosing the commanders name for Austria
admits receipt Of a report from him.
II il German vessel. both Germany
tTia in hole tight for comfort.
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