Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-21
U. S. STAND IS CLEAR
CONTINUED from Page One)

The secretary, however, was disposed
to accept the views expressed by the
ambassador as being not official, but
as the ambassadors own opinions and
informative of the latter's desire to
prevent a break between his country
and the United States. The President
having laid the condition that there
must be an abandonment of the pres
ent submarine methods Secretary
Lansing takes the view that there must
be a direct and formal response from
the German government itself before
there can be discussion Of the various
phases of the subject or Of any alter
native propositions short of absolute
| compliance with the American de-
mands.
Another Communication
AS a result of his conference. Count
Won Bernstorff sent another commune
cation to his government this evening.
It was made clear at the German en-
bassy later that the ambassador did
not expect to call upon Secretary
Lansing again until after his govern
ment had made formal reply to the
American note.
Just how long the United States is will.
not been disclosed. All officials agree
that "a reasonable time" will be allowed
| Press dispatches announcing that the
! note had arrived in Berlin were read
| with much interest, but official word OF
the delivery of the communication had
! not been received from Ambassador Ger
ard. The fact that a series of religious
holidays, which are scrupulously observ.
ed in the German empire, begin tomor-
| row, Good Friday, to continue until next
Tuesday, has been suggested as a posi-
BILE source of delay on the part of the
German foreign Office. The state de.
partment has not been advised that Am
bassador Gerard had been handed a sup.
Elementary note in regard to the case OF
the channel steamer Sussex. Press dis
patches have described the supplement.
tary note as containing the statements OF
Swiss and American passengers indicat-
ing that a mine and not a torpedo was
responsible for the disaster.
Washington was deluged with kilograms
during the day. Great numbers which
arrived at the White House congratu-
lated the President for his stand. Con.
gressmen representing districts with large
German populations received hundreds OF
messages from individuals and organiZa-
lions protesting against any action by
Congress which might lead to war be.
tween the United States and Germany.
Senators and members Of the House
were reluctant to enter into any discus
sion of the situation. The address read
hxy proSidont Wilson
in the respective committees dealing with
foreign affairs. 1t was sent to the COM
mittees merely for their information. Nc
formal action on it is possible.
Bryan at Washington
william Jennings Bryan, former sec
rotary Of state who resigned because he
thought the Presidents policy in the
Lusitania incident was leading to war
came to Washington today. Representa-.
tives Bailey of Pennsylvania and Gala
way Of Texas met him at the station and
had luncheon with him. He did not dis
close his plans. but said he had come to
render any aid possible to prevent trou-
bic between the United States and Ger
many.
II was on my way to New Orleans to
uCAlSCA Oil duuTcSSs uo Sdlu, WIcl TIE
news reached me that a crisis in the
submarine controversy with Germany
had arisen. 1 cancelled all engagements
and hurried to Washington not with any
definite plan, but in the hope that could
be of some assistance in preserving peace.
Since my arrival today 1 have had sew
eral conferences with prominent Demo-
Gratis. I expect to have more conferences
within the next two days. Beyond that
my plans are indefinite.
IT am hoping for two things in this
present grave situation. First that Ger
many will accede to the position of the
United States; second, that if she does
not, diplomatic relations will continue
with view to reaching an amicable set
Element Of the trouble.
I'VE must remember there is nothing
final between friends. A rupture between
this country and Germany would indeed
be unfortunate. If this dispute should