Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-09-13
CONSIDER PLAN
TO TAKE SUBSEA
CASE TO HAGUE
Issue with Germany Becomes Less
Acute During Day as Proposal
to Arbitrate is Dis
oussed.
TWO FACTIONS IN WASHINGTON
One Set of Officials Opposes Move
as Surrender to Kaiser, While
Other Favors It,
FEEL MUCH MORE OPTIMISTIC

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12.-The is
sue with Germany has become less
acute during the last twenty-four
hours through consideration of the
proposal to take the dispute in the
questions OF fact in the Arabic case
to The Hague.
One set of officials believes to do
so would amount to arbitrating the
principles for which the United
States has been contending and
would open the way to practically
unlimited submarine operations. with
disputed questions of fact and arbi-
tration in each case,
Another set of officials believes that
without taking in the principles in
volved, The Hague might properly be
allowed to decide, not whether the
submarine commander thought he
was justified in sinking the Arabic
because he believed 1t was about to
ram him, but whether the liner ac-
tually was attempting to resist or es-
cape, and If so, whether that justified
the commanders action in interna-
tional law.
Lansing Is silent.
Both sets of views are being urged on
President Wilson, who will decide what
shall be done. Secretary Lansing refused
10 I'M rha
to be pursued may not be determined for
day or two. Generally the indications
in official quarters were more favorable.
Despite the fact that all officials con-
sidered the German explanation unsatis-
factory and disappointing, there appeared
to be more of a prospect for finding some
ground on which the two countries could
meet.
Another note reported to have been de-
livered to Ambassador Gerard by the
Berlin foreign office last night failed to
arrive today Secretary Lansing said he
NHata no official knowledge or intimation
that another communication was coming
or what II contained.
At other sources II was reported that
the note is Germanys explanations OF
the unsuccessful attempt to destroy the
Cunard liner Orduna on July Q. when
submarine sent torpedo within ten
yards of the shipt stern, then unsuccess-
fully shelled It until It was out of range.
Tho orduna was on its way to the
United States and had twenty-five Amer
leans ON board when attacked,
Not an Issue.
In the Orduna case there Is a conflict
Of statements. whether the ship had
warning or was trying to escape. 1t is
not an issue between the United States
and Germany. and is not likely to be-
come ona. The German note is in re-
sponse TO Inquiries made by Ambassador
Gerard at the direction of the State de-
partment. 1t is not regarded as having
any bearing on the present situation un-
less II contains some declaration Of prin-
ciple not TO the controversy.
Tho view of the closest observers here
is that in the Arabic case the danger of
break grows less as the hours pass
without action. ...
In the case of DR.. Dumba, CAPTAIN
Frank Won Papen, the German military
attache and Alexander Nuber Won Pere-
ked, Austrian consul general In New
York, there was no change. The United
States still Is waiting for Austria's reply
to the request to withdraw DR. Dumba.
Whether the other men are sufficiently
involved In DR.. Dumba's offense to make
their remaining in the United States Inn
possible will be decided later.
Dumh" Promises Statement.
LENOX, Mass. Sept I.-Dr. Constantin
T. Dumba, ambassador of Austria Hun
gary, whose recall has been requested by
President Wilson, arrived here today from
New York, accompanied by his secretary.
Prince Alfred Zu Hohenlohe. DR.. Dumba
told newspaper men that he would give
out a statement in two or three days.
After luncheon with Nine. Dumba at
the ambassadors summer home, DIR.
Dumba and Prince zu Hohenlohe drove
to the embassy at Lenox village, where
they were met by Baron Erich Zwiednek.
counsel of the embassy. and Stephen
Henry de Hedri, one of the secretaries.
Later the ambassador returned to his
residence.