New Britain herald., 1916-04-20
WEEKEND TIME LIMIT FOR
 BERLIN TO MAKE REPLY TC
 UNITED STATES ULTIMATU
ENGLAND SURPRISED BY
 TONE OF WILSON'S NOTE

London, April 20, 12:30 D. m.- Although recent despatches from America had led the British public to expect a sharp note from the United States to Germany in regard to the submarine controversy, the language employed by President Will son in his address to congress came as something of a surprise.
 The evening newspapers generally refer to the note to Germany as ar llltimatum pointing out that although no date for a reply has been fixed. Germany is expected to send its an Swer by the end of the week.
 Opinion is divided as to what at titude Germany will adopt. Some of the newspapers take the view that public opinion will compel the Der lin government to refuse to comply with the demands of the United States. Others are equally certain Germany will abandon indiscrimin- ate submarine warfare rather than sever relations with the greatest of the neutral powers.
 The note had little effect on the stock market, which was steady at the opening. Little stock was offered, this being the last day before the Easter holidays. Many members of the exchange already have left town and business is extremely limited.
 So far as American stocks are concerned, there is now little business in them, owing to the restrictions inn posed by the government. It is noted the treasury has made hardly any changes in the buying prices.
 The Westminster Gazette says:
 President Wilson's message to congress is serious, high-toned document which befits the occasion.
 Referring to the presidents warn ing, this newspaper adds: Language of this kind between great powers does not leave open a wide choice Of courses of action. Germany is given the alternative of abandoning it's submarine warfare or ceasing to retain the frendliness of the United States. The tone of the messa gc foreshadows in the latter case moro than the mechanical breath of dip- lomatic relations"
 Tn concluding it's article, the West minister Gazette says:
 "President Wilson has mapped out for himself a line of action which admits of no retreat"
 America to Be Congratulated.
 The Pall Mall Gazette has this to say: "President Wilson's unassailable exposition of facts constitutes no ad- dition to any ones knowledge. The significance of the presidents review is that he is unable any longer to withhold official cognizance of the true character of German policy and of the insincerity wherewith his for mer protests have been countered.
 
 That Germany will fulfill the con- dition specified there is no reason to expect, but upon the eventual con- sequences of the presidents message it will be fruitless to speculate. America at least may be congratulat- ed upon having reached the point where shc is no longer compelled to wear the full livery of official neu- trality as between man and beast"
 The Globe says: Suspension of diplomatic relations with Germany would not mean that the United States would necessarily be in a state of war with Germany, but it would mean that repetition of Germanys crimes 1 might lead to actual retaliation. The l then between that position | and actual war would only be fanci- i ful.
 "As far as the allies are concerned, ! the United States probably is more i useful to them under present condi- i tions than they would be if they were i openly at war with Germany. It is ] evident President Wilson will put up | with no more outrages of submarines 1 and that he insists upon full observ- | ance of recognized international law with regard to neutrals."
 The Globe points out that there are i many valuable German ships in Amer l ican ports and concludes: America | has a good hand to play"