New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-25
Note Aimed to Head Off
Tirpitz U-BOat Drive,
Washington Hears
From The Tribune Sureau J

Washington, Dec. 24.-Out OF tho
mass OF ATTEMPTED explanatisns -ot
President Wilson's sudden change OF
mind about sending peace note-ns
said at noon OF the day the note was
sent that he was doing nothing In the
ratter-came to-day a suggestion that
accounts not only for the note itself.
but takes into consideration the TWO
Lansing statements and some connden-
tial information at the State Depart
ment about Germanys preparations for
submarine warfare.
According to this theory, Mr. Wilson
came abruptly TO the conclusion that
BY indorsing the German peace move
he could insure the stability OF the
Bethmann- -Hollweg government In Ger
many.
Tirpitz Party Gaining Power
Bethmann-H -Hollweg has been totter-
ing for some time. The Tirpits party
demanding a ruthless submarine cam
paign against Great Britain, has won
the applause of the people. The peace
overture of twelve days ago is believed
to be Bethmann-H Hollweg's high card,
for there is only one thing, 1t Is be-
lieved. dearer to the German people
than a vigorous prosecution OF the war
against England, and that is peace.
If the Hollweg peace plea, therefore,
had fallen altogether on barren ground
if il had beer rejected utterly by the
Allies and had kindled no spark OF
sympathy in neutral countries, BETH
mann -Hollweg's best card would have
been played Nothing could have pre-
vented the alternative OF war TO the
death. in which Germany should EN-
plov every means at her command 70
bring her enemies to submission.
President Wilson's Endorsement
therefore. can be regarded by the
Bethmann- -Hollweg party with satisfac-
ton. The Tirpitz adherents can be re-
buked with the evidence that Beth-
n-Hollweg's policy has won Ameri-
can support.
Took Back Too Much
Mr. Lansing saw on THURSDAY, tne
day after the Wilson note was MADE
public. that public opinion had too
readily interpreted Mr.. Wilson's move
as an omen Endorsement Of the German
Chancellor's note. Back IN his nina
were the cases OF the Marina and the
Arabia. and the confidential informa-
tion about the new feet OF submarines
now in preparation for spring drive
on shipping.
To make il clear that the United
States had interests Of its own to safe
guard. and at the same time 70 convey
a timely warning 10 Germany that this
country had az least considered the
possibility Of war in defence OF its
violated rights, he issued statement
which so alarmed the country and Mr..
Wilson that he had 10 withdraw ii.
The second Lansing statement, in It's
haste 70 overtake the first, oyershot the
mark. II not only retrscted the first
statement. but il nullifed much that
had been said IN the note itself about
the danger of the position OF neutrals
becoming "intolerable." II is now
doubted that the peace note, with its
two Official interpretations, will have
much weight in influencing the decision
Of the Allies
Postpones Final Reckoning
But II the Wilson move has strength
ened a little the hand Of Bethmann-
Hollweg, IL has accomplished a good
deal toward postponing a final reckon
ing with Germany. II IS assumed that
while the Allies are making their
answer TO Germany and while Germany
makes her counter reply. and so on, the
submarines will keep in the background
out Of respect for President Wilson.
After that there will be the custom
ary winter lull IN marine operations
And after that something else may
turn up 20 stave of a little longer the
strict accounting between Germany and
/ the United States.
The President, IL is known on the
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