Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-07-16
Z y 4. x y = * = = y x x 4 X X

Washington, July l6.-At a confer.
ence between Secretary of State Ian.
sing and Count Won Bernstorff today,
the German ambassador is understood
TO have sought mediation between Ger.
many and England as to methods of
warfare upon the sea-
No announcement was made regard.
ing the subject of the conference, but
it was understood Ambassador Won
Bernstorff advanced the suggestion
that if England would end the " starya.
tion blockade " of Germany, the kaiser
would cease submarine attacks upon all
vessels except warships.
Offer of the gool offices Of the
United States in acting as mediators
between Great Britain and Germany
looking toward the ending of the pres
ent deadly warfare upon the sea was
made in the last American note deliver.
ed to Berlin. II is expected that the
proposition understood to have been
presented by the German ambassador
toiay will be presented to President
Wilson, but the impression here is that
he will insist upon Germany respecting
the rights Of ueutrals, regardless Of any
proposals that may be made.
That the president will declare he is
glad to mediate Whenever and wherever
il is likely to do good is accepted as a
foregone conclusion, however.
The conference between Secretary
Lansing and Ambassador Won Bern.
Storff took place at the state depart.
ment shortly before noon. The secre.
tary's manner suggested that the sit.
uatlon at present is serious He was
extremely reserved with regard to tae
negotiations with Germany and dis.
played the greatest unwillingness to
answer questions
Members of the cabinet are reported
70 hold different opinions as to the
wisest course TO pursue. Some are in
favor Of serving a flat notice upon Ber
lin that Germany must accept the Am
erican ideas regarding the submarn,
warfare in principle as well as in prac
tice, Others take the view that the
people are chiefly concerned as to IN,
practice that is observed and that tn,
next nu'e should therefore not be al
utmatum.
The impression this afternoon wa
that what the German ambassador tolD
Lansing during his conference with tn,
secretary earlier in the day had don,
much TO clarity the situation in the con
troversy between the United States anD
Germany.
Lansing was asked if formal oral in
stead Of written. assurance OF modi
tcation Of Germany submarine war
wre would be acceptable The secre
nry answered thar it probably would
The German memorandum regarding
the Nebraskan received Yesterday Is re-
gtrdcd as having been meant 90 be con
.'latory, IL expressed regret for th
topedong Of the American ship, whieI
was said to be an accident. and CAV
assurances Of payment OF indemnity
Ihr fact that submarine commander
nave ceased the destruction OF mel
Hhautmcn without warning. though Gei
many defends this method Of wartar
boo theory. is also regarded AS signif
can't. The almost profuse frienllInes
displayed by the last German note ais
carried weight even II h did not eor
.'de any Of the demands made by Pres
isut Wilson.
rain. though unofficial hints hav
been thrown out that Germany is pr,
pncd 10 make more concessions an
auld like 20 have the United state
rooperate n bringing about q retur
% Ie. harharous warfare. which woul
perhaps initiate movement t0war
iuui peace.
0tnetting these favorable phases d
iAe situation however Is the Austria
note regarding the shipment OF nun
uom 90 the allies
IL is certain the United States vi
never admit .ts action in pprmitiiu
.hipmeuis 70 England and France az b.
'og unneu,ral this being the Questi0
Austria seeks 90 raise
Ambassador Bernst0rff ist Secretar
lansing know it was bis desire that it
next American note 70 Berlin emhoi
iae proposition for me United stat.
go suggest 60 Great Britain modiGtatig
'i the British order iu council. IN reiuf
Tor which Germany would correspon.