Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-04-24

response to the note demanding
the immediate abandonment OF
present methods of submarine
warfare.
Whether the concessions will be
sufficiently broad to meet the
American demands appears uncer-
tain. However, officials reflected
an air of hopefulness for an annie.
able settlement of the issue.
The reply itself, 1t is believed, will
be presented to the ambassador by
Wednesday or Thursday at the latest
and be laid before President Wilson
by Saturday. This belief was fur
Their strengthened by the receipt Of
unofficial advices from Berlin indi-
eating that the German government
has decided upon its reply to the
American note. 1t was added, how
ever, that the nature of the forth
coming communication was known
only to the highest officials
Count Won Bernstorff. the German
ambassador, who has been away on a
weekend trip, was expected to re-
turn today He may call at the state
department regarding the return OF
the papers seized in New York by the
federal authorities from Wolfe Won
lgel, former secretary to Captain
Franz Won Papen, former military at
tache of the German embassy.
1t is understood Ambassador Gerard
has received broad intimations that
the German government will go to
great lengths to preserve friendly re-
lations with the United States. He Is
understood to have gained his impress
sions from officials of the Berlin for
eign office, including Foreign Minister
Won Jagow.
The Berlin government is confront
ed with finding way to satisfy the
United States without arousing the
element which insists upon relent-
less submarine campaign.
Mr.. Gerard's dispatches, highly con-
fidential in nature, were received dur
ing the night.
Believe Wilson viii Not Bulge.
Paris, April 24-The American sit
uation absorbs the press to the exclu-
sion of other topics and Secretary
Lansing's note either textually or in
copious extracts appears in the most
prominent place. All the morning pa
pers in their comments on the note
generally express the belief that Ger
many will try again to play for time.
but that President Wilson, being pro-
verbally a man slow in anger, will
not bulge an inch from the position
he has taken.
The German government has cir
culated among neutral nations a semi
official note which commits it to moth
ing" says the Matin. I'VE learn that
the Berlin press insists on the serious
ness Of the situation and that it is
hoped solution will be reached COM
patible at once with national dignity,
with the rights of neutrals and the
principles of International law and
not unfavorable to the vital interests
of Germany
That is the whole program, and
we are curious to see the literary pro-
duction which will answer to such
varied requirements"
Says Rupture is Inevitable.
A. Fitzmaurice, foreign editor Of the
Figaro, writes:
1T only remains for Germany, II
she desires to avoid a rupture, 10 give
in and humiliate herself She cannot
do this even did she wish without dan
ger of definitely running what little
prestige she still possesses in neu-
trail countries and without publicly
admitting she is afraid Of the United
States. This would be worse than hu-
initiation. 1t would be defeat for
which Germans would demand a strict
accountability from DR.. Bethmann-
Hollweg and the kaiser himself. A