The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-07-23
Futile Discussion With Berlin,
Brought to Close in Strong
Document
ONUS OF ACTION ON
GERMAN SHOULDERS
Kaiser Reply May Be in Form
of Further Murders on Seas
Definitely Bringing on Break
Between Countries

Washington. July 22.--With the
receipt by the German govern
ment tonight or tomorrow Of what
Is regarded as the last word OF
the United States ON the subma-
rine issue, the future of the rela-
tkons that are to exist between
the two governments will lie en-
tircly In the hands OF Germany.
There In solemn realization
here of the power that Germany
now holds 10 determine by per-
haps O single operation OF one or
her submarines whether or not
friendly intercourse with the
United States Is TO continue. The
dtspatch OF the note before mid
night last night. within little more
than twenty -four hours after the
cabinets first and only discussion
of the matter, has had y SOLDERING
effect here.
Officials were satisfied today, how.
ever, that the prompt action by the
government would have good effect
In this country. They believe 1t will
serve to convince the public that the
administration is In no doubt as tc
what course to pursue, and that Il
has the courage to act promptly upor
it's convictions. They believe also thai
when the complete text Of the note |!
published In this country on Saturday
morning ii will receive the approval Of
those who have been insisting that
futile discussion be brought to an end
and that the position Of the United
States be maintained with honor. Arm
ness and dignity.
Anxious Over Possible Reception.
Now that the note has actually left
the hands of this government, the
J.f L. hA{x rrsr
to the possibilities OF the situation
after its receipt In Berlin. Such in
formation as has come to the atten.
ttion of officials here about the state
Of the public mind in Germany has
led them to look to Berlin with some
anxiety.
The note does not necessarily cal
for a reply by the German govern.
ment 1t lis thought possible. though
that Germany may answer with argu.
ments and suggestions which 1t will
not itself expect the United States t.
accept There is also the possibilit,
though. not regarded as probable, that
the Berlin government will decide te
answer the Presidents demands and
offer. soua zeal conca@sianS.esse s.ssaqp.s,
May Answer With Attack.
But what is causing real anxiety II
the fact that Germany may answer
any day with an attack on American
life and abruptly put an end to the
possibility OF any further diplomatic
representations. While the note issel,
does not contain any intimation OF
what course this Government will pur.
sue in case Germany makes such ar
attack in the face of the American
warning that ii will be regarded a.
AN unfriendly act" II Is believed here
that a severance OF diplomatic rela.
lions and the summoning of Congress
will follow.
Recent reports from Berlin have
caused many here to feel that there ID
reason for anxiety that the latest note
from Washington may arouse anger
among the German people leading to
some reckless action. 1t has been
noted that the Germans persist In re-
garding reports of the unanimous UNI
favorable verdict on their note Of Jul,
as fabrications inspired by the Brit
ish or pro- British press In this coun.
try. II has also been observed tina,