Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-10-20
y. S. DRIFTING TOWARD
FOREIGN CRISIS CLIMAX


Tirpitz party in the ReIchstag has seri-
ously threatened the power of the Won
Bethmann-H -HoIiweg party. which apparently
se ks to retain the friendship of the United
States. State Department Official admit
this to be true, but are hoping that some
thing will happen to avert an actual test
Of strength between tho two parties.
The sentiment of the German people,
which has never been too friendly TO the
United States in tho last year or so. is
easily influenced by any slight decision or
action OF the United States which seems to
affect German interests adversely. As
consequences. the Administration Is up
against the problem OF exercising the great
est care In its relations with Germany for
fear of arousing this latent distrust on the
part Of the German people for the United
States.
thoritative information that the real reason
why the United States does not take UP the
Lustania negotiations at this time Is not
because OF American politics, as was re-
ported. but because of German politics.
which have reached a much more serious
stage than the average person In this coun-
.ry is able TO realize.
Not only this. but the American Govern
ment constantly has before II the threat
promise request-cali II what you please
contained In the last German note TO this
country in which Germany made certain
promises in regard TO its conduct OF sub
marine warfare. with a condition attached
that the United States should do its utmost
20 see that Great Britain respected inter-
national law While the United States, in
fits reply. politely said that relations be-
tween the United States and Great Britain
were none of Germany's concern and
thereby closed the case as far as this Gov
ernment was concerned, this action did not
close the question far rs Germany was
concerned.
HOLDS EXCUSE IN RESERVE
II is pointed out that Germany, never
having replied to this note, Is In n position
where Il can use the fact that the United
States never complied with the condition
under which Il abandoned submarine war
fare as an excuse for resumption OF such
q warfare. II would be perfectly easy for
Germany TO say, You were unsuccessful
IN seeing to II that Great Britain did not
violate international law, 30 why should
this Government make any concessions 10
you? In the future we shall conduct our
submarine warfare as we see mt
II is for this reason that the recent Brit
ish reply on the mall seizures and the
impending unsatisfactory reply on the
blacklist are causing SO much concern TO
department fear the effect OF the British
notes on German public sentiment, but II Ia
also chagrined that II Is unable 10 obtain
from Britain any recognition of what this
Government regards as inviolable neutral
rights.
Great Britain has apparently taks4 n po-
sition far from that adopted by tho Cnited
States and has shown no inclination 20
give way In the slightest particular. In
order to appease public sentiment In both
the United States and Germany. II is felt
that strong reply should be made 20
, Britain on the mail seizures question, but
n Is also felt that such a note would ac-
complish absolutely nothing and might
mako the breach wider than it is.
u. 8. DRIFTING HELPLEssLY
Thus the United States is placed In the
! position Of drifting into an international
crisis without being able 10 turn a hand 10
save itself. This Is an intensely serious
matter with the State Department, which
recognizes with concern the growing power
Of the German war party. Administration
officials have been giving much thought "a
the question, but 30 far without definite
results.
Ambassador Gerard. however. has been
on the scene In Germany and knows what