The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-04-21
GERMANS MAY SINK
MORE SHIPS BEFORE
REPLYING TO AMERICA
This is One of the Chief
Concerns of Washington
Government.
IMMEDIATE BREAK
THEN POSSIBLE
Could Be Prevented Only
IF Germany Says Subs
Had Not Been Notified.
q AssocIATED PREss.


Washington, April 20.-The posi-
bility of another attack on merchant
men carrying Americans before Ger
many replies to the American note is
one of the chief sources of concern
here today.
In such an event, it is admitted, an
immediate rupture could be prevent
ed only by proof that Germany has
been unable to communicate with her
submarine commanders.
Officials said today that while an
abandonment of Germany's present
illegal methods at once is essential
to a continuance of relations, the
United States might agree to Ger
man submarines operating under the
strict restriction of cruiser warfare.
Such warfare would make impera-
tive the EXCISE of the right of visit
aud Sc arch, passengers and crews be-
ing accorded adequate safety. The
mere placing of passengers IN small
boais far from iani and in dangerous
seas would not meet with American
requirements.
Ambassador Won Bernstorff visited
Secretary of State Lansing today With
sut positions regar1iag the reply of his
government, but Secretary Lansing
seemed not to regard his views as Of
fetal.
Since President Wilson laid down
the condition that there must be an
abandonment of present methods,
Secretary Lansing holds there must
be direct and formal response from
the German government itself before
further negotiations can be insti-
tuted.
William jennings Bryan, who said
he broke speaking dates at New Or
leans to hurry to the capital, arrived
here today Ito be Of some assistance
in preserving peace" 'War," he
said, would be unspeakable."
WILL WAIT FEW DAYS.
President Wilson will probably
wait at least until the end of the
week for Germany to reply to his vir.
tual ultimatum, which declares tn,
intention Of the United States Il
sever diplomatic relations unless thu
Berlin government Immediately
give up the use of submarine
against commerce and squares he
submarine policy with the principle
of humanity and international law.
No time limit was set in the com
munication, but the president j
known to hold the opinion that tire
or four days would be a REASONABLE
period to allow to Germany for de
cision. If none is forthcoming With
a reasonable time, the step accom-
plishing a break in relations, wit
all its grave possibilities, will b
taken. Count Won Bernstorff, Gen
many's ambassador, would receive hi
passports and American Ambassado
Gerard at Berlin would be instructe
to come home.
Congress assembled today impress
ed with deep significance of the pre-,
ident's action. The dispassionai
words In which Mr.. Wilson yesterda
told a Joint session Of the house an
senate of his purpose took on a fulls
force of meaning when publication I
the note to Germany, almost identic
with the address in outline and phra'
revealed in what unmistal1able tern
the American government had d
clared itself.
Count Won Bernstorff, optimist
throughout the long negotiations tn
have approached crisis, though lie
nearly, several times before, W
hopeful that his government wou
find a. way to prevent break IN T
lations. Last night he sent loI
message to Berlin, said to recommel
that some assurances as were civ
regarding submarine operations in I
Mediterranean should now be throw
around all submarine operations.
The noka declares that the Unit