Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-07-10


trade viii not be iHterfered with nor
ships be endangered.
SECOND. That German submaril
lean passenger ships to pass freely al
turn the confident hope that tine Anne
ships do not carry c0nfFaband; such
ing marks and their arrival annnunc
same privilege is extended To q reason
under the American flag, and should
passenger service prove inadequate.
to place four hostile passenger steam
between North America and Europe
Washington. July 1O.-Outward calm
and a disposition to await the return
Of President Wilson from Cornish.
n. Y, describes the feeling in official
quarters here today following pubu-
cation Of the German reply to the
American note on submarine farfare.
Secretary Lansing stated that while
he had no reason to doubt the cor
rectness Of the version transmitted in
news dispatches, no formal cousidera-
tion could be given TO the question
until Ambassador Gerard's official copy
has been received. That probably viii
reach here late tonight No word has
been received today beyond the fact
that it was being te}egraphed between
Berlin and the American legation at
Copenhagen. whence it Will be cabled
through London to the United States.
Far From Satisfactory.
Officials generally were agreed that
the German reply was far from salts
factory. ana that the United States
was faced with another difficult sitUa-
tion in its relations with Germany 1t
was pointed out that the American gov
ernment and Germany had practically
reached d deadlock on the law in the
case, evidently neither side being will
ing to recede from its position. The
situation was now thought 10 resolve
itself entirely into a question of pol
icy. which depends on President Will
son.
Opinions varied as to the presidents
probable course. but it was believed
likely that he would again wait the
crystalization of public sentiment in
the country and eHdeavor in his next
move to interpret the wishes of the
American people.
Expect Further Discussion,
The whole question, in the minds of
many officials, seemed to hinge on
whether there is another violation by
Germany of the rights for which the
United States contends. It was rec
oguized that since the Lusitania was
sunk and the negotiations begun, Ger
man submarines have given warnings,
as in the cases Of the Armenian and
the Anglo-Californian. II the German
practice continues TO square with in
ternational law. some officials here do
not believe an academic discussion Of
principles would be placed in Jeopardy
by prolonging the parleys. On the
other hand. there was q general belief
that any further destruction of Amer
lean life in contravention of law would
bring the situation to a sharp and crit
tcaI juncture which would make diff
cult the continuance Of friendly re-
Iattous
American Demands Evaded.
Washington. July I0-AIthoush the
official text Of Germany's note on sub
marine warfare had NOS reached here
early today. the press copy which was
read by officials was accepted as veri-
fcation of earlier impressions that
Germany had refused to give The Unit
ed States the assurance asked for in
the American note Of June 3.
Everywhere in official quarters the
reply was discussed along with the
probable action the United States
would be compelled to take as a result
OF Germany's unwiIlingness 10 cCncede
TO Americans the right to travel on the
high seas on peaceful merchantmen Of
any nationality.
President Wilson will start from
Cornish, y. H. for Washington IN q
dav or two to consider with mis- cabi- !
net the situation impending. Comment
in official quarters today was sparing
as to fhe course that would be pur-
sued, the general feeling being that
nothing should be said until the presl- !
dent had returned
on the other hand those in official
familiar with diplomatic pre-
cadants and the progressive develop !
ment Of the American attitude believed
that. having stated its position and
asked for assurances which now have
been refused. the only course left open /
for the United States seemed TO be an ]
announcement that 1t intended to as
sert its rights as established under the /
rules of international law. This would /
mean in effect that the United States
would await violation by Germany i
before taking action TO compel respect
for the rights asserted.
German Attitude EyasiYe.
There was a revival OF talk concern
ing the severance of diplomatic reia- !
tons, it being recalled in official cir