The Sentinel=record., 1917-02-14

Washington, Feb l3.-In a farewell before leaving tonight for New York to sail for home, Count von Bernstorff expressed the hope that war between the United States and Germany might be ayerted and that friendly relations soon be re-establish- ed. The former ambassador said to a goup of newspaper correspondents at his house:
 'ln leaving the United States after stay of eight years wish 10 extend to my many personal friends my heart felt thanks for the great kindness and cordial hospitality they have shown me.
 "Hy hart is full or gratitude to those whose personal feelings never Mavered daring tlse trying years of the war. In the last day l have re- ceiyed so many cordial farewell mes sages that it was impossible to send thanks for them individually.
 Countess von Bernstorff joins me in this expression Of our deepest per sonal gratitude.
 "I hope that war may be ayerted and that old friendly relations between the United States and Germany may be restored
 The former ambassador, together with wife and his suite, left Washing ton tonight in a special train placed at their disposal by the state depart meut and guarded by United States secret service men. The train will carry the party to within a short dis tancc of the Danish steamship Freder ick VIII, which is due to sail for Coponhggen by way of Halifax al o'clock tomorrow afternoon
 The entire party expects to go di- rectly aboard the ship.
 All of today-his last day in Wash. iueton n-the former ambassador re saying boodbye to many personal friends and reading letters of farewell from friends and officials and diplo- mats in Washington who felt that in view of the situation they could not properly call in person In the after noon the Swiss minister Dr. Ritter formally took over the charge of the embassy and its archives. Two Ger man clerks were left behind to assist Minister Ritter. Eventually their re- turn to Germany will be arranged by the state department.
 As in former days the count sat in As in former days the count sat in front of the fireplace in a big red leather bench and the corresp pondents scattered around the room, occupying every available seat He dictated the statement quoted above and then some questions were asked
 Among other things, he denied em reports that he had talked to yaricHs persons on the subject of peace since the break between the United States and Germany.
 "I have not talked politics wi.h any one since the break came,' he said. Any statement to the contrary is pure fiction You can believe me when I say lHi0, | nave tcNNi lltu tp q utNS- paper correspondent since have been in Washington Some times I have not told you all knew because in the position l occupied that was iuapoesi- lie. but whatever | have told you has been the gospel truth
 will l ever come back to Washing ton?' he continued in response to an other query Well, am not thinking about that now | am thinking about going back to Germany
 Where am | going when l get to Germany" That all depends | am going first to Berlin Then maybe will go to my place near Munich. don't know just what [ shall do. It is all so uncertain If 1 know, 1 would tell you Things l do not know now cannot talk about. have turned
 CoNTTNTfFp CN PAGT THREE