New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-08

rine question seemed 70 have lessened
considerably. Austria, in its reply TO
the last Ancona note, having assured
the United States Of is intentions 10
operate submarines with due regard LOT
international law and tho principles OF
humanity, Turkey and Bulgaria, II Is
understood. next will take steps 10 give
such guarantees IL ls stated authotl-
tativeIy that Germany and Austria
hungary will use their influence 10 ac-
comphSh this end.
See End Of Dispute.
The Lusltanla controversy except
for the wording OF the agreement 10
be entered INTO. Is considered IN leu-
tonic circies here virtually ended.
Under the terms OF the proposal sub
mittcd for the approval of the United
States. Germany, while offering TO pay
an indemnity, maNcs the reservation
that no admission Of wrOuEdOHg there
by is involved 10 is Conteuoed that
the Lusitania was sunk as an act OF
re-risal for the British blockade OF
Germany.
While Secretary Lansing is under
stood no, 20 have Indicated TO Count
Won Bernstorf whether The proposal was
satisfactory. number OF omclais ~ a
position 20 be familiar with the Amer
lean attitude Indicated that Il would
be accepted.
But the question 10 be settled is still
as Z has been for weeks how Ger
many can word an apology TO satisfy
the American public without arousing
popular indignation in Germany. The
question OF indemnity is understood
20 be settled
With the Russian armies hearing
down from the east the situation is
daily becoming more difficult. Berlin
IS not anxious 20 risk an unpoi lla-
diplomatic move when The German
armies are rctreaUcE. On tho other
hand. there is reason 10 bel eve that
Count ,on BcnStorF has his eve on the
political situation in America, and par
ticularly on the delicate state OF affairs
in Congress. and may present an sde-
ouato settlement 90 the administration
a. a moment when Congress can be
expected 90 make it serve as an excuse
for pushing The American demands
sgainst Great Britain.
Tho submarine issue was touched on
st to-dav's Cabinet meeting only SUI
perfciaily." according 10 q member Of
the Cabinet. Secretary Lansing In
h
from Ambassador Penheld that Vienna
could give no facts, and 4 was agreed
that IN the absence Of facts about the
Persia nothing could he decided.
In presenting his memorandum the
ambassador declared that his govern
nent had no information about the
Persia The State Department mas de-
cided that whatever position II may dc
eide 20 take in the future with regard
20 the arming Of merchant vessels the
Persia case will be judged, If the facts
are ever obtained. In the light OF the
rule which has been maintained up 10
this time that such vessels are within
their rights p aiming for defence. inns
is a warning 70 the Teutonlc powers
that the armament plea Will not be &c
cepted as an excuse.
Al the same time Il is admitted that
there are good grounds for a difference
Of opinion on the question and II Is
suggested that II Ii case arises u may
have 70 be submitted 10 arbitration. IL
!s limited that the State Department
nav az any moment announce that YES
sells sailing with any mounted guns,
whether for offence or defence, will for
feit their immunity from attack.
The issue has been carefully avoided
up to this time. While no definite or
ders have been issued, however, ships
leaving American ports invariably sail
without arms, and u Is understood that
pres sure quietly will be brought 70 bear
on shipmasters 20 remove their guns
~ they signify their intention Of leav-
ing with them. case in point is that
OF the Giuseppe Verdi, which will prob
obi,, Iispnoup+ hcr Guns before sailing