The Washington times., 1916-04-19

grams. warning them that the huge
steamer would be sunk before she
reached Liverpool.
Over 5000 Sailed.
In spite Of these threats. more than
5000 persons sailed from New York the
same day on transatlantic steamers.
Then, on May Z, came the news OF the
torpedoing of the Lusitania of the coast
of Ireland. with the killing of nearly
1,2oG persons, OF whom 1l5 were Ameri-
cans. -
Among the notable Americans who
lost their lives were Alfred q. Van
derbil:: Charles Frohman, noted theatri-
cal producer: Charles Klein. and Bl-
bert Hubbard.
The United States was horrifed by the
ruthlessness of this deed. and tre-
mendous wave of anti-German senti-
ment swept the country. Some German
Americans spplauded the deed. but were
soon silenced.
Count Won Bernstorfr. the German
parunent, on May 10. and expressed
his deep regret that the events OF the
war had led to the loss OF so many
| American lives"
While the ambassador was at the
coming from Berlin via London. stated:
Germany reiterates her dec
laration that the responsibility rests
with the British government.
On May 10 the United States Govern
| ment sent formal protest to Berlin.
In this note Germany was called
upon to make reparation so far as
repaIation is possible for Injuries
| without measure, and told that the
United states will not omit any word
or ect necessary to the performance
OF its sacred duty of maintaining
L ha aH ha Gtafa nA
Its citizens"
to Washington May 30 charged that
the Lusitania was an armed vessel, and
therefore virtually a man-of-war, and
mat THE German government believes
Il was acting in justified self-detense
In seeking with all means OF warfar,
at its disposition to protect the lives OF
its soldiers by destroying ammunition
INTENDED for the enemy"
Talk of War.
II was generally felt in Washington
that Germany's reply was not salts
factory and talk OF war was heard
everywhere
Matters came TO a climax on Jun,
Is. when Secretary Of State Bryan
. known for his pacinst views. refused Il
sign the new note prepared for trans
mission to Berlin and resigned from
the Cabinet.
When the note, which was fnalI!
sent June 10. was published, however
1t proved to be frm-but hardly OF
, The American Government denie,
that the Lusitania was armed cn'
again, with solemn emphasis" warn
,, United States "is contendins for moth
Ing less high and sacred than the right
OF humanity. which no government l
justified In reslgning."
iterating its assurances that Unite
, States ships In legitimate trade woul
h not be interfered with. expressed hop
K that the United States will see tha
. and suggested that four passenge
I ships, to be immune from attack, b
v placed In the trans Atlantic service.
tlcular the imperial government is ur
u able to admit that American citizen
e can protect an enemy ship through IN
p mere fact OF their presence on board;
The fourth American note, sent Jul
e 81 asked for no reply,
g Excitement Dies Down.
" Notwithstanding the apprehension I
: officials, excitement over the submarir
:. controversy died down to a certain G,
tent after this, and did not break oil
I again until August 10, when the Arab
a British steamer carrying America
passengers. was torpedoed, of Fastnet.
Two Americans met their death in tn
disaster, and feeling ran high agai
only to be somewhat subdued on Augu
%. when Count Won Bernstorff promis,
fun reparation.
The controversy was stirred up aga
when the British liner Hesperian W;
sunk by a German submarine @
Fastnet on September T. Berlin col
tended in this case that the ship mig
l. have been sunk by a mine.
,s On September the United states Go
n ernment received a reply to its prote
e to Berlin over the sinking OF the Arab