Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-05-05

in Wilhelm platz who saw the ambas-
sador go and return. Nobody evinced
the slightest interest in the visit, al
the afternoon papers" e""
Gerard's Message y,
A brief message from Ambassador
Gerard as we'll as press reports had
created the impression that the Impe-
rial government would propose con-
ditions which the United States could
not accept.
Ambassador Gerard's message was
sent before he had examined the note
itself. It's meaning was not entirely
clear because Of errors in transmission
Of the diplomatic cipher.
Secretary Lansing declined to comment
on the message or make it public be-
cause he feared it was garbled or that
Mr.. Gerard. not having seen the note it.
self, might have made inaccurate de-
auctions. Furthermore, the ambassador
had indicated that his message might be
regarded as being highly confidential.
Secretary Lansing sent the dispatch to
the White House for the information of
President Wilson.
Watching Dispatches
Officials gave especial consideration to
press dispatches saying that the German
chancellor would have the German pub
lie behind him in the efforts to avoid a
breach Of relations with the United
States so far as can be done without
sacrificing the principle enunciated in the
German manifesto of February g." in
which memorandum 1t was clearly indi-
Gated that in the future Germany intend
ed to sink without warning belligerent
merchant ships carrying armament, OH
the ground that they were armed for
purposes of offence and that commanders
Of British merchantmen had instructions
to attack German submarines.
Some officials tonight found a hopeful
indication in press dispatch which stat.
ed that considerable anxiety was present
in Berlin over the effect concessions tina,
were to be made would have on the Ger.
man public.
Another hopeful indication was con.
tanned in dispatches stating that the well.
informed Berlin Bourse had q fresh &C.
cess of optimism upon the conclusion OF
the period Of waiting for Germanys an
swer. Some Of the industrials were espe.
cially strong.
Fear Public Opinion
Berlin, May 4.-tBy wireless to The
Associated Press via Tuckerton).-T
reply to the American note on subma-
rine warfare was handed to Ambas-
sador Gerard this afternoon. Consid
cradle perturbation is expressed over
the effect which concessions may have
on public opinion here.
General Desire to Avoid Break
DR.. Won Bethmann- Hollweg. the
Imperial Chancellor. undoubtedly will
have the great masses Of the people
with him in q desire to avoid breach
in the diplomatic relations with the
United States SO far as can be done
without sacrificing the principle enun-
ciated in the German manifesto of
Feb. 8.
Officials Return 20 Berlin
The chancellor, with Admiral Won
Holtzendorff, head Of the naval general
staff. DR.. Karl Helnerich, the score
tary Of the treasurer. and other par
Elephants in the council at headquar-
tiers, returned to Berlin early this
morning.
Longest Diplomatic Document
The note, with its explanation Of the
German attitude toward the British
starvation" policy is one Of the long
est diplomatic documents Of the war.
Manifesto Of Feb. 8
The German memorandum Of Feb.