Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-04-20
President Addresses Two
Houses in Joint Session, but
Asks No Advice as to Pol
icy 10 Be Pursued,
GERMAN METHODS MUST
CHANGE Immediately
Disregard of Neutral Rights
by KaiSef'S Submarines
Must Be Abandoned or
Friendship Ceases,


Washington, April 19.-President
Wilson'S long expected final warning
10 Germany that the United States
will break off diplomatic relations un-
less she abandons her present meth
ods of submarine warfare and imme-
diatelS declares her intention to do
so. was delivered today in Il note to
Berlin, and also was announced by
the president in an address to Joint
session of congress.
The president considers that the
next step depends solely upon Ger
many and that three or four days con-
stitute a reasonable time for reply.
Diplomatic history records but one
instance as yet where breaking of
relations between two first class
powers has not eventually brought
war--that which now exists between
Germany and Italy.
Congress received the presidents
declaration of his course with mixed
evidences of concern and approba-
ton. Most OF the leaders, democrat
and republican, thought the president
hardly could do less, and some ex-
pressed the opinion that his action
would not lead to war Republican
Leader Mann alone, of all the oppo-
stion leaders, openly attacked the
president for his stand. He charac-
terized II as political play.
Evidence Irreputable.
In short. the United States presents
the evidence as the capstone to an
accumulation of evidence extending
over a period of months which is
held to prove irrefutably that Ger
many's assurances to the United
states repeatedly have been wanton-
ly violated.
Copies of the American note were
sent to representatives. here of neu-
fal nations on the assumption that
they are as much interested as the
United States in the protection of
neutral rights. The document was
not given to any of the belligerent
diplomats as the controversy is re-
sarded as being solely between the
United States and Germany.
Germany VIII Not Yield.
Count Won Bernstorff already has
reiterated to Secretary Lansing that
under no circumstances will Germany
give up the submarine as a weapon
of warfare. because, she contends. it
IL retaliation for Great Britain's
tood blockade. The ambassador has
declared, however, that his govern
hent viii attempt to bring subma-
Tine operations within the law OF
nations. This the United states is
willing to discuss after Germany has
abandoned her present methods--not
lefore,
Against that possibility stands the
ueeldration in the American note that
'he United States has considered from
'he tirst that the employment of sub
marines for destruction of commerce
Is by its very nature utterly in
compatible with the principles Of hu-
iaahiiy, the long established and in
fohlravertible rights of neutrals and
the sacred immunities of nonconl-
batants"
Waiting Stage Short.
me crisis now resolves itself into
'he waiting stage, during which Ger
many viii have. opportunity to accede
% the American demands. Before
another week begins, settlement of
'ne long standing issue either will be
assured or Count Won Bernstorff
pfohably will have his passports and
ambassador Gerard will be leaving
Berlin.
The president guarded his plans
WIN effective secrecy until 10 o'clock
'nlS morniqg when he disclosed them
'' conference with Chairman Stone