The Sunday telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1914-1927, 1915-07-11
Upon Whom Rests the Burden
of Deciding the Policy Uni
ted States is to Follow.
SECRETARY LANSING SILENT
United States May Recall
Gerard to Show Its Disap-
provalof Last Note.
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WASHINGTON, July 1O.-Omc1al
Washington takes a grave view OF
the situation produced by Germany s
refusal to meet the demands of the
United States growing out OF the
Lusitania with loss OF more than
100 Americans.
Upon President Wilson rests the
burden of deciding the policy which
the United States is to follow.
Quietly and carefully he is consider
ing the situation, 1t was state at the
White House after telephone con
versation with the president at Corr
nish, N. H, and the country may eX-
pect him to act with deliberation. as
well. as firmness-' when he has ex-
amined all phases of the problem
Lansing is Silent.
Secretary Lansing withheld com
,cial text of the German reply ar
riyes. which will be tomorrow, he
will begin careful study of it NSld
on Monday or Tuesday will go to
Cornish for a conference with the
president The president will then
return to lay before the cabinet the
course upon which he has deter
mined.
what action the United States will
with certainty. Some of those who
have been familiar with the presi-
dents point of view and with the
details of the present situation. how
ever1pointed out that there seemed
to be but one course open with dig
nifty and honor to the United States
the continued assertion and exer-
else of the rights of neutrals on the
high seas in accordance with the es-
ri af
law. Responsibility for any rupture
in friendly relations which might
subsequently, ensue between the
United States and Germany, 1T was
declared. would then fall upon the
Berlin government
May Reiterate Note.
There is as yet no definite crystalt-
cation of opinion among officials as to
details but the distinct tendency is
toward reiteration, not only in a
formal note, but in actual practice OF
the principles for which the United
states has been contending. The un-
animous verdict of high officials was
that the German reply was thor
oughly unsatisfactory and leaves the
situation exactly at the ploint wiere
1t was in the days Immediately fol-
lowing the sinking of the Lusitania;
While the continued exercise OF
American rights in the future Is urged
as the logical course to be followed.
it is recognized also that the United
States cannot abandon the demand
1T has made for the disavowa1 of In
tent to drown Americans and the
question of reparatfon.
MAY Recall Gerard.
Germany's refusal on these points
may lead, 1t is believed, to steps by
the United States ito show its dis
approval OF the last note. Whether
Ambassador Gerard might be recalled
or a complete severance of diploma
tic relations ordered was again dis
cussed in official circles as well as
among diplomatists. In the absence
of word from the president no de
mite indication of what might be
done eventually was obtainable-
before taking any definite steps,
however, ofacials familiar with diplo-
matic precedents and international
usaRes declared that the American
Government would probably send a
note to Germany, formally rejecting
the proposals to permit the unre--
strtcted use of American passenger
.hins/ or for hostile merchantmen
under the American flag prov1deo
thew carried no munitions OF war
II, the same note formal notification
1srobably would be given to the Ger.
mans Of the intention of the United
States TO continue to exerice its rights
witt, the announced expectation tna'
they would be respected.
Not TO Act Hurriedly.
There is little disposition in ofhcial
~,,,arters 10 hurry decision on the
momentous question involved Sine
the negotiations began two months
go the United States virtually has
nsed the high seas in accordance with
sts yjews on international law anc
there have been no bslligsrsnt snaa ship ship
carrying Americans sorpsuUsu Z @ @ s.h.
,nar;ne commanders have made thet1
nractica souare with international Law
to that extent, oficials do not be-
lieve the refusal OF the the Sss srnlsnit sos ~
snrances viii be Followed by any
eyert acts involving further loss @
American lives.
The controlling factor IN tne sl1ua u
4son. according 70 indications In ON