New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-12
RESENT HINTS
OF WEAK NOTE
Officials Insist No Loop
hole for Long Discus
sion Is Left.
OTHERS LESS CERTAIN
Many Believe Kaiser Will Never
Consent to Give Up Sub.
marine Warfare.
lsrom Tbs Tribune Dmssu. j

Washington, June 1l.-With an
optimism that has not been equalled
for weeks, high officials discussed
to-day Presid, t Wilson's second
note to Germany. The feeling that
prevails here is almost surprising.
On all sides talk is heard that a
crisis has been averted, and that an
agreement will probably be reached
with Germany regarding her SUBJ
marine warfare.
Why this feeling prevails is not
entirely clear. The same officials
who assert that danger of an i'm
mediate break Of relations with
Germany has passed resent any hint
that President Wilson's second note
is weak, or vacillating, or contains
loopholes through which Germany
can prolong the discussion.
But however opinion as TO the
note varied, one thing excited al
most unanimous comment, and that
was the refusal of ex-Secretary
Bryan to sign a document couched
in such terms. The note, on the
whole. it was declared, indicated
that President Wilson, failing TO Do
tain the concessions from Germany
by threats, had resorted to the
other extreme.
What agreement could be reached
with the German government by
which the lives and property cf
American citizens would be safe
guarded on the high seas is not
explained. 1t is not expected that
Germany will concede that she was
in the wrong and bow to the wishes
of the United States.
1t it held, however, that Ger
many might prolong the discussion
until it is believed aroused Ameri-
can sentiment has subsided, and
during this time the administration
could resort to the measures which
Mr.. Bryan commended so highly
persuasion and deliberation. II is
the belief of many officials that
President Wilson's note marks the
beginning Of such methods.
Wilson Firm as Ever.
Persons close TO President Wilson
resent the suggestion that he does not
intend to back up his demands for
the rights Of humanity and justice
with every available resource. They
declare his mild language does not
mean that his firm attitude has
changed.
Despite this insistence there is a
strong undercurrent Of feeling here
that had the President used as strong
or stronger words as in his earlier
note the German government would
know il had received the final word
from this country, and must either
concede the American demands or face
a break in friendly relations.
There is a strong impression In
Washington that another crisis may
arise when the German answer ar
riyes. Few persons believe Germany
will concede all the United states
asks. Many say she may promise 10
exercise care in the treatment OF ves-
sells carrying the American flag, but
will make no concessions as 10 beIlig-
erent ships.
Others saw a counter-proposal may
he made that the United States en-
10. the law regarding the carrying
of explosives on passenger ships, se-
cording TO Germsny's Interpretation OF
the statute-thst no passenger ship
could carry cartridges or any num-
tions of war. II is believed Germany
will never eoncede the right OF the
United States TO suggest what treat
ment should be accorded cargo vessels
under belligerent flags.
Clings to Submarines.
A person in close touch with the al
fairs of the German government de-
clared to-day that Germany would not
give up its submarine warfare until
Great Britain had raised it's embargo
on the shipment of foodstufs to the
German Empire. Germany, he said,
knew that the use TO which German
submarines had been put was contrary
10 the principles Of humanity and
justice. but II was just as much
against the same principles for Great
Britain to prevent foodstufs from
reaching the women and children OF
Germany.
The German answer is not expected
for at least ter days or two weeks.
Ex-Secretary Bryan admitted to.
night that President wilson's seeond
nofa 10 Germany was not vitally
changed after he refused TO sign II. ~
is thought a statement of Acting Seere-
tary Lansing to-day was responsible
for Mr.. Brysn's admission. II was said