Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-26

is taken by the Emperor and his adj
visers at headquarters.
The crisis has come to a head in the
midst of the Easter holdays-a season
playing a highly important role in Ger
man life, when public men are widely
scattered from Berlin and their views
which the Emperor would naturally wish
to ascertain before reaching a decision,
are not quickly ascertained. The formu-
lation of a reply to the American note
which presumably would spell peace or
war cannot be rushed.
So far as Germany is concerned there
still is a possibility of a settlement and
hope has not been abandoned here. But
the Germans, as is apparent from many
conversations with the Associated Press
has had with prominent men since the
beginning of this crisis, wish to know
before giving their answer what sort Of
answer would satisfy the United States,
whether assurances of properly con-
Quoted submarine campaign would be adj
equate and whether concessions now
would be the prelude to further demands
later.
It can be stated positively that DR.. Won
Bethmann-Hollweg and his advisers real
ize fully the disadvantages of a break
with the United States and that they do
not desire it if it can be avoided. But
they feel that if breach must come I'LL
timately, 1t would be useless to indulge
In concessions and compromises now and
that they might as fell have the matter
settled.
Amba ssador Gerard conferred on
Monday with the Imperial chancellor
alone, none Of the chancellor's advisors
participating in the Interview. He was
able to give the chancellor little posi-
tive or authoritative information as to
the limits of the American policy be-
yond the notes themselves, but the
Washington policy, as far as it was
indicated in the various notes to Ger
many it is understood was discussed
at length and possible solutions to the
questions which have given rise to the
crisis were considered in this long and
confidential interview concerning which
the Ambassador declined to talk to the
correspondents.
Mr.. Gerard Immediately cabled a
long account of the conversation to
Secretary Lansing and the feeling here
answer from Washington before the
German council !s concluded and de-
cision adopted, it might aid materially
in the solution. There is little expecta-
ton of that, however
There has been distinctly better at
mosphere in Berlin Of late. On the day
of the publication Of the American note
and for some time afterward an air of
gloom prevailed regarding future Ger
man American relations and many men
spoke of a rupture as inevitable. The
word now is that a settlement is with
in the reach Of possibility and, al
though it would be wrong to use the
word optimism, at least the spirit of
pessimism has notably abated, and
everywhere one hears the query:
What does America want? Can we
satisfy President Wilson without
abandoning the submarine campaign,
or does he want to prevent us from
the war;"
During the crisis there has been an
utter absence of unfriendly demonstra-
lions against Americans. The down.
town streets for three days have been
TANNED with holiday crowds, but there
has not been the slightest intimation of
any desire to organize a demonstra-
hon against the American embassy or
even Of popular curiosity regarding the
doings there and the big square be-
tween the embassy and the chancellor's
palace has been left to the undisturbed
and lazy tenancy Of one policeman and
one plain clothes man." who for
months have been posted before the
embassy.