New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-03

OF the United States and no attemt IS
made to conceal the eagerness WIN
which the American decision. is
awaited.
No other proposition of the war has
so completely affected AL neutrais
alike, it is pointed out. The German
note was addressed to all of them, and
it's effects will operate apparently WIFI
out any distinction of nationality.
The European neutrals are struck III
their vitals; the South American neu-
trails. as shown by their first pres.
comment. are hardly less affected
through the cutting off of their foreign
trade. Press comment from South
America has indicated that part OF the
public opinion there favors identical
action with that of the United States.
Spain Seeks Information
The Spanish Ambassador, Mr.. Riano
called at the State Department TO-DAY
largely for information, and also, II IS
understood, with the thought that SPAN
might be asked to take over the ahalrs
of the United States and Of the coun-
tries which the United States. repre-
sents in case Of an actual break. lie Is
known, however, not TO have been APP
preached on that subject as yet.
Just what would happen to American
interests in the belligerent countries IN
event of n break is not known, as none
Of the countries still neutral and likely
TO remain neutral is well equipped
automatically to take over large inter
ests.
All Administration officials are graft
fed and surprised at what they inter
pref as q practically unanimous opin-
ion Of the country on the situation so
Unexpectedly precipitated by Germany'e
submarine warfare declaration.
Not only nearly all of the large met
ropolitan newspapers reaching the state
Department, but also the small country
papers are declared to accept as basic
principle the belief that American In
forests and honor have been attacked.
One official said to-day that this
viewpoint, which had been awaited be-
fore any definite announcement, has
had q great effect on the formation OF
a decision. The Administration Is
known TO feel that while the German
announcement justifes any action that
may be deemed best, the Admlnistra-
ton could not Guido public opinion.
In Touch with Gerard
Germany is understood by officials
here to be in the dark as TO America
probable position. Not till the Ameri-
can course has been formally an
nounced at home, it is understood, Will
Germany receive her answer.
No hints. intimations or indirect
messages will be conveyed Many
cablegrams have bean exchanged oe-
tween the State Department and Am
bassador Gerard since the German pro-
nouncement, il is stated, but none oil
the information has gone further
Especially is the Ambassador beng
fully informed as 10 the state OF pub
lie opinion in this country.
American diplomats abroad are under
standing instructions, IL developed to-
day, to warn Americans at any time
that it may be necessary for them to
leave belligerent country. On that
ground IL is understood the State De-
partment will not issue formal notice
through Ambassador Gerard for Amer
leans to leave Germany before the sit
uation has become utterly hopeless.
Until then, the Ambassador IS eX-
pected to keep them fully enough in
formed of Developments, and perhaps
to add his personal opinion, to guide
them TO a wise decision. There are
estimated now TO be about 5000 Amer
lean citizens in Germany, OF whom
about three-quarters are former Ger
mans.