New-York tribune., 1916-04-26
Fears Compromise e
May Be Prelude to
More Demands.
REPLY EXPECTED
IN 48 HOURS
PeSSimiSm Abated in Ger
many-HOpe Grows in
Washington,

Berlin. April 25.-Thc American Am
bsssador. James ". Gerard. had another
conference with DR.. Won Bethmann-
Hollweg before the Imperial Chancellor
left to-day for Great Headquarters
II can be stated positively that DR..
Won Bethmann-H II ollweg and his advisers
realize fully the disadvantages OF q
break with the United States and that
they do not desire il il il can be avoid
ed. but they feel that IL breach must
ultimately come il would be useless to
indulge in concessions and oompro-
misses now.
So fay ne GERMANY ia concerned,
there is still a possibility Of settle
rent and hope has not been abandoned
here. But the Germans, as is apparent
from many conversations which The
Associated Press has had with promi-
ncnt men since the beginning of this
crisis. wish to know before giving their
answer what sort of answer would sat
isfv the United States whether assur-
ances Of a properly conducted subma-
rinc campaign would be adequate or
whether concessions now would be the
prelude to further demands later.
Modus vivendi Possible.
Surface indications now point more
and more to the probability that an
arrangement regarding the Sussex and
a modus vivendi on the submarine
problem will be offered TO the United
States and that sincere endeavor 70
reach an understanding will be made
from this side. putting the decision
regarding the future status OF reis-
tions up TO Washington.
The Wolf Bureau to-day oirculates
an appeal from the German University
League Of America 70 the rector OF
Berlin University for n dispsssionate
consideration Of the American position.
At the Foreign Office to-day the cor
were informed that the
Chancellor was devoting the holidays
TO conferences on the submarine issue
with the departments concerned. These
have not yet been concluded.
Chancellor Studies Situation.
The main purpose OF the Imperial
Chancellors flying trip TO berlin-s
Journey which involves twenty hours
travel in each directon-has been, as
il evident from his protrscted confer
ence with Ambassador Gerard on Mon
day. the desire TO obtain rs clear an
idea as possible OF the attitude and
policy of the American government
what, il anything, lies behind and be
yond the American note and what
measures are necessary 10 satisfy the
demand. before the momen-
tous decision is taken BY the Emperor
and his advisers at headquarters.
The crisis mas come TO head in the
mids, Of the Easter holidays-a season
plaving a highly important role in Ger
man life. when public men are widely
scattered from Berlin. and their views.
which the Emperor would naturally
wish TO ascertain before reaching de
cision. not quickly assembled. Thus the
Of reply TO the American
note. which presumably would spell
peace or war. cannot be rushed.
No Third Person Present.
Ambassador Gerard conferred o.
Monday with the Imperial Chancellor
alone. none Of the Chanccllor's advis-
ers participating in the interview. IL
wa. able 10 give the Chancellor lttl.
positive or authoritative information
on the limits Of the American policy,
beyond the notes themselves. but TIE
Washington policy. 40 far as indi-
Gated in the various notes 20 Germany,
y ig understood. was discussed length
jly. and possible solutions 10 the que
lions. which have given rise 20 the
crisis. were considered IN this long and
interview. concerning which
the Ambassador naturally declined 70
talk 20 the correspondents.
Nr. Gerard Immediately cabled
long account Of the conversation 20
Lansing. and the feeling here
is that If II were possible to obtain an
answer from Washington before the
German Council ~ concluded. and
decision adopted. II might aid material
Is in the solution. There IS httie -
poctation Of that, however.
There has been distinctly better
atmosphere in Berlin Of late. On the
dsy Of the publication OF the American
"A anI mi