The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-07-11
Americas Dignity May Not
Permit Further Diplomatic
Interchange on Subject
PRESIDENT MAY ASSERT
PRINCIPLES ONCE MORE
Then If Germany Should VIC
late Ordinary Requirements
Of Law America Would Take
Defensive Steps

Washington. July 10.-Thc
most notable feature of the sifu-
alton created by the new Ger
man note is the growing opinion
among officials here that the SUBJ
marine issue will not permit of
further diplomatic discussion ON
tho part Of this Government.
Such nm outcome from the
latest correspondence would be
furthest from the Intentions of
the German foreign Office, Yet
nsany officials here were inclined
today to the view that the Ger
man reply makes IL Impossible
for the United States, with dig.
nifty, to prolong the diplomatic
paricys.
Official opinion in Washington does
not go so far as to suggest a break
in the diplomatic relations. Strong
doubt exists now as to whether the
country would approve such drastic
action. but there was a very apparent
disposition here today to believe that
the United States. after rejecting the
German proposals. might feel oblig-
ed to content itself with asserting
once more, and finally. the principles
upon which It intends to stand, and
then. acting In defense of those
principles. in the event OF further at
lacks upon American life.
Ignores Matter of Reparation.
Such a course would practically
ignore the demand made by the
President for PREPARATION on account
of the Lusitania victims which Ger
many has failed 70 give, but many
here are inclined e the view that this
is q matter which, taken alone, would
not require drastic action and which
might be settled ID the future.
Already the White House has begnn
public oeinion. To-day editorial COM
lnefts from all parts OF the United
states were obtained by the White
House staff. These showed a re-
markab1e unanimity in condemnSins
the German reply. The tone of much
OF the editorial comment was strong
er and more bitter toward Germany
than has appeared at any time since
the period Immediately following the
sinking of the EasftAnf Many oi
these expressions held that the United
States could not continue the discus-
sions with Germany along the lines
Of the last two months, sbut nearly
all insisted that the President alone
should determine the course which
this Government Is to pursue.
Makes Problem DifI3cult-
That the Presidents problem with
reference to the submarine issue has
beer made more difficult than ever
by the note published today was the
unanimous opinion of authorize:
here.
1t was generally conceded that the
response made by Germany complete,
" failed to respond to the Presidents
demands. and that Germany's pro.
posals are. unacceptable in the light
of the stand taken by this Govern
ment. The issue is no longer regard
ed as one OF law. but rather one OF
policy. and consequently more thar
ever before the decision now rests al
most solely with President Wilson.
The President took steps at once to
meet the situation presented by the
note BY telephoning Secretary Tu-
multy at the white House. he ar
ranged to have Secretary of State
Lansing bring the Official text of the
German communication to his sum
mer residence at Cornish. The Press-
dents plans after that will depend
upon the results of his consideration