The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-05-11
ON SOFT PEDAL
Sudden Change in Germany's
Attitude Towards Z. 5.
Now Holds No Reason for Of
fensive Against America.
U-BOATING NOT HOSTILE ACT
Because All Nations We're
Warned Against Submarines.
Foreign Office Issues Statement
Thru Socialist Leader.
U-BOATING NOT HOSTILE ACT
BY JOHN GRANDENs.

Berlin, via London, May 11-Ger-
many holds no reason for an offensive
against America, hut will not forego
her present use of submarines for
peace.
The war can be ended only on the
basis that no dishonorahle terms be
inflicted upon any nation.
These expressions were obtained to-
day by the United Press from the two
most diverse elements in Germany
the government and the Socialists.
The governments view of Americas
entrance into the war was given in
statement authorized by the foreign Of
flee thru the United Press.
Defend Use of Submarine.
Philip Scheidemann, Socialist leader.
voiced the views of the other extreme
element which has been most active in
rine as the most potent means of de-
Tended Germany's use of the subma-
rine as he most potent means of de-
fensive warfare and Scheidemann gave
expression to the basis upon which the
peace which he has admittedly been
advocating, must be based.
The foreign office -oes not regard
the torpedoing of American ships
within the danger zone prescribed by
Germany as hostile act, IS all coun-
tries were warned of its existence. The
government regards this submarine
and it will be continued within the an
nounced area 1t was pointed out that
American ships We're being attacked
only in danger zones
Scheidemann regarded President
Wilson's attitude as ''incomprehensi-
BILE" and declared that had the presi-
dent continued mis- efforts for an I'M
derstanding between the belligerents,
the war would have probably been
ended long ago.
Expect Socialists to Get Results
q expect good results from the con-
ferences of Socialists at Stockholm,
Scheidemann said, but the war can
be ended only upon a basis that no
dishonorable terms be inflicted upon
any nation"
The foreign office statement follows:
LAS repeatedly declared, Germany
holds there is no reason for an often
sive against America Germany is
torpedoing American ships-but only
in the danger zone, so does not con-
slider this a hostile act, since all coun-
tries have been warned
THE submarine warfare is proving
one of the best means of defense for
Germany and the war will be con-
tinued within the restricted zone.
Americans Under Surveillance.
1.-THE obligations that Americans re-
port to the police is just measure
undertaken by Germany against ma
treating Germans in a similar fashion.
Americans are otherwise unhampered
in Germany"
(This is the first intima ton that has
been received from Germany that
Americans are being held under ponce
surveillance.)
Scheidemann's statements reflected,
like the foreign Office declaration Ger
man inability to understand Americas
position.
between Germany and America" the
Socialist leader declared. President
Wilson's attitude is incomprehenslple
his Indulgence toward England mas
been as great as his harshness toward
Germany.
THE German government regards
the submarine warfare as a defense
against England's violation of interna-
tional law which it cannot withhold
Wilson Might Have Ended War.
Had President Wilson continued
his efforts for an understanding pc
tween belIigerents this awful murder
of their peoples would probably have
been ended long ago.
ssThere is no hatred visible among
the Germans against other people.
Since Karl Liebknecht's imprison-
ment. Philip Scheidemann has come
to the fore as one of the foremost
Socialist leaders in Germany. He has
been actively identified with the So
cialist peace movement and was
prime agitator of the Stockholm peace
conference.
The German government has re-
Gently given recognition of Scheide-
mann's leadership of the radicals by
amounting him chairman of the i'm
portant constitution committee, which
is charged with recommending
changes in Germany's governmental
system.