New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-23

an event but that this government
is committed to prompt and decis-
i've action the moment German vio-
lates the international laws protect
ing American lives.
The basis of this belief is the
statement contained in the note
that this government will regard
future transgression of American
rights as "unfriendly." Up to the
last moment there was a question
as to the use Of the words "un-
friendly act" several members of
the Cabinet opposing it on the
ground that it was a conventional
diplomatic phrase implying
threat of force. It was finally de-
cided to soften the tone by omitting
the word "act," but officials do not
believe this materially changed the
purport. Public opinion, it is
thought, would force the govern
ment to sever relations with Ger.
many if another American citizen
should lose his life through illegal
submarine operations, regardless Of
what the President may have had
in mind in making the change.
There is very little apparent in
terest in any reply which Germany
may make to the American note,
and it is thought by some that
there will be no reply at all. 1t is
felt that Germany can only discuss
the technical question of indemnity,
and no doubt is expressed that this
will ultimately be settled to .he
satisfaction of the United States.
Hope Crisis Has Passed
No new diplomatic developments
of importance are looked for. The
only thing that can happen now to
bring about a crisis is an overt act
of hostility by the German navy.
Great hopes are entertained that
Germany will be able to avert such
an occurrence, and officials believe
that she will try to do so. At the
same time, Washington official
circles are extremely apprehensive,
realizing the grave issues involved.
The general trend of comment
was that the repetition of such a
disaster as befell the Lusitania
would mean the convening Of Con-
gress by President Wilson for con-
sideration of action to be taken.
The American note was tele-
graphed to Ambassador Gerard
late last night, and sud- extreme
care was taken to keep the fact
secret that nobody except the P-esi-
dent and Secretary Lansing knew
of it until this morning. Even
Secretary Tumulty. who is general
ly kept informed Of momentous
happenings, was not told.
Final touches were put on the draft
by Secretary Lansing yesterday after
noon, and the note was submitted 20
the President for approval. He and the
Secretary read it together and turned
il over TO the State Departments cipher
experts TO be coded. IL cleared the
wires at IL o'clock.
Moved by Roosevelt.
A report was current in political cir
cles to-day that the statements pub
lished by Colonel Roosevelt had much
TO do with the final determination TO
stifFen the note by the inclusion OF the
word "unfriendly." Certain Cabinet
members who have been among the
Presidents most trusted advisers op-
posed the use Of the phrase "unfriendly
ect," the expression at first proposed.
and there was some thought OF leaving
| it out Opposition 70 its use was on
the ground that this government
should have definitely in mind what IL
meant the words TO convey, and what
action it would take in the event Of
tIansgression of American rights, be-
fore committing itself TO the use Of so
dangerous a phrase.
II is reported, however, that Colonel
Roosevelt was thought TO be ready to
make political capital OF the govern
ment's course if the note appeared
weak and indefinite. and a compromise
was effected By retairin the word "un-
friendly" in Difference TO this aPpre-
hension. There is much interest here
now in Mr.. Rooseyelt's campaign ior
preparedness.