The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-05-15
ure attacks will be prohibited.

ture attackS' VIII be prohibited.
Tn executive quarters. intense in
terest prevailed today and news of
what the American note contained
was eagerly sought in the govern
ment departments and in diplomatic
circles generally.
Some international lawyers and
diplomats who have followed closely
Germany's course since the beginning
OF the submarine warfare were of the
opinion that a compliance by Ger
many with the terms of the American
note would not be surprising and even
that such a curse would, not be a de.
parture from previous expressions.
Germany has maintained, it was
contended, that the submarine ac-
'IFity was begun only because Eng
land would not permit foodsiufs and
conditional contraband destined to
civilians to reach Germany, and be-
cause the neutrals by their protests
mad been powerless to effect an adj
ference TO the rules of international
law by the allies in question: of con-
traband. Should Germany announca
her intention to abandon submarine
warfare, it was believed by some
diplomats, she would not necessarily
make a stipulation but would state
her expectation that the United States
as the greatest neutral, would secure
equal guarantees from the. allies ON
questions Of contraband.,
In the event hat Germt ny took the
opposite course ard refused to COM
ply with the wishes of the United
States, high officials declined to pre-
dict what steps would be taken be-
yond indicating that the. Washington
government would deal with each de-
Velopment in the situation as it arose.
Reports hat Americans. had been
advised to leave Germany on
of the critical state of relations with
the United States were declared to be
wholly u%nfounded by officials.
Americans in all belligerent coun-
tries were advised by the state de-
partpent at the outbreak of HOSTILE
ties to leave the danger zones. and no
special instructions have been given
since to American ENJOYS in Europe.
Messages continued to- flood the
White House and state department to-
day suggesting various lines Of policy.
Conspicuous among these was a per-
-sonal letter from Former President
Taft expressing his confidence in and
support Of Mr.. Wilson in the situation.
lie gave his own suggestions of what
should be done by the United States,
which. it was said did not differ ma
terially from the course the president
had adopted. che White House let il
9. known that the president wa
highly gratined over SIR. Tafts a .ticl.
It became known tonight tina JUS
tice department officials are giving
consideration to the question Of
whether publications containing mat
ter such as editorials seeking to JUS
tify the sinking of the Lusitania and
advising the repetition of such acts
can be kept out of the mails under
the provision of the penal code, maxi
ing it al offense to circulate matter
of a character intended to incite to
arson, murder or assassination" Some
officials think the law might be con-
strued TO apply to published speeches
of a similar character. DIR. Bernhard
Dernborg's u%tterances still are being
given attention in high official quar-
ters and it is strongly intimated that
some step will be taken to end this
activity. 1t was suggested today that
the German embassy might be in
formed that DIR. Dernberg, a German
subject, was making himself offensive
to the American government and peo-
pie.