The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-05-12

he was not referring in his speech Tn Philadelphia last night specifically to the Lusitania tragedy was taken in many quarters to mean that he had in mind the broader idea of humanity. His ref erences to the example which the United States should set other nations by remain ing at peace represented. he intimated today, his personal attitude. and not necessarily fixed policy.
 In today's wide range of speculation over the Presidents speech from which his Philadelphia audience drew the infer ence that he was thinking of the Lusi- tania case, 1t was regarded as signifi- cant that some officials close to the na- tion's executive were satisfied that the eventualities of the present situation had not necessarily been limited by his utter ances concerning peace.
 Considering Right Course
 Specifically, the president said of the Lusitania case that he had nothing more to add to his statement of last Saturday that he was considering earnestly but calmly the right course of action to pur- sue.' and expected to act with delib- eration as well as firmness.'
 Just what effect the issuance by Ger many of her circular note assuming re- sponsibility for losses sustained by neu- trals as a result of mistaken attacks by submarines on vessels not engaged in hos tile or unneutral service, would have on the course planned by the President prior to today was widely commented upon 1T official and diplomatic circles.
 The German note was discussed briefly at the cabinet meeting. having arrived early in the day from Ambassador Gerard While it was regarded as a promise fol reparation in the cases of the Gulfligh and the Gushing. if it shall be prover that they were damaged by Germans. thu opinion of high officials of the Wash 1 ngton government was that the com munication did not alter the main issue l the torpedoing without warning of m ! armed merchant ships of any nationalit. ! carrying noncombatants.
 Modifies Proclamation
 The circular modifes the original proc lamation of the, war zone in the sens that responsibility for mistakes is nov assumed, and the right of visit and searcl | is to be exercised against vessels fyini neutral flags while destruction of neutra vessels carrying contraband is to be con | ducted under the rules of internatlona | law governing prizes. These require tn | transfer to a place of safety of passen 1 gers and crew if the vessel is destroyed Just how a submarine will be able [, carry out this obligation was not ex plained in the circular and left off | cials very much In doubt on this point. The general opinion of many law of 1 icers of the government. including som | of the cabinet, was that the German Cir cular would not materially affect tn 1 Presidents course. It was significant | however, they believed, of desire ol ] the part of Germany to remain on friend 1 ly terms with all neutrals and to placat especially Holland and some of the Scan dinavian countries which have suffered a a result of the mistakes of German sub l marines.
 The arrival of Germanys official state
 nent expressing regret over the loss O American lives on the Lusitania was an other factor which was taken into con sderation in official quarters as likely t. have some influence on the President policy. Count Won Bernstorff. the Ger man amba ssador, presented the officia statement on behalf of his governmen today, supplementing his own persona expression of yesterday. While the am | tassador was at the state departmen Secretary Bryan, as a matter of courtesy showed him a copy of the circular issue' with reference to neutral vessels, believ ing it might not have reached the Ger
 man embassy on account of difficulties il communication.