The Washington times., 1915-07-23

the exact language Of the new note. but
officials here are turning with keener
attention to the other side of the water
and are watching for signs as to how
the document is received by the Ger
man government.
Stripped of all theories ana all the
unessentials, there is practically a single
question looming up before the Admins
tration. This quest on is: "Wili Ger
mahy, defying the United States, con-
unue submarine attacks on merchant
chips. and especially on passenger ships.
fare?" \.
1t is felt here there is not much use
to theorize on whether Germany will
continue the policy that led to the Lusi-
body here knows positively, 1t Is pain
the German ambassador did not know
only the other day, or he would not
have made his oral protestations to
dLhssnT hess that In the hny res syep p6cy y
OF Germany will soon develop.
Has Nothing. to Gain.
Some hope Is entertained in high
quarters that Germany will take the
course of wisdom and respect inter-
national law. Purely as a military prop
osition. 1t Is felt here, Germany has
continued violations Of international
law In submarine war .'
Moreover. the fact that this Govern
mont. provided the German situation
straightens out. intends soon to send
strong stand for the preservation Of
the neutral rights Of American COM
merce. Is cogent reason why the Ger
man government should act toward
American lives at sea with that modera-
ton which international law contem-
plates. ,.....
However. it is clear that II Germany
shows shows her PURPOSE 9S to abide 'i' BY interna- inter
free to pursue. the controversy with
Great Britain. but will be under pres
sure to do 1t; Secretary Lansing is un..
for the note to England. In fact. the
note is partially prepared. and it would
not take long to get 1t ready Cor trans
mission.
Of the British government to prevent
the shipment by this country Of goods
into neutral countries adjoining Ger
many.
No Baltic Blockade.
It is believed, moreover. that this
Government will raise the highly i'm
portant point that there Is absolutely
no blockade of the Baltic. that there Is
absolutely no basis for argument that
such q blockade exists, and that there
fore Great Britain has not a shadow OF
tight to prevent shipments to Norway.
Sweden and Denmark. regardless OF
All students Of the situation know
that this Government. in its contention
ith Great Britain. is greatly hsmpcred
by the civil war precedents established
By this nation in the blockade Of the
South and the decisions Of the Supreme
Court in pursuance thereof. But such
precedents apply In case of blockade.
1t can be argued with force chat Great
many from approach through the Eng
Nsh Channel and the North Sea. But
German conmerce goes freely through
the Baltic.
II Germany holds her submarine COM
manders within international law. the
contention with England will unques-
tionably take on more and more promi-
nence.
In Delicate Position.
.hcnd Tns problem go n eefmny OF wSa ots s ssunt GO 5S
proceeds to send more passenger liners
to the bottom without warning, cannot
be ignored. President Wilson is be-
eisien. 70 HoWever owe % Ad@inistration @ V1 Lead a
ers unquestionably understand they are
In a delicate and dangerous position.
A strong undercurrent Of talk is that
treat than allow the country to 20 to
war. But there Is no real sign that
such talk is justified. unless It be that
In the many months which have passed
since the international sky grew black
the Administration has barely lifted a
finger to have this country prepare to
defend its rights II 1t had to.
1t Is considered probable that II Ger
many proceeds now to flout and defy
the United States and commit overt
acts accordingly. Congress will quickly
be called in extra session.