Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1916-12-31
CLOSE CHECK KEPT
BY THE DEPARTMENT
In View of Danger Facing
the United States, Gratifi-
cation Expressed Over Al
lies Note, Which, It Is
Believed, Leaves Door
Open for Negotiations.
BY ROBERT J. BENDER,
Omitted Press Staff Correspondent

Washington, Dec. 3d.
Justification for President
Wilson's fears that resump-
ton of German U-boat war
fare might bring the United
States to the verge of a
break-the real reason be-
hind the presidents note to
belligerents-was seen to-
day by officials here in the
German admiralty statement
showing increase in subma-
rine activity.
Lloyd's reports forwarded
to the state department and
sent immediately to Presi-
dent Wilson, have shown re-
Gently from six to 15 ships
sunk daily, either by mines
or submarines.
The state department checks UP not
only on the number but also the ton
mage of the vessels destroyed.
For the month of November these re-
ports show the total tonnage of ves
sells sunk to be almost one-seventh of
all tonnage destroyed since the war
began-which comedies almost exactly
with the Berlin admiralty figures an
nounced today.
DOOR LEFT OPEN.
In the face 1of this r,enace there was
qualification in American circles to-
night at what was termed frank
expression from the allies on peace
an answer to Germany that plainly
leaves the door open for continuing ne
gotations."
This optimism was plainly reflected
In Teutonic diplomatic circles. Accord
ing to official belief here, its up to
Germany" to come through now with
her terms.
The allies have said it is necessary.
Ambassador Won Bernstorff has
said his government is willing to
give the terms-in confidence.
State department officials de-
clared transmission of the Ger
man terms-whether secret or
otherwise-could be easily ac-
complished by this government
acting as messenger"
The situation, according to those
close to the president, could not there
fore be better at this early stage in
the proceedings.
GERMANY GIVEN CUE.
According to some of these, the al
lies have given Germany cue in that
portion of their reply to Germany
which insists reparation must he made
for territory invaded and property
damaged by the Teutonic powers. It
is regarded as a suggestion to Germany
that restoration of Belgium, northern
France. Serbia and Montenegro must
be voluntarily offered by Germany, to-
gethcr with indemnity for merchant
vessels destroyed
From now on it is deemed likely ne
gotiations will become more and more
secret until such stage has been
reached to bring neutral nations active
ly into the discussion.
PRESIDENTS LAST MOVE.
Administration officials belieXe the
president has made his last move until
he is asked to further participate by
one side or the other
Those closest in his council declare
emphaticaIly however. that inasmneil
as negotiations nave So1 40 aeai 80 ''ss
have, the president will never with
draw his hand. To do SO, they say
would mean facing most critical SUBJ
marine issue.
ASHTABULA BRIDGE
DISASTER RECALLED
Ashtabula, Ohio. Dec. 3o.-The forti-
9th anniversary of the AShtabula
bridge wreck, one of the most fright
full railroad disasters in the history OF
this country. was recalled today by