Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-09-22
LANSING DISCLOSES PLOT ID INFLUENCE
 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Continued from page one.)

supposed now is certain. It was in timated that the series of revelations is not nearly complete.
 Today's announcement is the first official utterance of the government with reference to the German ambas sador's active personal participation in the maze of plots and intrigues conducted for Germany's benefit in this country since the beginning of the war.
 The evidence of Count von Bern storff's personal activities bears the date of President Wilson's address to congress, January 22, reciting his ap- peal to the warning nations to enter into peace negotiations. At the same time President Wilson was address, ing congress, apparently Count von Bernstorff was appealing to his gov ernment for funds with wEich to in- fluence congressional action.
 It was not the first time, apparent ly, that Count von Bernstorff had sought to influence congressional ac- tion.
 Count von Bernstorff indicated in his message than money had been paid this organization on former oc- casions to perform the same work.
 The text of the message, dated January 22, 1917, made public without comment, follows:
 "I request authority to Fay out up to $50,000 (fifty thousand) dollars in order as on former occasions to in wal ation you know of, which can perhaps prevent war.
 q am beginning in the meantime to act accordingly.
 "In the above circumstances a pub lie official German declaration in fla vor of Ireland is highly desirable, in order to gain the support of Irish influence here"
 The text of the message was given out without comment in the same manner as were the messages of Count Luxburg. German minister to Argentina. which have disrupted re- lations between Argentina and Ger many and the letter of German min ister von Eckhardt in Mexico City, re- gently made public.
 More Evidence Available.
 Whether the state department is in possession of other evidence indicat- ing the ambassadors activities, has not been revealed but the extraordin- ary disclosures already made have fixed the belief that agents of the United States government have col lected and compiled the entire story Nf I,1y y,1i i,1fr nd that additional chapters will be added.
 The reference to avoiding war is taken as an indication that Ambassa- dor Bernstorff had prior knowledge of his governments intention to pro claim merciless widespread sub marine warfare and, that he was equally confident that the United States government could not be cas- ily placated by mere promises. The German announcement of it's inten- ton to expand it's submarine activi- ties was not made public until Janu- ary 31. when the world was startled not only by the determination to re- move all restrictions but by the state ment that it would become effective on the following day. Three days later the United States government expressed it's disapproval by severing relations with Germany.
 That the German ambassador knew of his governments intention was as stunned by some officials although at the same time he denied prior knowl' edge and those in close touch with the embassy were given to understand that he did not approve the course and worked to secure modification.
 For Propaganda. Not Bribery.
 It has not been assumed that the ambassador actually attempted to bribe or personally influence any member of congress and doubt that such was his purpose is supported to some extent by the comparatively small amount of money he asked. Fifty thousand dollars, it was pointed out, would go but short way t6- wards buying the influence of any congressman. Judiciously expended, however, it might do much in com pensating paid agents. such as are now known to have belonged to the