Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1915-06-10

WASHINGTON. June 9.-The United
States today sent to Germany note
reiterating it's demand for reparation
for the loss of American lives in the
sinking OF the Lusitania and setting
forth clearly the earnest desire of the
American government that Germany
signify her early adherence to the
principles of international -law-that
neutrals be permitted to travel on un.
armed ships without being subjected
to the dangers of submarine warfare
COuched in much more friendly
terms than it was believed would be
used, when the unsatisfactory answer
to the American note of May 13 ar
rived from Germany, the communica-
tion was cabled to Ambassador Gerard
for presentation to the German foreign
office. It will be given out tomorrow
night for publication in morning pa
pers on Friday. AS the all-important
document, on which President Wilson
and his advisers have worked for ten
days, went forth, it had behind it the
united support of the cabinet. The one
man who had opposed it's terms, be-
cause he believed it might precipitate
war-William Jennings Bryan-had re-
signed the portfolio of secretary of
state at the moment the note was dis
patched. .
A statement issued by Mr.. Bryan
revealed that President Wilson had
rejected his suggestions for an inves-
tigation by commission for a years
time of the legal phases of the dispute
with Germany, during which Ameri-
cans should according to Mr.. Bryan's
view, be warned against taking pas
sage on any belligerent ships or on
American vessels carrying ammunition.
President Wilson made no comment
on the statement, but the text of the
note, it was said, would outline fully
the position of the president and the
cabinet.
The president stands unalterably, it
was said, on the principle that the
United States at this stage in its his
tory cannot afford to surrender any of
its rights; that the American people
had fought in 1912 for their rights on
the high seas, and could not sacrifice
those rights with the nations rise and
growth to position of command as
a world power.
High officials generally held the view
that Mr.. Bryan's statement constituted
a virtual surrender of American rights
guaranteed not only by international
law but by specific treaties between
the United States and Germany. Mr..
Bryan's suggestion that Americans do
not take passage on American ships
carrying ammunition was in direct con-
flict. it was pointed out, with the treaty
of 1928, between Prussia and the Unit
SfQt0C VIZ hn,s >,k0 To-
of war is given the right of free access
to belligerent ports of commerce in |
arms and ammunition and other con.
traband. Moreover, the right of an
American citizen to sail on an un.
armed and unresisting merchant shin
of any nationality in time of war is
held by the president and his advisers
to be an inalienable privilege founded
on the international law of centuries.
The presidents view is understood
to be that new weapon of offense in
warfare can be introduced only if it
Is made to conform with the generally
rules of international law
The conditions of war may
change, he has said, but not the rules
Of war until there is general agree
ment among the nations which con-
ti1DuCCu " Iic uldhllS OF lnC0rnat1On-
al law.
Mr.. Wilson, it became known, is not
opposed to the idea of an investigation
Or diplomatic discussion of cases in (
dispute between Germany and the
United States, but feels that before
such step can be taken some guar
anty must be given that in the in
,erim of discussion the lives of Ameri-
,an citizens will not be jeopardized and
hat the United States will not be
'equired to yield any of its rights while
he discussion is under way.
It is the repetition of attacks on
American vessels or lives which the
president believes must be prevented
~ an assertion of the rights of the
United States. and the attainment of
1ermany's acquiescence in that point
If view before diplomatic negotiations
m the subject can continue
The note cabled to Germany, It was
aid authoritatively, leaves room in
many respects for friendly reply, but
contains firm insistence on the prin-
iples expressed in the American notes