New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-01
Vienna Concessions
Fill Washington
With Delight
Won BERNSTORFF
VISITS LANSING
ReOpenS Lusitania Case
Austrian Move Was
Not Expected.
lFsom the Tribune Bu-e,ul


Washington, Dec. 3l.-Complete
settlement Of the dispute with the
Teutonic powers is expected in a
short tine in Washington tonight.
This belief is the result Of conces-
SONS made in the Austrian reply in
tie Arcona case and the fact the
Ambassador Won Bernstorf' has re-
opened negotiations on the American
demands in the Lusitania dispute.
The Austrian phase of the contro.
versy is regarded as practically
ended, and the hope is held that some
form Of agreement with Germany
soon viii be reached.
All Washington was greatly re-
lieyed and cratifed at the sudden
ending Of the ension in the Ancona
case, following the deep anxiety C.
the las. Few days. While officials
r,uld not commit themselves on the
.uat.on until the official ccpy o.
tie austrian note had been studied
csro'uuy. they say privately that
the sply win .eaye nothing in dis
pute except the amount Of the in
demnity. The general subject Of
rules governing submarine warfare
are likely to be taken up and dis
cusscd at length. but with the prac-
teal conduct Of the war safeguarded
IN the manner the Austrian note
outlines chis discussion will be
largely academic and cannot lead TO
tension.
From German circles tonight came
a hint that. with the Ancona case
cleared away, Austria would hasten
10 appoint another ambassador 20
MI the place left vacant when DR..
Dumba was sent home. This would
greatly expcdit- the exchange OF
views between the two governments
and would be the last step necessary
10 restore full frioadliness in rela-
tions.
Lansing Holds Up Text.
The official copy of the note has
been coming to the State Depart
mens in sections during the day and
is not yet complete. 1t is expected
that it will all have arrived before
r orning and that the DECIDING will
be accomplished early tomorrow.
Ii will be carefully studied by Sec
retary Lansing and probably sub
mitted 70 the President before being
given out. Secretary Lansing to-
night said that it could not be made
public before Sunday. The official
text, however, as given out by the
Austrian government, was cabled
tonight from Vienna.
The call of Ambassador Won Bern
storff on Secretary Lansing this
morning has greatly increased hopes
of a complete settlement. While
neither would discuss the visit fur
tier than to say that the Lusitania
case was again under discussion, it
was learned that considerable prog
ress toward an understanding w&s
made. The ambassador did not sQs-
nit a formal proposition, but sug-
gested terms which Germany might
be willing TO use in expressing her
regret for the loss Of American
lives. It was unofficially stated after
the conference that the two diplo-
mats were in substantial agreement
but that the que stion was compli-
Gated by the neec Of finding a for
nula which would be satisfactory
20 public opinion in both countris-.
Berlin Cannot Disavor.
The conference was the first held on
the subject since late in November,
when Mr.. Lansing rejected proposals
made six weeks previous by the Am
bassador. It is recognized that no
agreement between the two govern
ments is possible OF the main point a.
issue the right of Germany 20 insti-
tute reprsals which injure neutrals.
Germany cannot meet the American
demand for q dssvowsl Of the sinking
OF the liner or Of the policy. She has
taken the position that her warning TO
neutrals absolves her from all blame
and that she cannot even legally b,
held to payment for the lives lost. Rui
she has shown a willingness TO expires.
regret and possibly 10 apologize for IN,
injuries to A,pericans. and to 30 i0l