The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-09-28
FEARSAUSTRIA
WILLC0LLAPSE.
Germany's Peace Drive at
Rome Due to Monarchy's
Shaky Condition.
asscisl ResposeA 70 Tn sus.

many. pr..1 \ pe.e. ariv. 1. partly in
nuenced by fear that Austria-Hunsary
deferred. is indicated by reports re-
ceived in Official circles here.
The need Of stemming tho tide Of
Americas war preparations through
pacifst propaganda is linked with cries
Of distress from Austria. Tho Prussian
war party has been brought to tho full
realization. 1t is said. that peace must
be procured Within the next six months
II II is to be ii made in Germany
brand of peace wi (ch the Imperial Gov
eminent has promib Jed its people.
Great pressure being renewed at
the Vatican by AustFia to keep the peace
movement alive. NE imminence Of an
Austro-American WI. II peace moves
fail. is being emphaSEsd and the rela-
tions now existing between Austria and
the United States are being described In
fanciful manner.
1t is even being urged that President
Wilson is particularly anxious to avoid
clash between Austria Hungary and
the United States because OF the great
number OF Catholics In America"
These advices prompted THE Sun
correspondent to-day to make inquiry in
authoritative quarters as to tho present
relations between the United States Gov
ernment and the Government Of Austria.
No speciAc Reason for War.
The United States has not declared
war on Austria, It is explained. because
there has been no specific reason. no
specific case Of attack on American
rights which would Justify such action.
President Wilson is known to be par
ticularly solicitous about keeping Amer
teas record spotless and clear under in
ternational law In order that history
may have no charge to mako against
this nAtion.
The fact that Austria-HunEary Is
allied with Germany is not sufficient un-
less some SPECIFIC act by Austria precipi-
tates matters. Tho fact that Austria
Hungary is an enemy Of the Entente ID
likewise not a clear cut cause for action
by this Government.
This nation Is engaged in war. It Ia
explained, because II is nghting for de-
mocracy and II is lighting with the En-
tente Powers because that 10 the only
reasonable and practical method OF
OF the United States. II Is added. Ia the
German Government, which 10 the ring
leader In the ranks Of military autocrats
II Is not regarded a. necessary for this
Government to seek particular or In
dividual quarrels with Germany's
satellites.
There has been no case 20 far Of In
fringement OF American rights by Aus
tria to warrant war. When war cams
between Germany and the United States
in April Austria broke diplomatic rela
tions with the United States by handing
his passports to Joseph Clark Grew. the
Our Rights Not Attacked.
II was fully expected here that wa,
would follow. and war would have fol.
lowed at tho frst attack on American
rights. But so far Austria has not only
refrained from attacking American
rights. but has likewise taken no steps
to press mattsrA
There has been and is ample op.
portunity for the Austrian Government
to declare war on the United States. but
0ermany's dictation 10 still against IT,
Loans Of Sl26.oo0.ooo have already beer
made by the United States to Italy and
war supplies are constantly beinu
shipped Both these are wariike acts
| II Austria chooses to % interpret them
International law does not forbid this
action on the part OF the United States
but simply smphasisss the risk Of wal
from tho neutral which Is being so In.
jured. President Wilson and Secretary
Lansing appreciate tho risk and are
willing to take the consequences
r.