Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-03
BERLIN SURPRISED AT u. S. WRATH
OVER BREACH OF SUSSEX PLEDGE

LONDON. Feb. ga dispatch to the
Exchange Telegraph s'om Amsterdam says:
political circles in Berlin are much up
set by the reports of the Indignation aroused
In America by the announcement OF Ger
many's submarine blockade. II having been
believed that the United States, understand
ing Germany's desperate position, would
start negotiations to bring about an early
peace conference. There Is still hope P,-esi-
dent wilson's answer will be conciiiatory
and afford II basis for negotiations.'
BERLIN Feb 3.-In discussing and in
dorsing the Governments decision for an
intensified U-noat war the German news
papers use language Of remarkable moder-
alton, and they evidently seek to reassure
America, hoping that President Wilson VIII
see that this new venture Is the only way
and the quickest to end the war.
Every discussion of the all-absorbing
question shows that avoidance of a break
with the United States would be hailed
with joy by an overwhelming majority Of
the nation If possible in connection with
the unrestricted submarine campaign.
There was much excitement among Amer
leans in Berlin, but little fear of serious
complications between Germany and Amer
lea most of them believing that Germany's
provision for unmolested passage of Amer
lean mailboats opens way for continuance
of friendly relations.
opinion that the U-boat note will be ap-
piauded by all Americans sharing President
Wilson's ideas as expressed In his Senate
speech The Socialist organ hopes that
American policy will never stray from the
lines defined in that, speech, since that
would mean woe to the world. 1t continues:
"An overwhelming majority of the Ger
man people are in harmony with the Gov
ernments desire to maintaip the best pos
sible relations with America, America s
great part of triumph in the war is not to
play the confederate of one of the belliger-
ent parties but TO be the ally of all peace
lovers on both sides.
b., STILL HOPEFUL
''The German people are hopeful that the
| decision of the Imperial Government will
| result in a shortening of the war The at
titude taken toward this proposition by
| the political parties and the newspapers, in
cluding the Vorwaerts Is sufficiently known
| But now opinions matter no longer. What
counts now is the German conduct OF the
| war Now let deeds speak for themselves
Arguing that Germany has done her ut
| most to make the Americans understand
| her position, the Germania, organ OF the
| Catholic Center. in an editorial says;
1--WE await the American attitude with
a good conscience, II the American reply
proves different from what we have right
| 70 expect. as much as we regret It we
cannot be DETECTED by It, We shall still be
| inspired by the same loyalty toward the
| United States, but We cannot go so far
as TO 'fuinl their wishes at the point OF
| sacrificing ourselves"
"r is a step with momentous conse-
auences." says the Taegliche Rundschau
I'VE don't know how neutrais. and espe-
| cially America, will take IT, but be theii
position what II may. II cannot deHec'
" nom our determipation after today's
dacIarefion of 4 war sohe and the note =