Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-24
PARTING OF WAYS
IS CLOSE AT HAND
Diplomatic Break With Germany
Expected by Washington
Officials.
SITUATION VERY GRAVE
Wilson Prepared to Act, but Evi-
dence Must Be Con-
elusive.
SITUATION VERY GRAVE

CARDS the sinking OF the White Star
liner Arabic by a German submarine.
with the loss Of two American lives,
was indicated tonight when some def
nfte information regarding the Presi-
dents attitude was obtained.
1t was stated that IL Germany at
tempts to defend the sinking Of the
Arabic without offering good reasons
In eStenuntion it is tho administrators
present intention to break off diplo-
matte relations. and that this action
probably Will be taken within twenty
four hours after the receipt Of the Ger
man communication.
In this connection ii Is significant
that officials TO the State Department
were engaged all day to-day in look
Ing up prcccdents on the recall of
ambassadors The State Department
library was ransacked for authorities
on the subject. In breaking off diplo-
matte relations the course to be fol-
lowed would be for the United States
20 withdraw Ambassador Gerard from
Berlin and ask Germany to recall Am
bassador Won Bcrnstorfr.
PROMPT DIsAvoWAL
CAN'T AVERT BREAK
II is now generally believed in Of
fetal circles that only prompt dis
avowal by Germany OF the sinking of
the Arabic can avert break between
the two governments. The view here
however. is that this would not neces-
sartly mean war. IT is we'll under
stood that President Wilson's opinion
is that the breaking OF Of diplomatic
relations need not provoke hostilities.
Other important developments OF the
day were
President Wilson issued this state
ment through his secretary:
"As soon as all of the facts are
ascertained our course OF action will
be determined"
Ambassador Page, who advised that
he had mailed data concerning the
sinking OF the Arabic. was directed TO
send summary OF this data by cable
Ambassador Gerard was instructed to
ascertain from the German government
N report regarding the sinking Of
the Arabic was available.
Everything. therefore. seems 10 indi-
cate that IL official reports bear out
unofficial accounts of the destruction of
the Arabic without warning and show
disregard By Germany of the rules of
International law, the administration is
TO proceed cNpcditiously and decisive!y.
SECRETARY LANSING
APPEARS CAREWORN
Secretary Lansing appeared careworn
to-day. Evidence that other Cabinet
officers were considering the Arabic
case was furnished when Attorney
General Gregory. for the first time,
discussed the incident with newspaper
men. He denied, however. that a set
policy had been agreed upon in the
event II is shown Germany has been
guilty OF an act deliberately un-
friendly"
The brief White House statement
was issued by Secretary Tumulty after
talking with the President. lie said
he was not authorized to amplify II.
Officials in the confidence of those in
immediate charge OF this governments
inquiry arc quoted as saying that the
course OF this government is practically
mapped out The program will be fol-
lowed when facts are at hand justifying
the ground taken.
AT the State Department to-day there
was evidence of disposition TO speed
the Arabic case. When Ambassador
Page cablcd that he had sent by mail
mass OF information bearing on the
sinking of the liner he was promptly
directed TO summarize this information
and cable il. Apparently 1t Is not the
intention OF the administration to delay
matters unnecessarily by waiting on
tho nails.
Ambassador Pages summarized state
ment probably will be received to-mor-
row. 1t was intimated at the depart
ment that the course of this govern
ment may be as readily shaped on re-
ceipt OF the cabled summary as upon
the more detailed information now in
the malls
REASONABLE TIME TO
BE GIVEN GERMANY
y reasonable time is to he given
Germany to come forward with an ex-
planation of the sinking Of the Arab
If Germany offers disavowal or an
apology, the international horizon will
clear. On the other hand, If Germany
pleads Justiflcations. it is apparently
not the intention of this government To
argue principles anew.
When Secretary Lansing was told to.
day that rumor was current in finan-
cial circles that Germany had offered
apologies for the sinking of the Arabic
he replied that no such word had been
received by this government.
President Wilson shut himself up in
his study at the White House and re-
mained there the greater part OF the
day, leaving In the middle Of the after
noon for exercise on the golf links.
No Cabinet meeting will be held to-
morrow. although most of the members
Of the Cabinet are either in Washington
or close at hand. Secretary Lane, who
has been away on n vacation, Is hurry
ing back to Washington. and is due
tomorrow. IT became apparent to-
day that the President will not call
his advisers together until he is In
possession OF all the facts in connection
with the sinking of the Arabic and is
prepared to ask for approval Of the
course he has decided on.
In the event that diplomatic relations
are broken off Congress undoubtedly
will be called together to make extra
ordinary appropriations for national
defense. The new military policy now