The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-07-09
GERMANY MAKES NO
REAL CONCESSION
Reply to American Note VIII Not Be
In the Least Salts
factory.

Washington, July s.--Rased on
information transmitted through
Ambassador Gerard and press
dispatches from Berlin. the con-
ciusion was reached here today
that the note which Germany Is
about 10 send to the United
States contains little or nothing
that viii satisfy the views of this
government regarding the SUBJ
marine issue.
Since the Administration has de-
cided it cannot discuss informally
with the German Government certain
proposals which seems to represent
the limit of Germany's concessions.
the feeling In general in Washington
that the situation will not be material
ly improved by the German reply
about to be given to Mr.. Gerard. 1T
the present indications are accurately
interpreted, Germany is Offering no
real concession, but Is, in fact. pro-
posing that the United States be the
one to yield.
The prospects as now viewed ny
Washington officials lis that the United
States will be compelled for the second
time to inform Germany that she has
not met this government on the prin-
cipIes involved. and demand for the
third time reparation for past offenses
and assurances for the future freedom
of American life and property from the
menace OF German submarine opera
tons
No Break Now Likely.
This far from satisfactory outlook.
however, Ia not regarded as foreshad-
owing a break between the two gov
ernments. Officials see no reason why
rupture should follow merely be-
cause Germany's proposals now seem
certain TO he rejected. Provided there
can life or the American flag. 1t is be-
lieved the discussions OF the issue may
continue indefinitely.
That II will remain a disputed ques-
ton until the end of the war is regard
ed as within the range of possibility,
provided always there is no repetition
of the Lusitania disaster
Secretary OF State Lansing has de-
cIined to disclose what instructions, IL
any. the President has ordered sent to
Ambassador Gerard regarding the re.
spouse the latter shall make to the
German foreign office. It may be said.
however. that Mr.. Gerard will not be
authorized to discuss at the foreign
office the German propositions in ad-
vance of their being received in the
form of a note from Germany.
According 10 the forecasts from Am
bassador Gerard and from unofficial
sources in Berlin, Germany offers
to refrain from torpedoing only such
ships leaving American ports as the
United States certifies to be unarmed,
without any contraband aboard and
guarantees that they will stop for
examination when signalied by sub
marines.
No Agreements Likely
Though il is admitted that opinion
cannot finally be passed on this pro-
posai until 1t is seen exactly in the
form In which Germany submits the
general opinion here Is that II essen
tally involves an Arrangement or sur
render of the American right main
tained by President Wilson that citi-
zens of this Government may travel
anywhere they please on unafmed
merchantmen On this ground alone,
II Is declared. ii Ii not likely that
the Government could be in any way a
party to such an arrangement.
Furthermore, the plan In regarded as
involving unneutral action by this
Government.