The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-09-14

would not ask that the submarine COM
mander be punished with great severity.
1t is held here that such action by Ger
many would open the way to a complete
settlement of the whole controversy.
The effect OF to-day's conference and
Ambassador Bernstorfrs forthcoming
discussion with his Government will be
TO postpone further developments in the
situation for a week or ten days. II
is not considered possible that he could
complete his discussion with Berlin and
that his Government could thoroughly
consider the question in fewer than ten
days.
Meantime matters will remain as they
are. so far as this Government liz con-
cerned. as the Administration intends
taking no step until the movement in
itiated to-day Is completed and the re-
suit determined one way or the other.
II is considered here that the delay
itself will have n helpful effect on the
situation, particuia rly II II Is not marked
by any acrimonious or threatening dis
cusslon on either side OF the Atlantic.
To-day's developments showed clearly
that the proposal OF Germany in the
Arabic note for arbitration of the ques-
ton rs to whether or not the sub
marine commander vas justified in
treating the Arabic as u vessel of hostile
intent Is not the immediate point at
issue. as was ut first thought In some
quarters. The issue OF the moment IL
one OF establishing the good faith of
Germany and bringing her to the posi-
ton OF squaring her acts on the seas
sith her pledge, not to attack passenger
ships without warning.
There has been no decision regarding
the arbitration proposal. but the indi-
cations are that II the matter ever
reaches the point at which the United
States must decide what stand it will
take on that proposition 1t will he
against Il. and not for 1t.
President Wilson himself. aside from
the technicalitles OF the situation. Is
averse to referring to arbitration a
question involving human, lives. II Is
the belief here. however. that II the
movement just initiated bears any fruit
the question OF a~rbitrating the disputed
point In the Arabic case will no longer
be an Issue.
Another difficulty in the immediate
situation, though of much less impor-
lance. Is the attitude of the German
Government In the Orduna case. The
report of the German Government on
the attempt TO torpedo the Orduna on
July . without warning has been re-
ceived here. II stated that the com
mander erred In the Identity OF the
Nessel on ACCOUNT VI tnlCK weather.
The report frankly stated. however.
tina he did act contrary to his instruc-
tons. Therefore, in view OF this adj
mission and the fact that the Orduna
was not hit and no lives lost. the Adj
ministration Is inclined to believe that
this case does not present an insur-
mountable obstacle to al adjustment OF
the issue.
II is believed here that public opIn-
H.. l. -. 49,. "a.
with the United States because OF a
belief that obtains there, officials say.
that this Government is playing Eng
lands game to a certain extent and
Is not truly neutral.
1t Is pointed out that the German
public cannot concede the primary as
sumption in this country. which is that
British liners are really peaceful mer-
chant ships. The German public is
obsessed with the conviction, according
to Washington officials. that British
liners are determined to ram every sub
marine sighted, and that they are there
fore to be treated as vessels OF hos
tile intent in all cases.
On the American side the situation
to-day Is frankly one wherein the
United States In asking Germany to
prove that che Is sincere in her pledge
to refrain from making attacks on pas
tNhS'i eh'iS h''t .'it ~
to the view that II the Arabic note
itself had been 30 written as to con-
vince Washington that Berlin was not
trying to resort to a subterfuge having
the effect OF multiplying it's pledges on
the main principle involved the recent
dis~couraging situation would not nave
arisen. II is just such proof OF good
faith that Count Won Bernstorff is un-
dertaking 10 get from his Government.
That this task is not incapable OF per-
Torrance when undertaken by the method
decided on to-day is the belief here.
though 1t is held that it never could be
accomplished by a continuation OF the
note writing process.