Evening journal., 1915-06-11

Pro-German circles we're hopeful
that Germany would accept the de-
mand in that light. They argued that
10 do so would prevent unnecessary
criticism Of the home government by
/ the German people. There Is not
the least doubt, 1t was said that the
/ great mass OF Germans believe that
Grand Admiral Won Tirpitz's undorsoa
campaign has seriously crippled
Great Britain and that announcement
of its abandonment would seriously
impair their confidence in the govern
ment. An announcement Of modiiica-
ton, however. if coupled with the eX-
planation that such action will
strengthen the German cause in nou-
tral America, would be well received,
officials here think. II is this belief
that is the only ray OF sunshine In
a very black international sky. should
the German government take TINS
view the critical stage has been pass
ed and a way can be found out or
situation fraught with the grayost
consequences for both nations.
See sIron Hand in Velvet Glove"
Diplomats Of pro-ally sympathies
we're not inclined to accept this view.
They declared that the note, although
expressed in beautiful phrases, skill
fully concealed an iron hand in a
velvet glove. II Is known that for
mer Secretary of State William J.
BRYAN. who retired from the cabinet
when confronted with the obligation
OF signing the note, entcrtains the
10
tho fulhllment of a policy OF direct
ness. To his mind II typifos force
that speaks with hrmness and acts
through the ultimatum'
All who entertain the view that Ger
many will not fall into line and ac-
cept the note az its face value, insist
that the Kaiser and his advisors must
measure il i'm the light OF what has
gone before. Il is simply another
step forward, they say. Commencing
with the note of Februry 10, which
enunciated the principle of strict
accountability" the note of May IS
called for "entire disavowal," and the
present document deems II reason
able to expect that the Imperial Ger
man Government will accept the
measures necessary" TO meet the
wishes of the United States All three
documents have declared submarine
warfare contrary 10 the principles of
humanity and international law This
Is what Bryan and those who agree
with him were insisting today They
claimed that the United States makes
no promises itself. but eXacts prom
ises under conditions that SAVIOR OF
force
Washington Hopes Peaceful Outcome
The President and his advisors,
however, we're convinced that the
German government will accept the
American position as one that 1t can
endorse. At the very outset, IL was
pointed out the United States dis
missed the Cushing and Gulflight
cases. With expressions OF friendly
gratitude that must prove pleasing
i'm Berlin. In the case of the Fall
aba, the assumption that the German
government has not prejudged its
responsibility under international
law is couched in language that must
soften the realization that the Ger
man statements are not accepted as
finally closing the case.
In dealing with the Lusitania. The
eleventh hour" changes in the note al
have been made along lines that mus
satisfy the German government. lt d
frankly stated. as a matter of informa
tion, that the United States has in ever.
way enforced its international laws
Germany Is told, but not in a spirit o
contradiction. that the New York peri
officials saw that the Lusitania was not
armed for offensive action; that She wa
not serving as transport; that she di-
not carry a cargo prohibited by Amcri.
can statutes. and that she was eN-
actlv a. represented, an unarmed mer.
chairman. The United States goes fur