Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-05-11
Ignore Subject of Britain.

Ignore Subject of Britain.
President Wilson had in his hand this
morning the official text of the German
note. Although it is not officially an
bounced what this government will do.
1T is said on high authority that it is
disposed to accept the new submarine
orders as complying with our demands
and to ignore the conditions concerning
treatment with Great Britain.
1t was positively stated by a prom
lnent official that if there was an ac-
ceptance 1t would follow that line. In
dlcations continued strong that the adj
ministration felt the note should be
accepted.
German Desire for Peace.
The president, it is learned, looks on
the note as a plea by Germany for
peace and the aid of this nation in get
ting it. On this subject the note said:
Nhe German government, conscious of
G~ermany's strength, twice within the last
few months announced before the world
It's readis,sss to make peace on a basis
thus indicating that 1t Is not Germany's
fault If peace is still withheld from the
nations of Europe. The German govern
ing that responsibility could not be borne
before the forum of mankind and In his
tory If after 20 months OF wars duration
,he submarine question under discussion
between the German government and the
government of the United States were. to
take a turn seriously threatening mainte-
nance of peace between the two nations.
As far as lies with the German govern
ment, it wishes to prevent things from
taking such a course. The German gov
rnmen moreover, is prepared to do its
utmost to contine operations of the war
J FOR the rest of Its duration to the fighting
surfing freedom of the seas. a principle
upon which the German government be-
lieVes now as before that. 1t is in agree
fnent with the government of the United
States.
May Not Be lns;stent.
II is the feeling in administration
quarters that Germany will not insist
on the conditions which are set forth
in the close of the note concerning this
country getting Great Britain to modify
her course.
II is certain that this government
will not.be drawn into a triangular con-
troversy of the sort suggested.
Officially 1T was given out that Sec
rotary 7 ~nsing has viewed the note as
having many angles, and would study
ii fully before reaching any judgment.
1t is '0''eved that in one form or
another government will apprise
German at it accepts the new sub
marine orders at their face value, and
that so long as they are observed there
will be a c~ontinuance.bf the friendship
of the United States.
On Good Conduct.
1t is pointed out here tina by waiting
to see how Germany carries out the re-
ported new instructions to submarines,
thus putting Germany on her good con-
duct as it WERE, the American govern
ment shifts the blame for a possible
severance of relations to the shoulders
| of Garm9nU IF 10 rnacih1a in rhic uyo ,
1t is believed, to keep the record Of his
country absolutely clear.
Germany's suggestion that the Uni
ted States renew Its efforts to induce
Great Britain to alleviate the blockade
of Germany doubtless will have no
bearing on any situation that may
arise. 1t is pointed out that the United
States has consistently objected to the
British order in council, but these ne
gotiations ave been kept separate from
those with Germany.
Great Britain, Of course has refused
to alter the order in council, but has
toned it to be as in%offensive to neutrals
as possible, so it is claimed. Germany
has imposed a condition upon the
United States, 1t is thought, which can
not be met, but at the same time she
could have no defense 1t is claimed in
case of a breach on the charge that the
United States has failed in protesting
against the British order in council
May Ask Copy of Order.
The United States does not know
how Germany's new instructions to
submarine commanders compare with
previous instructions which were given
at the behest Of President Wilson.
Secretary Lansing stated today that it
was possible that the state department
might ask for official copies of the old
orders.
The newest order. however, appar-
emily are regarded as meeting the
presidents demand for a declaration OF
an abandonment Of the present p,ac-
tees of submarine warfare. Officials
seem agreed that the presidents de-
mand hat Germany also effect such
an abandonment only could be an
swered by time.
Under such circumstances one set of
officials feels hat the threatened break
will not come at this time, another set
is convinced that Germany's apparent
determination to make the fulfillment
Of her promises conditional upon the
success of the presidents negotiations
with Great Britain warrants the sever
nee Of diplomatic relations.
To Excuse No "Mistakss."
Out Of it all. two things were made
clear, they were that the United States
still holds firmly to its determination
thai mistakes" OF submarine COM
manders are not admissible; that they
are u~nforgivable. and that the United
States must continue to regard a dis