Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-05-02
WASHINGTON SUSPENDS
OPINION ON U-BOAT REPLY
TILL ARRIVAL OF TEXT
WAsHINGToN. Nav ?

WASHINGTON, May 2
When President Wilson met with his
Cabinet today, official Washington was
still waiting for the Kaiser's reply on
the U-boat issue. AS a result of Ambas-
sador Gerard's delay in returning to Ber-
lin from headquarters where he has been
conferring with Emperor William, the dis
patch, expected from the American Am
oassador yesterday, is now not looked for
before tomorrow morning. In the mean
time there is no official light on the course
OF ermanys proposed action, and specu-
lation is suspended.
The fact that the conference between
the Kaiser and Mr.. Gerard was more pro-
longed than at first planned Is taken as
hopeful indication in some quarters here
The feeling prevails that German officials
have been having hard struggle with the
demands of President Wilson.
That Germany may contend, In her re-
ply TO the United States U-boat ulti-
matum, that she already has effected an
abandonment of present methods of sub
marine warfare against passenger and
freight carrying vessels was suggested
in diplomatic circles here today. 1t is
claimed in Teutonic circles here that since
the American note was delivered in Ber-
lin there has not been reported an au-
thentic case where merchant vessel was
attacked without warning Ohicials say
that when the German reply is received IL
will so declare, and will also state that
from now on cruiser warfare will be fol.
lowed, which would mean rigid adherence
to the doctrine OF visitation and search.
II this is 50, then officials say the sub.
marine controversy will be at an end
Should, however. Germany simply say
that she has ordered a temporary eessa
ton while the entire question of rules for
submarine warfare are entered into by
diplomatic negotiations between the two
Governments then trouble will ensus II
again was officially stated today that there
would be no debate countenanced by the
Administration. The last note to Germany
Is the Presidents final word, officials say
and they declare that this was what the
Executive had In mind yesterday
afternoon when. ADDRESSING the National
Service School training camp for women,
he declared that IL war does come the
United States will say to any one who
doubts the spirit OF the new world that
she still speaks the voice OF humanity"
On every hand today there was discus
sion OF the Presidents speech yesterday
afternoon to young women who are train
ing themselves In the rudiments of war
service The address, In which the Presi-
dent voiced warning that no nation can
tamper with the honor and integrity OF
the United States. was taken as a plain
indication that he viii not back down on
the demands he has sent to Germany
Throughout the whole speech there was
note plainly indicating the President is
not assured Germany plans to yield in
such manner on the u-boat question
As vii prevent 4 break between the two
nations.
Meanwhile. Senator Ia Toilette con-
tinues endeaYorinE TO line up ali OF the
peace advocates in the Senate for his
resolution. which would provide for .
natfon-wids referendum election On war,
Z the President shall break Ell diplomatic
relations with Germany. Senator's Gore
q Oklahoma. ana Vardaman OF AIIssls-
elppl. Two Of the most ardent anti-war
Democrats IN the Senate. have bssn II
eaHsaltafion with Ia Follefte So fal
zaes have net decided whether they I'll
sa11oEl tbs Wisconsin solon.