The Washington times., 1915-06-03

inspection service since the beginning
Of the war. He stated that the mani
fest would. on careful examination, be
shown to contain false statements pro-
ticularly with regard to the designation
OF the shrapnel carried aboard the Lusi-
tania, oil of which was declared in the
manifest to be nonexplosive, and 30
THE ambassador is believed to have
told the President that the consignment
he referred to was shipped by the Beth
hem. Pa. and consigned to the deputy
director of ordnance stores at Wool
wich Arsenal, Wooiwich. England. 1t
consisted Of eighteen cases of fuses.
valued at at a.. S 80; 80 10 cases cases Of Of shrapnei.
with filled shells. and 800 cases Of shrap-
THE total weight of this shrapnel
shipment. he said. was 1o3,s3 pounds.
and was believed to consist OF fully
5000 shells.
THE ambassador left with the Presi-
dent a memorandum Of these figures,
and called attention to what, he said.
cases of shrapnei. which. while they
bore the words non explosive, appear
ed on the manifest as shells filled.'
Brings Up Food Issue.
to the effect that Ambassador Won
Bernstorff sought to secure from the
President suggestion that II Ger
many could be led to consent to the
compromise outlined such a pledge
would be followed by a note from
President Wilson to Great Britain:
Immediately upon the adjustment of
the present difficulties between Ger
many and the United States, demand
ing a discontinuance OF the interfer-
ence by England with United States
trade with neutral nations.
The Journal has in its possession
positive proof of the fact that the fig
ures presented by Ambassador Won
Bernstorff to President Wilson In con-
nection with the alleged illegal consisn-
were not in the hands Of the ambassa-
dor until over two weeks after the sink
ing Of the Lusitania. and that this al
legged information has not even yet
no way have figured in the decision to
destroy the Lusitania.
THE ambassadors entire attitude
during the interview was an apparent
effort to suggest to the President. with
out the words themselves being used.
that the ambassador felt bitterly disap-
pointed over the tenor Of the imperial
German note. and to make II appear
that II he had been able to have free
communication with his government be-
have been materially different"
Hostility Is Growing.
Former Senator Young of Iowa. who
has Just returned from a trip through
Austria and Germany, said there was
growing hostility toward Americans In
both countries because Of the charge
that If 1t were not for American NUM-
tions the allies would be easily defeated,
and that 1t was uncomfortable for
Americans either in Germany or Aus
tria.
Whether the German government will
allow its course to be swayed by this
feeling CT the population can, Of course
only be guessed at.
The German government. at least. will
not issue its second reply without being
fully advised Of the feeling here and Of
the views Of the Administration. AL
though there is reason to believe Berlin
has had ample information about scnti-
ment here-and Vienna. too-Ambassa-
dor Won Bernstorff has been allowed to
use the facilities of the State Depart
ment In cabling to Germany, and after
the conference with the President yes
terday he prepared a lengthy communi-
cation to his government.
1t Is supposed that in this communica-
tion he told Berlin that the President
would insist on compliance with the
principles of international law In sea
warfare. and that he set forth the fact
that the American Government and
people are in a determined mood in this
matter.
Concerned About Future.
The ambassador undoubtedly learned
that President Wilson is not simply
asking for a squaring Of accounts on
the Lusitania case, the Gulflight case
the Gushing case, and the Falaba case
but that he Is even more concerned
abount the future than the past.
The real point is such conduct of sea
warfare by Germany as will not result
in sinking American non-combatants
who are on the seas and within their
neutral rights. President wilson's talk
with the ambassador was cordial and
friendly. but there was no mist left
In the atmosphere as to this point when
The President has not changed his
plans as the result of the conference.
The note is expected to be ready for
the consideration Of the Cabinet FRI
daY. 1t will be sent before the end of
the week.
Filing of affidavits with the State
Department to the effect the Lusitania
had guns on board has not served to al.
since the vessel was searched by Col
lector Malone's men before she sailed.
Speculate On Rift.
oilcials nero To-Day we're inclined to
speculate on just what will happen If
diplomatic relations between the United
States and Germany should unrortu-
nately be broken or. Although certain
OF the Presidents advisers have said
such action would not mean war they
are alone In that view, as the general
assumption of the men most familiar
with the situation is that Germany
would try to torpedo all passenger
steamers from this side. regardless or
consequences II diplomatic rupture
followed.
Those who do not think 1t would
mean war, however, argue that when
Ambassador Gerard was recalled. should
that step be taken, the United States
would be forced to ask either Holland
or one of the South American countries
to take over American interests in Ber-
lin.
Ambassador Gerard, now representing
most of Germany's enemies, would turn