The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-05-09

many has been averted, at least tenn
porarily, was strengthened today
when the official text of the German
note, laid before President Wilson
and Secretary Lansing, was found to
be almost Identical with the unofficial
version sent to the United States in
press dispatches.
Officials had indicated that should
the official text bear out the unofficial
version, they thought it improbable
diplomatic relations would have to be
severed, unless there should be fur
ther attacks upon merchant ships IN
violation of the new pledges given.
Disappointment has been indicated,
however, over certain features of the
German reply. ard some high officials
believe that it at least cannot be ac-
cepted Internationally The president
and Secretary Lansing studied the
text carefully today, goicg very min
uteIy over the pharseology and the
shades of meaning that might be at
taehed to various expressions.
Opinion Divided.
Opinion as to whether the note re-
,uuires an answer seems divided. De-
cfsion rests with the president, and
until he has made up his mind it is
unlikely that an official expression OF
opinioa will be forthcoming. So far
he has not indicated to anyone his
fEal judgment in the matter.
Il is entirely possible that no reply
viii be seat, for >the present at least
and that the president will maintain
complete silence for a time, allowing
Germany to demonstrate on h@ own
behalf the good faith of her Intention
$c carry out the policy indicated in
her new orders to submarine COM
manders.
Although the president realizes that
the promises given are the cardinal
elements of the note, he is under
stood to be displeased over the Ian
suase used and the conditions appar-
emily attached.
Should the note be accepted as sat
Isfactory and a reply sent. it is eS-
pected to take the form of a notihca-
tion to Germany that the United
States has decided not to sever diplo-
matte relations as long as the new
submarine orders remain effective
and are observed
Takes Copy of Note.
Several members of the cabinet
were not in Washington today. Sec
retary Lansing left tonight to spend
the weekend at annapolis, taking
with him an official copy of the Ger
man note. He expects to have fully
digested its statement by the time OF
his return Monday.
The only intimatioa regarding the
personal attitude of President Wilson
was obtained today from persons
close to affairs of the White House,
who described him as feeling himself
in position where he could .not ques-
ton Germanys good faith unless the
declaration made by the German gov
ernment should not prove effective.
couat Won Bernstorff, the German
ambassador, returned to Washington
today from New York. He said he
had no instructions from his govern
ment to discuss the situation with
Secretary Lansing and that he did
not intend to go to the state depart
ment unless he should be so instruct
ed by Berlin. or Secretary Lansing
should iayite him to call Officials
wouid not be surprised, however. if
the ambassador should be instructed
to cali upon Secretary Lansing next
week. after he and President Wilson
have had sufficient time in which to
reach conclusions.
Nearly Alike.
The official text of the German note
was made public today by the state
DEPARTMENT. Ambassador Gerard, IN
transmitting the document, said he
had received copies in both German
and English, probably accounting Tor
the fact that the official and the un-
official version says that Germany
has cal.
\ slight difference in the texts oc-
s.urs in that paragraph where the un-
official version says that Germany
has decided to make further con-
..acsion adaotinp the methods of SUB