New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-29
House Called to Give Counsel.

House Called to Give Counsel.
Colonel T.. ". House, the Presidents
closest adviser, arrived in Washington
late to-day and immediately went Co
the White House. where he conferred
with the President, Counsellor Polk, OF
tho State Department, and other Off
cials.
Colonel House is thoroughly familiar
with the views of the German govern
ment. having conferred at length with
the Imperial Chancellor, Won Beth
mann-Hollweg. during his recent visit
70 Berlin. He is giving the President
first hand information which will assist
the United States in gaining an un-
derstandng Of the attitude Of Berlin
officials. Colonel House viii remain In
Washington until Thursday.
The general situation was still fur
.her complicated tonight with the re.
ceipt of dispatch from Consul Frost,
at Queenstown, announcing that tho
had been torpedoed without warning.
Two negro American citizens who were
aboard were rescued. Further infor-
nation which the consul said he was
forwarding will be awaited before ths
department undertakes TO consider tnj;
case.
Men close to the President say there
is no doubt tha. his present intention
is to break with Germany as soon as he
is sure OF his facts. They point out,
however, that ss tho evidence Is al
most wholly circumstantisl the Prcsi-
dent may not feel satisfied until he has
asked Germany formally for an cypla-
nation. By giving Berlin such an OPP
pcrtunity 20 return an inconclusiye
reply it is feared that he may unayoid-
ably open the way 10 debate and put
the case into the same situation OF in
definite negotiation as those that hsyo
gone before. The request for informa-
ton is taken 20 show that there IS
little likelihood OF immediate action.
Say Germany Breaks Faith.
The fact that Ambassador Gerard
has been instructed specifically not 20
discuss the question officially with
Germany indicates that the President
fears allowing the issue to become a
subject Of controversy.
Against this view is statement OF
a high Official that "clrcumstantial evi-
denee is often the best" On the race
Of the circumstances there IS no room
for doubt, il is held, that Germany has
decided 70 ignore her promises. 10
attempt a continuance OF frenoiy re-
jstions under such conditions would, IL
is declared, seriously affect the honof
and prestige Of the Administration.
Irritation is evoked by the publica-
tion OF an inspired German declaration
that attacks on the passenger vessels,
IL proved, would be dlssyowed. For
the most part officials regard this
declaration with indifference.
Some say that such declaration is
II. itself an evidence OF bad faith. u
amounts, they declare, 20 an admission
,nat Germany will continue 10 torpedo
vessels Illegally. seeking 70 make rep
aration and apology afterward II incl
dental murder OF Americans can be
fastened on the U-boats.
President Considering Break.
On this understanding the declara-
t;on can only be considered as highly
irregular. The effort 10 settle, through
gents in this country. possible issues
in advance smacks strongly of an st-
tempt TO bargain with American public
sentiment. officials say the intention
undoubtedly was TO dsarm public cen
sare Of Germsny's illegal attacks oy
making IL appear that there was ~
danger Of serious complications.
Similar declarations during prrerS
crises have met with equally s..V". %
:Sss'"Sas :|ss e ss:s:rasy: :. RsS:is, Rssss:'iss e:
he President is de.sr%s'~oour N words" in tho
content with form oi
DrrfiSs''p rSs prs.dsSt @;issSs deyotps s,sn hi, H *.
.'most exclusively 10 'Hs