New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-31
WORRY IN NOTE
FOR GERMANS HERE
Fear Serious Results Will
Follow kaiser'S EvaSive
Reply to u. S.

NtpIy ~ u. y.
The sentiments and spirit expressed
in the German reply to the American
note Of protest were discussed with
considerable agitation in local German
circles Yesterday. While the rank and
file Of Germany's supporters and cham
pions were emphatic in their belief
that the German document was just
what ought to have been expected by
this government. Teutons Of keener in
tellect and German-Amcricans gem
orally expressed IN many instances
keen disappointment anC apprehension
Of The possble effects of Germany's
"evasiye" reply.
This, TO my mind, is hardly time
10 temporize or to evadc vital issues
affecting a nation of 90,0OO,0 600 people
said Dr. Emil Sadtler, secretary Of the
German Culture Association. THE
German government has not met the
American issue squaroly. It is trying
TO dodge and temporizc. This in itself
is great wrong inflicted upon the
German people who desire a friendly
understanding with the American pco-
pie about the issues 50 vital to the
mutual good feeling Of the two coun-
tries. There is no telling what the
effects of Gormany's action will be
upon American public opinion. which.
owing to Germany irresponsible and
laundering diplomacy, already Is
BIASED against the German cause.
at seems 10 me that Germany ought
TO have met the Lusitania issue
>quarely and fairly. and if submarine
warfare must be wsCcd Germany ought
to have assumed responsibility for all
pas; and future actions OF her sub
marine commander To suggest re
ferring these matters TO The Hague is.
10 my mind, equivalent to an admis-
sion Of doubt as TO the justification Of
the course which Germany has mapped
out as part o. her warfare"
Otto Becker. a Germany army officer
associated with the War Relief Fund.
pointed with satisfaction to Gcrmanv's
tanned by Americans from German sub
marines and aerial attacSs and her
willingness 10 make compensation for
unintcntiona' attacks on non-contra-
band neutral vessels.
at shows that the German govern
ment is quite willing TO adjust the
points or controversy between Ger
many and America in friendly spirit"
he said
Herman Riders "Staats-Zcitung"
made the following editorial comment
upon the German note:
"Washington will be sorcly disap-
pointed if il counted upon Gcrmany's
inclination 10 eliminate the activities
of her submarines as an effective
weapon IN the industrial war she
is waging against Great Britain. The
German reply is fair and objective
presentation Of Germany's attitude and
is based upon the premises Of facts.
"As regards the Lusitania case, the
proposition to ascertain first the mill
tary character Of the ship and TO fix
in this way the responsibilities accord
ing to international law and the Isages
OF humane customs viii serve funda-
mentally as broad basis for an ami
cable understanding between differ
ences Of the German and the American
viewpoint The concessions contained
IN the reply indicate the good will of
farreaching consideration of the
American point Of view
DR.. Frederick Oechsncr, former "pri-
vat dolent" OF the University Of Ber-
In, admitted that the German reply
was not as thorough and 10 the point
as might have been expected IN view
Of the serious consequences Of a pos
sible Misunderstanding between the
two governments.
This is probably due TO the fact
that the American attitude is not fully
understood" he explained
1t is the opinion of Or. Hans Ewers,
German author and reserve off
GER that Germany reply lacks the
vigor Of clean cut diplomatic express
sion. lie holds that instead of vol
unteering 10 submit. various points of
controversy 10 the Hague Tribunal
Germany ought to have emphasized
that America did not make any efforts
to compel Great Britain 20 modify her
blockade Of Germany in order 20 per
NIT the Importation of food for Ger
manys civilian population.
That. in my estimation, is the main
issue around which centres all this
controversy" DR.. Ewcrs declared. Ger
many declared her submarine war
fare upon England 90 break the illegal
blockade which the British nation is
waging against German non combat
ants Ard because of the submarine
warfare American interests were en-
dangored and the American protest was
made"