New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-09

swer is devoted 20 matters which this
government cannot discuss with the
German government. The only ques-
lions of right which esn be discussed
With that government are those arising
out Of its action or out Of our own
and in no event those questions which
are the subject Of diplomatic exchanges
between the United States and any
other country.
"The essence Of the answer is that
Germany yields 20 our representations
with regard TO the rights of merchant
ships and non-combatants on the high
seas and engages 70 observe the reeog-
nized rules Of international law gov
ernine naval warfare in using her SUB
marines against merchant ships. 80
long as she lives up 10 this altered
policy we can have no reason TO quar-
rel with her on that score, though inc
losses resulting from the violation OF
American rights by German submarine
commanders operating under the Tor
mer policy will have 70 be settled
Course with Great Britain.
while our differences with Great
Britain cannot form 4 subject OF dis
eussion with Germany, II should be
stated that in our dealings with the
British government we are acting as
Wa are unouestionably bound TO act IN
view of the explicit treaty engagements
with that government We have treaty
obligations as to the manner IN whlch
matters in dispute between the TWO
governments are TO be handled. We
offered to assume mutually similar OBJ
LEGATIONS with Germany, but the offer
was declined. When, however, the sub
feet In dispute is a continuing menace
TO American lives, it is doubtful whether
such obligations apply unless the men
ace Is removed during the tendency OF
the proceedings"
The treaty with the British govern
rnent referred TO is the convention ne
gotiated by ex-Secretary Bryan, unoer
Wbicb the two nations agree that any
6isnute arising shall be submitted TO
an investigating commission for one
year before entering into hosuhties.
An ofTer 10 enter into such treaty Tor
Germany brought a request FOR lnfor-
nation. but formal negotiations never
yere instituted.
Squarely Up to Germany.
The sending Of the note to-day was
regarded by critics OF the Admlnlstrs
ton as the most encouraging event OF
the whole controversy. FOR the hise
time. il is held, the issue Is squareiy
nm 10 Germany, without possibility OF
evasion. The President has apparently
left no loophole of escape. And 81,
simultaneously the belief has seizeo
Washington that there will be no more
submarine outrages.
The recent German note snoweo
plainly that Germany was wiling 10
20 TO almost any lengths TO avoid
break with the United States. AT the
same time il was felt that the Pres
ident must make one more firm stend,
rejecting the impossible conditions
laid down by the Kaiser, before Ger
many would be convinced that he meant
10 execute his threats. The President
has done 1t, and II IS predicted that
Germany, rather than risk the conse-
ouences Of another mistake, Will en-
force on her commanders the execu-
ton of the new pledges. -,
The crispness of to-day's note Will,
II is believed, convince Berlin that
President Wilson is in no mood for
,riAing. The apparent attempt TO ex-
clude armed liners from the scope OF
the new promises will probably not be
adhered TO when to-day's warning
reaches Berlin.
An Immediate effect OF the agree
ment that has been reached by the
two governments is expected to be
the considerable lessening OF subma-
rine activities. Submarine operations
cannot be conducted effectively under
the restraints Of international law, on
Gals believe, because Of the fraglhty
Of the undersea boats. They dare not
give warning at close range for fear
OF a concealed gun, and warning at
long distance is almost always sure to
be followed by successful fight or re-
sistance.
Neutral ships particularly will bene-
TT by the arrangement, as this govern
ment now holds that such vessels must
be visited and searched before destruc-
ton. Compliance with the rule OF
visit and search in the case OF belh-
gerent vessels Is demanded only for
the purpose Of proving their belligerent
nationality, and may be dispensed with
when the nationality is known from
other evidence.
Should the controversy now be ended
and no more ships carrying American
citizens are sunk in violation Of the
principles Of international law the
way will be cleared for renewal of
VofrcAfutfovo fnr aotf1av,onf Of The I u
sitanis. Arabic, Sussex and other pend
ing cases growing out Of illegal SUBJ
marine attacks.