The Washington times., 1915-05-15

Should this provision be applied to
transatlantic liners, it is thought Ger
no occasion for German submarines to
attack these ships. Thus, it is pointed
out. Germany could still use the sub
marines against freighters flying the
English or French ttags. to prevent
arms and ammunition from reaching
her enemies.
Reasonable as this suggestion may
appear on the surface. to those who
read tho message of President Wilson
In broader light it would not be sat-
isfactory to this country.
1t Is pointed out that the President
In demanding the cessation Of sub
marine attacks on all merchant vessels.
10 holding a brief for the preservation
that no merchant vessel, Of neutral or
belligerent registry, may be attacked
and sunk without examination of her
papers and cargo by the attacking
crew to escape. A restriction Of tho
ammunition carrying trade to freight
vessels would not, 1t is pointed out.
meet The mandates of International law
for which President Wilson stands.
Moreover, all suggestions that Ger.
many might seek comprise must BE-
weighed In the light of the fact that
the Presidents communication, while
tire from her position with perfect dig
nifty and self respect leaves little room
for compromise.
This does not mean, however. that the
all attempts on Germanys part TO par
ley. The United States. as far as public
opinion has registered or the Presidents
note would indicate. Is not seeking war
Only in the event that Germany repeats
the offenses complained Of can 1t he ex-
pected that President Wilson would take
definite steps to sustain the rights of
the United States and it's citizens"
SAcretarv Rrvan h
ington during the absence of the Presi-
dent 1t is safe to say, however, that
should anything develop In the interim,
he will take no action without consult
ing his chief. The President has handled
the situation thus far almost unaided.
and will continue to do so.
Opinions In Washington.
The best-informed opinion continues
to be that II the Kaiser and Chancel-
lor Won Bethmann- Hollweg dictate the
course of the German government
there will be peace, but that II Admiral
Won Tirpitz and the ultra military
group dictate 1t. there will be break.
1t Is apparent. however. that the
American note to Berlin has made the
entire civilized world sit up and take
notice. Despite the unpreparedness of
the United States for war, there Is
some realization of the truth that II
the United States is compelled to en- =
ter into war 1t will sooner or later
be a factor of tremendous Importance
Although many predict there would be
little actual participation Of Americans
in the war, the temper of the American
people probably would dictate other
wise.
Many here continue to believe that
rmany will avoid a break with the
lifted States for fear that If this coun-
should declare war, it would en-
urage neutral powers of Europe, now
'athful at Germany, but hesitant
out war. to leap into the fray on the
lie of the allies
Not only is Italy apparently ready to
n the allies. but Roumania. Greece
bland, Norway. and Sweden. 1t is
lite conceivable. might throw their
light into the balance. In an effort
ce for all, to smash Prussiar
litarism.
The developments of the last twenty
ur hours have served to make one
Ing quite plain. 1t is that there need
no real apprehension about the atti-
de of the great bulk Of German
nericans in this country If war comes
ley will support the Government as
val citizens. The tenor Of most OF
German-American press indicates
at. Moreover, those who know the
Ierma Americans of this country have
never had any real doubts about ii, SO
far as the large percentage of this
class of the population is concerned.