Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-27

WASHINGTON. August 2s-Two de-
"c!opments to-day in America's rcla-
lions with Germany further reduced
tension. and were taken to forcshadow
declaration from Berlin on submarine
warfare which would eliminate that
source OF discord
Count Bcrnstorf, the German am
hassador. called on Secretary Lansing
anh Informed him that the statement
presented on Tuesday by direction OF
Berlin, saying there was no intent 10
cause loss OF American lives when the
White Star liner Arabic was destroyed,
MAS Intended 10 Imply tina, German
submarine commanders had been or
dered TO attack no more merchantmen
without warning
Ambassador Gerard. reporting from
Berlin the substance of a conference
with Foreign Minister Won Jagow. con-
frmed Associated Press dispatches that
Germany. even before the sinking of
the Arabic, had adopted a policy de-
signed TO settle completely the whole
submarine problem The State Depart
men, did not make public Ambassador
Gerards dispatch. bu, the optimism
apparent n the State Department and
the White House was taken as convince
ing proof that the situation, once
threatening break in friendly rela-
tons. was on the way 10 settlement
MORE HOPEFUL OFFICIALS
THINK CRISIS PAST
The more hopcful officials thought
the crisis past, and Inferred that the
view which Ambassador BernetorfT had
been urging on Berlin ever since the
sinking of the i.usitania had pre-
vailed
Secretary Lansing. while outwardlv
encouraged, was reserved awaiting
some definite declaration from Berlin,
and the same attitude was reflected al
the White House. where IL was indi
Gated that President Wilson. encour-
aged at the prospect OF avcrting a
break, would keep his mind open until
all details are cleared up.
One fact was outstanding in the
whole situation. 1t was that further
communication is coming from Ger
many outlining policy which il is
said. is expected TO he satisfactory 10
the United States It is understood
submarine commanders will be in
submarine commanders VII he in
structed not to sink any merchantmen
without warning pending n diplomatic
discussion of proposal for n modus
vivendi for relaxation OF the British
blockade against neutral commerce.
From such information as had
reached sources here IL was apparent
the sinking of the Notwithstanding
the ship was sunk by a submarine
was as much Of a surprise in Germany
as to the rest of the world for, al
though II has not yet been officially
stated, IL is believed German subma-
rjpn II
the Lusitania received instructions to
avoid another such disaster.
VICTORIES OF ARMIES
AND GERMAN LEADERS
1t was suggested to-day in Diplomatic
quarters that. while Germany had
avoided making a public announcement
of that fact, she now was in n position
TO do so because of the victories or
the German arms III Poland. The same
sources pointed out that the victoriea
of tho German armies aided the leaders
TN Germany who had been contending
for the views which Count Bernstorff
has been urging on his Foreign Office.
The Berlin news dispatches referring
10 the German Chancellor's dcclara
tion that Germany had adopted n
policy designed TO settle the question
was puZzlng to American officials, and
even to those In German quarters 1t
was suggested it might forcshadow
diplomatic negotiations to work out