Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-12
RICHMOND TINES DISPATCH: MONDAY FEBRUARY r. 1917

~ DAoA ~ S4As AVA ~ ADxA .
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+ OF the probable date for tho departure
OF tho ambassudorial purity. now VEN
turcd on more and morE definite com
n.cnts regarding the Immediate pend.
ing completion OF arrangements.
Had they been in possession of di-
rect aud authoritative information OF
the true status Of affairs in America,
officials declared repeatedly to :he AS
ISOLATED Press correspondent, instead
of being forced to depend upon alarm
list press reports Of extreme measures
taken by tho Washington udministra-
ton. the German government would
have been in Il far different position
far less concerned about necessity OF
protecting its own interests in a situa
ton which. rs il turned out. had been
incorrectly reported. Much of the
telegraph reports received. thoy de-
clared. they had not permitted the
German press To r1publish. fearing the
effect upon public opinion, and the
first caoied adice received by an
American correspondent explaining and
clearing, up the situation, and shown
10y him TO the Foreign Office, was con-
veycd to the German newspaper offices
lance the officials attached to IT,
The Americans in Berlin. so far as
known. Throughout Germany have dur.
ing the days OF tension following the
rupture OF diplomatic relations been
treated without hostility, and even in
most cases with marked courtesy.
There have been no outbreaks OF anti
American feeling OF mob spirit. such
as occurred occasionally at the outset
Of the war, against the English and
nationals Of other hostile countries,
and except for uncertainty and alarm
regarding cventuaiities in connection
with their plans 10 depart from Ger
many. they have had, up to the present.
little cause for dissatisfaction as to
their treatment by the German people
As !, whole.
AMERICANS ARE WELL.
TREATED IN GERMANY
The geiteration OF this statement,
made repeatedly in dispatches from
Berlin before the correspondents de-
parture. may be advisable in this dis
patch. sent shortly after his reaching
territory outside of Germany. TO reas-
sure relatives and friends OF Ameri-
cans within the Teutouic empire and
10 correct amy alarming misconceptions
on the subject which may he circulat-
ias in america.
American residents Or Germany are.
as before, free TO move about the coun-
try and 10 follow their customary pur-
suits. subjected 10 no hostile sets or
causes Of concern beyond delay in
granting permission tn depart from
Germany The Issuance. III the ordi-
nary way OF passport viscs for de-
par,ure. through the local police. has
been suspended. however. and no Amer
lean passport is good for passing the
frontier unless specially stamped BIZ
the military authorities
Though the Official standpoint is that
permission I" leave will be granted
III due course. and that the govern
ment has no present intention OF de-
parting from the provisions of the
treaty of 1919. or OBTAINING or Intern
ing Americans III case OF war. The de-
LAYS III issuing these military authori-
cations have produced "a feeling Of up-
prehension among those Americans who
desire To leave Germany NOW or in case
81 an actual breaking out Of HOSTILE
ties The final attitude Of the Ger
man government, or the subject or de-
tention. undoubtedly vii, h. deter
mined by that Of the American GOV
ernment on the same subject. and pend
ing the receipt Of definite information
on that subject tho issuance Of per-
mission To Americans 10 leave t;cr.
many seems 10 he proceeding with
such deliberations
REGULAR POLICE ,ISI:s
ARE NOI HElUG SIZEI,
The FIRST act Of tho German authuri-
lies after receiving news Of the run
ture Of relations and ;h. reports Of
Inc con!iscation Of ships and intern
!hent Of civilians was Ia send orders Ia
TIC frontier not 10 recognize the reru
lar police vises upon American pass
P"rS' out I" require Il special military
WISE ana 10 instruct the police To turn
over all decision 10 the military au-
thUriticS \ few Ap,nr;...,,.