New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-15
THINK BERLIN
DESIRES PEACE
Officials See in This Hope
That Way Out Will
Be Found.
TASK FAR FROM EASY
Presidents Answer Expected TO
Convince Kaiser Time for
Farley Has Passed.
tFrom The Tribune Bureau ]

Washington, July II. "Presi-
dent Wilson's reply to the German
note will satisfy the American peo-
ple." This sentiment is heard on
every side in official circles, and its
general acceptance is indicative of
the mutual confidence believed to
exist between the Executive and the
country at large on the govern
ment's policy toward Germany.
The President is deeply conscious
of the gravity of the task that con-
fronts him in framing a reply to
Germany that shall at once uphold
the dignity of the United States and
bear witness to his desire to pre-
serve peaceful relations with Ger
many, officials say, and he will strive
by every means to embody in the
note faithful expression Of public
sentiment.
In view of the previous notes Of
this government in which Germany
was held to "strict accountability"
and was warned that mo word or
act" would be omitted TO protect
American rights on the high seas,
the Presidents problem is regarded
as exceedingly difficult.
Many officials frankly say they see
no means by which friendly tone
can be consistently maintained.
They assert that the time for fur
ther parley with the German gov
ernment has passed, and that the
Presidents answer should settle the
rights of American lives and prop
crty on the high seas once and for
all. Germany, these officials declare,
should willingly grant President
Wilson's demands in the interest Of
humanity and justice if it is really
sincere in its protestations Of friend
ship for this country.
1t is believed in many quarters,
however, that Germany is sincerely
desirous of peace, and that a way
can be found to reach an under
standing.
No Recent Overt Act.
President Wilson, it is thought, may
take account of the fact that while
Germany has refused so far 70 give the
guarantees demanded by the United
States. no overt act has been commit
ted since the sinking Of the Lusirania
which would indicate that Germany IS
continuing the policy Of disregarding
American rights.
The belief is general that Germany
, has given instructions 70 submarine
commanders TO spare passenger ships,
and to be particularly careful in eases
where Americans are concerned. II re-
mains for the President to determine
whether this feeling is so widespread
as to demand consideration in framing
his reply.
Should the President choose 70 con-
slider this change Of policy by Germany
a sufficient response to his demands
for assurances that no such acts as the
sinking Of the Lusitania shall take
place in the future, there remains only
the case of the Lusitania itself TO be
adjusted.
In the opinion tf certain officials
with pacifst tendencies, the maxi
mum requirement If the Presidents
note is a firm demand for indemnity
for past injuries. These officials be-
lieve the United States should inform
Germany that it is relying on her good
faith and humanity TO respect inter-
national law in the future.
As this demand is IN substance re-
garded by officials who incline to the
other extreme as the minimum. II Is
( considered likely that the President
will seriously consider sending note
/ Of just such character
As one Official, Xho inclines 70
neither extreme. expressed It: We
have asked Germany Tor two things
reparation for past injuries and as
surances that they shall not recur.
Let US say 70 the German government:
Your actions since the Lusitania affair
are sufficient assurance for the future.
We ask you now TO repair the past"
Think Germany Would Agree.
Il is thought Germany would readily
respond 70 the American demands 4
put in such form, but that she vii!
never openly give assurances because
Of popular sentiment IN the German
Empire, which demands continuance
without abrldgmeut Of the suomaT.ne
campaign.
Such a note would necessarily n
clude a repetition OF the warnings
previously issued. II would express
reliance on G.rman good faith, all
claim to which would be forfeited By 1