The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-02

q time Of the 0usssx crisis. II called
Il attention to Gsrmany's reservation
made a. that time, OF the right "a
rooume relentless warfare X the Uni
I'D States failed to secure moainca-
t1ens Of the entente sea warfare. and
tie British Illegal" blockade. The
memorandum was a statement of the
reqsone for the new declaration and
was clearly intended to point out that
Germany Withdrew and did not NO
late her submarine pledge to this
country.
Tho administrators announcement
By Secretary Lansing tonight that a
clear statement of the position OF the
United states would he delayed over
night led 10 the conclusion that some
diplomatic communication to Ger
many might precede the break in
diplomatic negotiations. II the break
was decided upon. Diplomatic circles
believed that this course was probable.
and that q note somewhat in the ma
ture OF an ulttsnAtum was contem-
plated or already dispatched to Ber-
lin. It was pointed out that the adj
ministratton's announcement OF Its
decisfon might also he withheld pend
INK tho actual u6VEiCpfIlenN vi III
American ship sunk by the slbma-
rine feet
All Washington Nervous
On this point all Washington was
nervous tonight It was recognized
that the situation. go full of explosive
material. might he set OFF without a
moments warning by the sinking OF
a great transatlantic liner loaded with
American citizens With the reports
OF half a dozen ships already sunk in
the submarine campaign in the TWEEN
ty-four hours since II became effec-
tive. the administration saw clearly
the dangers OF delay.
But one faint ray OF hope that a
break might be averted was apparent
In administration circles tonight. II
was the suggestion that the President.
by some bold stroke, might force
peace proposals to the front again. No
one had the ternerity to suggest what
move might accomplish this result.
however. II was clear that such a
move would be welcomed by Ger
many. and II was even intimated at
the German embassy that the only
thing which could halt the new sub
marine campaign would be the call
ing OF peace conference IT was ad-
mitted that there was little likelihood
OF peace coming out of the present
crisis hmm ediately, however.
Oonfsrs With DIR. Ritter
In this connection attention was
called to a half hour conference be-
tween the President and DR. Paul Rit-
ter. the Swiss minister, at the White
- House this Afternoon Neither the
White House nor DIR. Ritter would
discuss the conference, which was ar
ranged some time before the German
y-a x-at In
some circles that in the event OF a
break between this country and Ger
many. Switzerland would be asked 10
take over the diplomatic affairs OF the
United States In Germany. There was
no official confirmation for this state
ment. however.
The strain of the situation on ad-
ministration officials was apparent to-
night. Secretary Lansing. after de-
voting his entire day TO the sphma-
rine situation, returned to his home
worn, anxious, and disheveled. He
cast aside all his regular diplomatic
duties and despite the fact that Il
was diplomatic reception day at the
State Department. he refused to meet
single envoy The British. japanese.
Argentine and Brazilian ambassad doris
and the Danish, Greek and Swedish
ministers called at the State Depart
Counsellor Polk. Secretary Lansing
spent his time in his own ONCE. or
at the White House comforting with
the President and Colonel House
Later Counsellor Polk conferred with
Colonel House.
No Explanation Given.
The announcement that the issue
OF passports had been suspended came
without explanation. Department of
ficials declared that secretary Lansing
had ordered the suspension, but would
give no response. The declined to
venture an opinion as to how long
he suspension order would last
The critical condition OF affairs re-
suited in orders that all State De-
partment officials remain at their
posts. Assistant Secretary Phillips,
who left yesterday for a visit TO his
home near Boston. was recalled forth
with and reached Washington to-
night
The German memorandum in de-
Tense OF the new submarine warfare
order az made public at the State
Department read:
Germany Defends Course.
After hluntly refusing Germany
peace offer the entente powers stated
In their note addressed to the Amer,
can government that they are deter
mined TO continue the war in order
TO deprive Germany of German prov.
inces in the West and the East, tC
destroy ustria-Hungary and to an,
initiate Turkey. In waging war with
such aims the entente allies are VIC.
lat.ng all rules OF international law
as they prevent the legitimate trade
Of neutrals with the central powers
and OF the neutrals among themselves
Germany has. so far. not made un.