New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-14
PREDICTS BREAK
IF U. S. DEMANDS
ARE REJECTED
Close Friend Declares Viii.
son Has Asked Least
He Will Take.

Washington, Nay l3.-Should the
German government declin- to accept
the suggestions containe President
Wilson's note TO disavow all intention
o. causing the death by submarines of
Americans, rupture of the friendly
relations between the two countries
will be unavoidable. This was the view
taken OF the note by more than or
official high in the administration.
From a source that is usually au-
{ )ritative, The Tribune learned to-
night that among the Presidents ad-
visers there was a strong feeling that
should the German governments reply
insist that the United States keep
American citizens off ships carrying
munitions Of war and decline to stop
its undersea warfare otherwise, serious
consequences would result possibly
war.
Any action which might be taken by
Germany following the receipt o. the
note, according to a close f-iend of the
Pres ident. was absolutely disregarded
by Mr.. Wilson in writing the note. Has
position. this friend declared, was sim
liar to that taken by lawyers Of the
old school. wko in stating their case
asserted only what they honestly be-
lieved to be right.
All thought of what Germany vould
do, or whether changing this detail or
that might affect her course, was kept
ou. Of mind. The President considered
only what was an honest statement Of
W this country's rights wert. waiv-
ing aside all thought of either political
effect, moral effect on other natlors or
impression on Germany itself. His
striving was merely 70 state succlnctly,
clearly and exactly his views as the
result Of tn. Lusitana outrage, coming
on top of the Gulfiight torpedoing.
Neither BluI Nor Bluster.
There is not line Of bluff or bus
ter in the lote, as may be seen from
reading it," said the friend of the Pres
ident. THE Presi ident has laid all his
cards down on the tabl and invited
"ermany's attention 10 the strength OF
his case. There is no thought OF com
promise. He has hernandez the least
he will take. But ne wants Germany 10
see the strength and right Of the posi-
tion of this country above all things.
will not this note, following that OF
February 10, in which this country de-
clared it would hold the German gov
o ment 70 a strict accountability, be
regarded as a distinct weakening" the
friend Of the President was asked.
"Not at ALL" was IN quick reply. 81
admit that many persons might argue,
with some justice, that, following the
note Of February 10, with tn, subse-
ouent Gulfight and LusItanIs trege-
dies. the only recourse u this country
would be TO go TO war. But the Presi-
dent and the members OF the Cabinet
lake different view.
at will be noticed in the note sent
today that the Presiden. takes the
view that the torpedoing Of the Lusi-
tania was not the of the German
Government. but the irresponsible ac-
ton of a submarine commander, doubt
less inspired by what might be charac-
terized as individual hate and eager
ness to do violence This desire. it
must also be considered. in the Presi-
dents view. vas not directed against
Americans. They were the unfortunate
victims o. .he submarine commander 5
hate against England.
Thus the President in the note
avoids the direct consequence OF his
declaration that this government would
hold the German government TO a
strict accountability unless the Ger
man government snail officially sane
tion. by not disavowing, the act OF the
submarine commander. He, of course,
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