The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-06-12
WITH BRYAN OUT. WHOLE CAB
INET STANDS WITH PREsI-
DENT ON GERMAN MES
SAGE.
New Communication Again Demands
of Germany That International
Laws of War be Adhered to-Asks
Repnratlon for Damage Done to
American Shipping - Tone OF Note
frtendiy.

washington. June 9.-The United
States today sent TO Germany a note
reiterating its demand for repara-
ton Tor the loss of American lives
In 'he sinking of the Lusitania and
settling forth clearly the earnest desire
OF the American government that Ger
many signify her early adherence to
the principles of international law
that neutrals be permitted to travel on
unsrned ships without being subject
to dangers' OF submarine warfare.
Couched In much more friendly
terms than II was believed would
be used when the unsatisfactory an
swer to the American note OF May
IL arrived from, Germany. the COM
munication was cabled to Ambassador
Gerard for presentation to the Ger
man foreign office. II will be given
out tomorrow night for publication
In the morning papers OF Friday.
As the all-important document on
which President Wilson and his ad-
N'sers have worked for ten days went
forward. II had behind II the united
support Of the cabinet.
The one man who had opposed as
terms because he believes Il might
precipistc war-william jennings
Brysn--had resigned the portfolio of
secretary OF state at the moment tho
note was dispatched. A statement Is
sued by MIR. Bryan revealed that Pres
ident Wilson had rejected his sug-
sestions for an investigation by a
commission tor years time of the
legal phases OF tho dispute with Ger
many during which Americans should.
according TO Mr.. Bryan's views. be
warned against taking passage on any
oeiliserent ships or on American ves-
sells carrying ammunition.
= President Wilson made no comment
on the Statement. but the text of the
note. IL was stated. would outline fully
the position OF the president and the
cabinet.
The president stands unalterably, Il
was stated. on tho principle that the
United States at this stage In Its his
tory cahnot afford 10 surrender any
OF iu rights, that the American peo-
pie hadhought In 1S12 for their rights
on The high seas. and could not sac
.rinee those rights with the nations
rise and growth to n position of COM
mand as worid power.
High officials generally held the
view that Mr.. Bryan's plan would
constitute a virtual surrender Of
American rights guaranteed not only
by international law but by specific
treaties between the United States and
Germany. Mr.. Bryan's suggestion that
Americans do not take passage on
American ships carrying ammunition
was I'm direct conflict, Il was pointed
out. with the treaty of 1928 between
Prussia and the United States, where
In either party In time OF war Is given
the right of free access to belllger-
ent ports for commerce In arms and
ammunition and other contraband.
Moreover. the right OF an American
citizen to sail on an unarmed and un-
resisting merchant ship of any ma
tionality In time OF war is held by the
president and his advisers to be an
inalienabls privilege. founded on the
international laws OF centuries.
The presidents view is understood
20 DO that a now weapon OF offense
In warfare can be introduced only IL
IL Is made TO conform with the gem
orally csta ablishcd rules of interna-
uonal law existing. The conditions
OF war may change. he has said. but
not the rules OF war. unless there is
a general agreement among the ma
tions which contribute to the making
OF international law. -
Mr.. Wilson IL became known. Is not
opposed To the idea OF an investiga-
ton In dispute between Germany and
United states. but feels that before
such step can be taken some guar
antee must be given that In the
interim, OF discussion the lives OF
American citizens will not be jeop-
srdlzed and that tho United States
will not be required to yield any Of
Its rights while tho discussion is un-
der way.
II is the repetition OF attacks on
American vessels or lives which the
president believes must be prevented
by an assertion OF tho rights OF the
United. states and the attainment of
Germanys acquiescence ir that point
Of NleM L. neceaanrv hcfnrn dInlnrnntIc