Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-04-21

WASHINGTON, April o0-Whilc the
United States waits for Germany to re-
ply to the note demanding immediate
abandonment nf present methods OF
conducting submarine warfare. one of
tho chief sources OF concern here is the
possibility of another attack on
peaceful ship carrying Americans be-
fore the Berlin government has deter
mined upon its course. In such an
event 1t is admitted that an immediate
rupture could he prevented only by
proof that Germany had been unable
10 communicate with her submarine
commanders.
In explaining the demand OF the
United states to-day. ohlc!ais said that
while abandonment OF the present IL
legal methods 1T once was essential to
continuance OF diplomatic relations. the
United States might agree to the Ger
man submarines operat ting under the
strict restrictions of cruise: warfare.
II was emphatically reiterated. how
ever. that n discussion OF that phase
would not be entered into until tho
present campaign was brought to a
stop. The United States stands firm
in it's determination not to tolerate un-
lawful and inhumane sinking OF an
other ship.
Cruiser warfare such as would be re-
garded as legal by the American gov
ernment would make imperative the
exercise OF the right OF visit and search.
the passengers and crews being accord
cd IL degree of safety considered ade-
1uatc. The mere placing Of passengers
and crews In small boats far from land
op t., 1a-
the requirements
aIEDITERRANEAN PLAN
Is NOT SATISFACTORY
The Mediterranean plan OF warfare
rs announced in tho German memorau-
dunn, on January 7. to the United States,
has not worked satisfactorily, admin
istration officials consider. 1t Is held
that III many instances submarine COM
mandcrs Operating in the Mcditer-
ranean hate disrcGarded tho undertake
Ing in letter and in spirit. Count Won
Icrnstorn. tho German ambassador, is
understood to have suggested to his
government that it issue q me- declura-
ton applying to all submarine opera
tions similar to that covering the CAM
pniSn In tho Mediterranean.
The ambassador called at the State
five minute conference with Secretary
Lansing. Mr.. Lansing listened with
much interest To suggestions which he
understood tho ambassador was ready
to make his owa government for its
guidance In framing Il reply 10 tho
American note. but was not tiisposed to
accept the views as being official.
AS 4 result of this. Count Won Bern
storm sent another communication to
has government this evening. The am
bassndor does NOT expect to call upon
Secretary Lansing again until after his
government hats made formal reply to
the American note.
Just how long the United States is
willing TO wait for tho German reply
has not been disclosed. All oTlcinla
agree that reasonable time" will be
allowed. Press dispatches announced
that the note had arrived In Berlin,
but official word OF its delivery haa
not been received from Ambassadors
Gerard tonight
DELAY MAY BE Result
OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
:, series Of religious holidays. scrupu-
lously observed in the German empire,
continue Until next Tuesday. has been
suggested rs a possible cause of delay
ny the German Foreign Otfice
The state DepIt,GIcu: has not heen
n"":NSd that Ambassadors Gerard ha,i
he"n handed Il supplementary note Ia
regard 20 he SUISSE described ax ctii-s
tanning statements OF Swis. aud Ancrt
lean passengers that y mine. aud nor a