Evening star., 1915-09-12

Because there had been no change in
the status of the questions between this
country and Germany and Austria
many officials of the government last
night believed that as time passes much
of the tension is being relieved.
In the case of the torpedoed steam
ship Arabic. the proposal to argue the
questions of fact before The Hague
seems to have given the contending
parties a chance to change their grips
and to breathe a little easier There
was nothing new in the situation last
night, and there may be no change for
two or three days.
Also, no message had been received
from Vienna last night in the case OF
the Austro-Hungarian ambassador, DR.
Dumba, whose recall has been suggest
ed by this government
Taking the Arabic case to The Hague
opens two sets of probabilities, witch
are now being discussed in the higher
administration circles. Officials are d.
v1ded in the matter. One section be-
lieves that to take the Arabic case up
for arbitration. even for the facts in
volved, would make it possible for un-
limited submarine operations to be car
ried on. They believe that onee the
case is taken to The Hague, subma-
rines would continue their attacks on
merchantmen and that there would
have t4 be separate tribunal hearings
pratically for every torpedo fired.
Believe Hague Could Act.
On the other side are men in official
life who thoroughly believe The Hague
could act on the facts at issue in the
Arabic case. They believe the interna-
tional court there might properly de-
oi1 do
mander thought he was justified in
sinking the Arabic because she was
about to ram him. but whether the liner
was actually attempting to resist or
escape. and If SO whether that justified
the commanders act in internatfonal
law.
Both views are being urged upon the
President. who will decide what shall
be done.
Secretary Lansing has refused to in
dicate his view. The course to be pur-
sued may not be determined for a day
or two. Generally, the indications in
official quarters were more favorabl
Despite the fact that all officials con-
sidered the German explanation unsat-
isfactory and disappointing. there ap-
peared to be more of a prospect for
finding some ground on which the two
countries could meet.
Another note, unofficially reported to
have been delivered to Amba ssa dor
Gerard by the Berlin foreign office last
night, failed to arrive yesterday. Sec
retary Lansing said he had no official
knowledge or intimation that another
communication was coming or what 1t
contained.
Explanation of orduna Case.
At other sources it was reported that
the note is Germany's explanation of
the unsuccessful attempt to destroy the
Cunard Liner Orduna July 9. when a
submarine sent a torpedo within ten
yards of the ships stern and then
unsuccessfully shelled her until she
was out Of range. The orduna was on
her way to the United States and had
twenty-five Americans aboard when at
tackled
In the Orduna case there is a con-
fiict of statements as to whether the
ship had warning or tried to escape
1t is not an issue between the United
States and Germany, and is not likely
to become one. The German note is
in response to inquiries made by Am
bassador Gerard at the direction of the
State Department. 1t Is not regarded
as having any bearing on the present
situation unless 1t contains some dec
laration of principles new to the con-
troversy.
The view Of the closest observers here
is that, in the Arabic case. the danger OF
a break grows less as the hours pass
without action.
No Change as to omcials.
In the cases of DR.. Dumba, Capt. Franz
Won Papen, the German military at
tache. and Alexander Nuber Won Perck-
ed. Austrian consul general in New
York, there was no change
The United States still is waiting for
Austria's reply to the request to with
draw DR.. Dumba. Whether the other
men are sufficiently involved in DR.
Dumba's offense to make their remain
ing in the United States impossible vii
be decided later.
Won BernstorH Denies Interview.
NEW YORK, September 11-coun,
Won Bernstorff, the German ambassador
when shown a newspaper containing
an interview purporting to have been
given by the ambassador through a
l