The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-03-16
AMBASSADOR GERhRD'S MESSAGE
OF TREMENDOUS IMPORTANCE

AMBASSADOR GERARD'S MESSAGE
OF TREMENDOUS IMPORTANCE
Charleston american.
"Do you expect the United States
to stand for everything? Do you ex-
pect the United States to keep her
ships off the seas entirely?"
Such were the words uttered by
James ". Gerard, former ambassador
to Germany. last night when inter-
viewed on Atlantic Coast Line train
No. &c. bound from Key West to Wash
ington, accompanied by distinguish
ed party of diplomats and newspaper
men.
Mr.. Gerard intimated that his mes
sage to President Wilson was fraughE
with tremendous Importance, ana
would make no reply to list Of ques-
tions submitted to him, saying that
the questions were practically the
same he expected the president to
ask.
He emphatically stated that he had
not before been interviewed so far
since his arrival in this country, and
any report that he would not te
candidate for mayor OF New York on
the Tammany ticket was not authen-
tic.
Mr.. Gerard appeared worn and
nerve-weary, and stated that his trip
of 1000 miles had told on him physl-
cally. His hand was continually
passed over his forehead, and while ne
was smilingly courteous, he seemed
nervous and i'll at ease To my qhes-
ton as to his last days in Berlin, and
whether he was kept in comfort dur
ing those days. he replied that he
certainly was kept" and smiled.
In the party with Mr.. Gerard, be-
sides number of diplomats were
Charles H. Grasty, treasurer of the
New York Times, who is an old friend
of the ambassador; Mr.. Burton and
Mr.. Bullock of the London Daily
Mail, and Mr.. Alderman, OF the New
York Tribune.
Mr.. Gerard, when questioned as to
conditions existing in the capitals OF
Europe, which might tend to shorten
the war on account Of internal strife
or disorder among the belligerent peo-
pies, said that he could not say that
such conditions had come under his
observation. Asked as to the food
shortage in Germany he smiled again,
and said, 81 had enough to eat"
A copy of The Charleston American
rhcwn Mr. Gerard, who seemed
particularly anxious to see news from
Mexico, and he commented that the
paper arreared to him to be a live
sheet" Mr.. Grasty, who seemed to
have a thorough knowledge of the
papers in this city, also commented on
the appearance Of The American, and
asked to be allowed to keep the cur
rent copy shown him.
The only other people who saw Mr.
Ho~ord of Charleston were represent
atives of the western Union company
who were personally charged with tn
delivery Of important messages to MI
Grasty and Mr.. Ackerman.
The questions asked Mr.. Gerard AM
to which he gave the answer that NJ
expected the same queries from Presi
dent Wilson. and therefore could no
make any answer, We're:
In your opinion will the Unite'
States and Germany go to war?
What are the present prospects 10
reace? What are your plans for tn
future?
If the United States and German
60 to war, do you think it will brin;
the great struggle to speedy end
How were you treated during you
last days in Berlin?
, What do you believe the presen
attitude of the German people towar
What do you think of our lea
story from Amsterdam?
In order to get any information
: from Mr.. Gerard, who did not seen
disinclined to talk, it was necessar
to let the conversation drift little
and l accepted the invitation to tax
a seat beween the ambassador an
: Mr.. Grasty, jof the New York Times
Mr.. Grasty stated that Mr.. Gerar'
has consistently refused to ansWe
categorical questions since his arrlv
al. Mr.. Gerard asked number Q
: questions regarding Mexico, an
I seemed TO be anxious for news froI
that country.
In discussing the probability of wa
between Germany and the Unite
States made the remark. in the hop
: of drawing Mr. Gerard out. that tn
United States could have no quarre
with Germany over the principle
: U-boat warfare. Instantly NJ. Gerar
e said, "Do you expect the United State
9 to stand for everything? Do you ea