The Carlisle independent., 1917-09-27

conclusion that the organization ~e ferred to by Ambassador von Bern storff was an Irish institution, and from the remarks of officials it was gathered that the instrument used by the German government was one of several peace societies which. masking under the name of peace" have ac- tually served the interests of the cen tral empires, and are still motivated ny consideration of hostility to the policies of the United States.
 X sensational feature of the Bern storff note was that it was dated Jan uary %, the date of President Wilson's peace without victory" address to con gress.
 Prior to that time, however, in the latter part of December, Secretary Lansing, in interpreting President Will sons peace note, made it clear that the United States might be drawn into the war, and indicated that one of the reasons impelling President Wilson to address the powers at war was to ascertain the objects for which they were fighting, so that this country, ii it should be compelled to make de eisiOn might better be prepared to align itself with one of the two groups
 It is accepted that neither in De eember nor in January was the state 1 department aware of the full connec- i ton of Ambassador von Bernstorft with the works of Captain Boy-Ed and i Captain ven Papen, the naval and mill tary attaches. respectively, of the Ger man embassy, but it is believed now i that the government has complete 1 proof of the direction by Count von l Bernstorff himself of all the activities of German agents. official and unoffi- cial, of German nationality and of American nationality.
 Whether the state department is in i possession of other evidence indicating the ambassadors activities has not l been revealed, but the extraordinary disclosures already made have fixed the belief that agents of the United ] States government have collected and compiled the entire story of German ] uuIllEllA tional chapters will be added.
 Knew Plan of "Ruthlessness.'
 The reference to averting war is talk en as an indication that Ambassador Berustorff had prior knowledge of his governments intention to proclaim merciless widespread submarine war fare and that he was equally confident that the United States government could not he easily placated by mere promises. The German announcement of it's intention to expand it's subma- rine activities was not made public un- til January 31. when the world was startled not only by the determination to remove all restrictions. but by the statement that it would become effec- tive on the following day. Three days later the United States government had expressed it's diSapproval by sever ing relations with Germany.
 That the German ambassador knew of his governments intention was as sumed by some officials. although at the same time he denied prior knowi- edge and those in close touch with the embassy were given to understand that he did not approve the course and worked to obtain modification.
 Small Amount for Bribe.
 It has not been assumed that the ann bassador actually attempted to bribe OF personally influence any member of congress. and doubt that such was his purpose is supported to some extent by the comparatively small amount of money he asked. Fifty thousand dol lars, 1t was pointed out, would go but a ahn.f u-ar tnNard huXing the influence