New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-01


it stated principles for which the Al
lies are sacrificing blood and gold,
but the time of its deliverance was
calculated to aid Germany. This was
the cause of the JOY in German cir
cles.
Gerard Brought U-Boat Threat
The knowledge which the Presi-
dent had of the danger now threat
ening to break, knowledge of Ger
man preparations for an unprece-
dented submarine campaign, goes
back several months, it was learned
positively tonight. Mr.. Gerard
brought the positive information, as
has been so often stated, of the build
ing of a gigantic submarine feet.
The German and the American
governments appear to have been in
intimate communication. The course
of the American government in
pressing so hard for peace at this
time was possibly not dictated by
Germany, but it was known that it
would be pleasing to the imperial
government.
Doesn't Claim Legality
Germany has no decisions about
the illegality of a submarine block
ade or the declaration of war zone.
She finds, according to her friends
here, her justification entirely on
grounds of reprisal. The blockade
which the British fleet maintains is
illegal under the international code;
therefore, why should Germany not
take advantage of illegality?
"If anybody is going to be starved
it won't be u.s." is the way they
put it.
Such a blockade, or, rather, a war
zone, was declared by Germany in
February, 1915. That brought forth
the strict accountability note, fol-
lowed by so many other communica-
tons. But this government spoke
finally in April in the Sussex note.
Demanded Pressure on Foes
In acquiescing in that demand the
German government stated:
"And it does not doubt that the
government of the United States will
now demand and insist that the Brit
ish government shall forthwith OBJ
serve the rules of international law
universally recognized before the war
as they are laid down in the notes
presented by the government Of the
United States to the British govern
ment on December %, 1914, and No
vember 5, 1915. Should the steps
taken by the government of the Uni
ted States not attain the objects it
desires to have the laws of humanity
followed by all belligerent nations,
the German government would then
be facing a new situation in which it
must reserve to itself complete lib
erty of decision"
L.. S. Rebufs Demand
The reply of the government Of the
United States, however, did not rec
ognize any such position. The
American note stated:
"In order to avoid any possible
misunderstanding, the government
Of the United States notifies the i'm
perial government that it cannot for
a moment entertain, much less dis
cuss, a suggestion that respect by
German naval authorities for the
rights of neutrals and non-comba-
States upon the high seas should in
any way or in the slightest degree be
made contingent upon the conduct of
any other government affecting the
rights of neutrals and noncombat-
tants. Responsibility in such matters
is single, not joint; absolute, not
relative"
Foresee Period Of Slaughter
Officials here do not conceal their
disquietude over the mental UMPIRE
paredness of the American public
for what may be coming. The re-
cent flood of peace discussion is
thought to have turned public opin-
on in this country entirely away
from the possibility of war and to
have focused attention on the terms
Of near peace.
A revulsion is expected to take
place in the Entente countries, with
the result that the world war will
enter a period Of frightfulness I'M
imagined heretofore. With the mass
ing for huge offensives by land and