Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-08
LUSITANIA CASE
IS DESCRIBED AS
VERY HOPEFUL"
Announced After Cabinet
Meeting That Reply Is
Almost Acceptable
CONCLUSION IS NEAR
High Officials Say Countries
Are Substantially in Accord;
Crisis Passed

Washington. Feb. s. That
the Lusitania case looks very
hopeful was the statement made
by n high administration official
following the conference between
President Wilson and Secretary
Lansing. It was indicated that
the President considers Ger
many's latest offer as almost, If
not entirely, acceptable.
Secretary Lansing and the Presi-
dent conferred until a few minutes
before the cabinet meeting in the
seclusion of the Presidents study in
the White House.
Secretary Lansing went TO the
White House an hour before the
cabinet meeting to discuss the Lusi-
tania negotiations with President
Wilson. Mr.. Lansing said an an
nouncement on the acceptibility of
Germany's latest proposals was i'm
probable to-day and he could not say
whether he would later confer with
Count Won Bernstorff.
II was understood, however, that a
conference between the Ambassador
and the Secretary later in the day
was probable.
Under the surface there were init
nations that some further corre-
spondence may be under way while
ing consider Germany's latest pro-
posal. It has not been disclosed
whether il may be with the American
embassy in Berlin or with Colonel +.
NJ. House the Presidents personal
representative, who was recently in
Berlin where he discussed the stu
alton with German officials. Secretary
Lansing's announcement when Ger
many's answer was received. that il
would be four or five days before 4
decision was reached, is being recalled
by those who believe further corre-
spondence is in progress
The statement that a mere question
of words would not be permitted to
block a settlement of the case at this
stage, which came from the highest
authority, has thrown an atmosphere
of optimism about the situation which
continues to lead officials in close
touch with the negotiations to believe
that a successful termination of the
case is close at hand.
Late to-day Secretary Lansing will
confer with Count Won Bernstorff. the
German ambassador. 1t is expected
he will communicate to the amhas-
sador the American government view
of the latest proposal from Berlin
which substituted for the word Illegal
in the reference TO the sinking of the
Lusitania declaration that reprisals
must not be extended TO others than
enemy subjects.
Practically Satisfactory
with the assurances Germany pre-
officials, while all of them steadfastly
refrain from making any definite an
nouncement, is that this declaration.
with the assurances Germany pre-
Niously had given and with the other
features of the Lusitania agreement
already agreed upon, is practically sat
isfactory, and that if any further
changes are necessary. the way is
open for them without endangering
the success of the negotiations. Some
formal announcement indicating a sat
isfactory conclusion of the long con-
troversy is expected soon.
One administration official indicated
after the Cabinet meeting that it would
not be necessary for the United States
10 make any further suggestions to
Germany.
Later high administration officials
authorized the statement that the
United States and Germany are sub
stantially in accord"