The Oskaloosa herald., 1915-05-13
CABINET HOLLIS
LONG SESSION
lusitania Disaster Discussed by
Wilson aapldd . Advisers.
AL REFUSE TO COMMENT co
Germany Notifies U. s. Neutral Yes
GELS VIII Not Be Harmsd-Wiil
y Pay Damage for Ships
Lost.

washington, May IL Auc CdUhCa
was in session nearly three hours-the
longest meeting held in several
months. None of the members would
deny that the Lusitania incident had
been discussed, but all refused to
make any comment. The demeanor
generally of the cabinet members was
grave and reserved.
Secretary Bryan, pressed with ques-
tons, declared:
I'VE must not discuss what occurs
at cabinet meetings"
Secretary Daniels, asked whether
the Atlantic feet would pass through
the Panama canal in July in accord
ance with previously announced plans
replied: s-s& 2.
Il cannot discuss that or any other
question now" 5,
Mr.. Daniels was asked whether the
review OF the Atlantic feet planned
for next week in New York would be
held. Monday in Philadelphia he de-
MED that plans for the review would
be changed. He answered the ques-
ton by replying: q. cannot discuss
that" #. n
White House To- Silent.
At the White House no intimation
was forthcoming as to whether the
president had decided on q course.
but there. was every Indication that
the president had decided not to al
low any ifltimation' of his plans 10
leak out until he is ready to make
an announcement. White House Off
eials declared there was nothing to
be said at present to elaborate the
statement made public at the White
House Saturday.
President Wilson made it clear that
his policy on the Lusitania tragedy is
not yet formed and that his speech in
Philadelphia is not TO be construed as
indicating what that policy win be.
The president told callers that he
would annod ace his policy as soon as
he was certain he had all the ele'
Hlents In mind. = He declared the senti
rients he expressed IN his address al
Philadefphia constituted his personal
attitude, but was not intended as
touching upon a national policy. He
sdded he was thinking entirely OF. the
people he was addressing.
The president at the present time
had nothing to add TO what he said on
Sunday, and he refused to say whether
the United States had communicated
with the German government regard.
ing the torpedoing Of the Lusitania.
Senator La Toilette of Wisconsin as.
sured President Wilson OF his support
Id whatever action he may take re-
garding the Lusitania disaster.
q am for peace" he said. Il do not
believe the situation calls for strong
or drastic action of any sort. / would
not be in favor Of seyering diplomatic
relations with Germany"
President Responsible.
Peace with honor was the slogan
which Senator Stone of Missouri,
chairman OF the senate committee on
foreign relations. carried from the
White House after conference with
the president He declared that he
did not think an extra session was
necessary. '''= so
Responsibility is the presidents
alone" he declared. I'VE must all
await his decision He cannot shift
his responsibility to anyone else. He
must stand before the country and be-
fore the world answerable for what he
does now"
Count Won Bernstorff, the German
ambassador to the United States, de.
lfvered to Secretary of State Bryan the
note from the German government
made public in Berlin. expressing the
regret OF that government at the loss
Of American lives in the sinking OF
the Lusitania.
The ambassador on leaving the Office
of the secretary declined to answer
any questions regarding his call.
Secretary Bryan, who followed the
ambassador into the hallway, said:
The ambassador has Just handed to
me the note published in the morning
papers. which I have here" -t-
ii Germany to Pay Damages.
Germany. through Ambassador
Gerard. notified the United States that
submarine commanders had been
specifically instructed not to harm
neutral vessels not engaged In hostile
acts, and that Germany would pay fol-
damages TO such ships In the wa,
zone.
Neutral ships carrying contraband
will be dealt with, the announcement
says. according to the rules OF naval
warfare. II neutral ships are hcci
dentaliy damaged In the war zone
Germany will express its regret and
pay damages without prize-court pro
ceedings,
The German government justifies
is submarine warfare on the grounds
that England is threatening to starye
the civilian population OF Germany by
prohibiting neutral commerce in food
ietuhs and other necessaries