Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-02-19

Washington, Feb. 19.-The official
text of Germany's reply to the United
States warning concerning the naval
blockade had not been received at the
state department today. Officials ex-
planned the delay by pointing out that
the American ambassador had been
using the cable which comes from
Rome and goes over q circuitous route
with numerous relays.
When the cabinet assembled for tho
usual Friday meeting the unofficial re-
port OF the text of the German note
was discussed informally. The general
Interpretation of the Berlin note was
that 1t was friendly and officials pro-
fessed to be satisfied that no American
ships would be destroyed by German
Warcrait.
Cabinet Not Fearful.
After the cabinet meeting, it waa
said. 1t was considered that the stu.
.ation was not at all threatening and
that the administration had no fear
that any American ship would be SUI
The suggestion of Germany that means
be found for Identifying and safeguard.
ing American ships was understood to
have been taken up. 1t was agreed,
however. that the American govern.
ment has no authority to order 0hipa
TO adopt such measures as taken in
Holland and Scandinavian countries. !.
which include the painting of tho ma.
tonalty of the ships In large lettera On
the sides. g.
1t is understood that letters win b
sent to maritime companies TO detars
mine what methods are considered.
Sharp Answer 70 Be Made.
President Wilson will refterates 70
Germany In the reply he viii make to
the note from that government, thAo
American ships and American Hvoo
must not be imperiled in the war xonOS
around the British Isles.
The president will declare that In
spite OF the German disclaimer. this
government must hold Germany reA
sponsiblc for the sinkiNe OF an Amers
lean ship or the loss OF American life
on a foreign merchantmen.
Excepts to German Plea.
The president will refuse to admio
any ground for the German argument
that apprehension OF attack would
/ Justify a submarine sinking an Amer
lean ship without first visiting ana
searching the craft.
He will point to his note to Great
Britain to show that the United States
practice OF British merchantmen using
the American flag in order to escape
+, German submarine attack.
Refuses Naval Convoy.
He Will not agree TO the proposal to
employ American cruisers as conveys
for American merchantmen.
He Will note the purpose to usa
mines and viii express regret that Ger
many contemplated such violation oe
| solemn treaties.
| He will quote Gcrmany's own states
ment made in communication pre-
scnted in December in refutation of tho
charge that the United States has been
unneutral In the sale of munitions oe
war to the allies.
Gives Position on Munitions.
He will say further to Germany that
tho United States recognizes the con-
traband character of munitions OF war
and that such a cargo is subject to
| seizure or destruction after visit and
! search of the vessel carrying It.
! He will tell Germany that the United
States viii as readily sell TO her and
/ to her people whatever supplies she
| mav need and whatever their char
acter.
| 1t Is British command OF the sea
which she is contesting and which 10
responsible for inability to get abso-.
| lutte and conditional contraband to-
| German territory.
Calls Attention TO Treaties.
| The president will reiterate the
friendly attitude of the United States
| toward Germany, and will trust that
her conduct will be such that 1t can
| give no cause for change in the cordial
rela tons which have existed between
| the two governments.
| He can not believe that Germany
| contemplates subjecting herself to the.
charge OF violating solemn treaties
and is confident that when she real.
| ICES what she has done she will dis-
avow her action.
| In case she should refuse to do 81
| then he will have to determine why
| measures, IL any. this government
must adopt to protect It's merchante'
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