THE CRISIS WITH AMERICA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2689, 8 February 1916, Page 5

THE CRISIS WITH AMERICA

HUNS AND LUSITANIA CRIME REGRETS AND INDEMNITY OFFERED GERMAN PRESS EXCITED By Taloeraph—Prcs6 Association—OopjTlfflit Nev/ York, February 6. Germany's formula states that the killing of Americans on the Lusitania was without intent on Germany's part. The destruction of the liner was an act of reprisal, and Germany agreeß that reprisals ought not to be applied to neutrals; she therefore regrets that Americans were killed, and offers reparation in the form of an indemnity, "EXTREME LIMIT OF HUNS' CONCESSION" Naw York, February 6. Herr Zimmerman (Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs at Berlin), in an interview given to a correspondent of the Associated Press, said that, while hoping that the new formula just submitted would afford a solution, ho admitted the gravity of the situation between Germany and America. He contended that Germany had reached the extreme limit of her concessions. She would never concede the illegality of her submarine canipaign. "We had thought that tlie issue had been settled, and .that the Lusitania. question was being arranged. We had agreed to pay an indemnity, when America advanced new and unacceptable demands. You must not push those demands too far; you must not attempt to humiliate Germany. It is impossible to admit that the sinking of the Lusitania was illegal, or to foj-ego our submarine weapon." He emphasised the point that if the United States desired to drive matters to a breach, Germany would bo unable to go further, and the breach, with all its lamentable consequences, must come. GERMAN PRESS COMMENT Amsterdam, February 6. The German Press is excited over the situation. The papers mostly demand nil unyielding attitude, declaring that Germany will cling to the submarine weapon, come what may. 'jjie "Lokal Anzeiger" says: "It seems to bo a question of bend or break. If a break comes, the onus will bo oil America." ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, February 6. Tlie German Press prophesies bettet German-American relations after Colonel House's return. The "Cologne Gazette" theorises on the subject of war lawyers versus Kings. _It says: "The beloved European Kings are defending the freedomof Europe against .tho. British and French lawyer class, winch is tho curso of civilisation." T|ie "Hamburger Nachrichten" says that Mr. Lansing's (United States Secretary of State} code of rules for submarines considers only merchant ships and non-combatants, carefully protecting old men tottering to their graves' and gouty women, hut not considering tho brave men on the submarines, the most valuable part of the human race. A GENTLE HINT FROM PARIS (Hec. February 7, 11.35 p.m.) Paris, February 7. Tho newspapers insist that, if President Wilson abandons his basic principle in tlie negotiations with Germany all claim to preside at tlio Mediation Congress will have gone. "All the neutrals," they say, "have shown themselves too feeble and too egotistical. They would liko to pofit without suffering pain, and when the time for negotiations comes the belligerents won't trouble about neutrals who have not troubled about th'em." INCIDENT IN DANISH WATERS ATTEMPT TO SEARCH AMERICAN VESSEL. Copenhagen, February 6. The newspaper "Kjobenhavn" states that a torpedo-boat attempted to search the American steamer Morene in Daiiish territorial waters. Tho captain answered that tho ship's papers were in tho hands of the Customs officers. The latter-were on board, but declined to give up delivery of them ; Tlie story has caused a great sensation in Denmark. THE MYSTERIOUS RAIDER WHERE DID THE MOEWE COME FROM? New York, February 6. The British on board the Appam heard that their captarer was ono of several vessels built at Kiel, two of which slipped from the North Soa. This raider was heavily disguised. She was painted as a Swedish trader. What becamo of the second raider is not known. THE INTERNED LINER'S MAILS. Washington, February 6. Tlie Appam's British mails will be handed to tho British Consul unopened. Lieut. Berg, commander of tho German prize crew on hoard the British steamer Appam, at Newport News,: has asked permission to take on board two thousand tons of coal. He is apparently preparing to dash out. OUTRAGES ON DUTCH SHIPPING HIGH-HANDED FRIGHTFULNESS. Amsterdam, February 6. The Dutch newspapers are angry at German torpedo-boats torpedoing the Dutch motor vessel Artemis, and refusing to allow her to proceed to Zeebru'gge, after she had been vainly searched for contraband.. Several Dutch vessels have lately disappeared. They are supposed to have been mined, or possibly destroyed by Zepeplins, as tlie_ latter are unable to ascertain the nationality of ships. [Tho Dutch oil steamer Artemis (2312 tons), from Rotterdam to London, in ballast, was torpedoed on Wednesday in exceptional circumstances. Four tor-pedo-boat destroyers stopped the vessel at- midnight near Noord Hinder, and the Germans boarded her. • They found she carried no cargo, and, satisfied by the search, made an entry in the log to that effect. They ordered the vessel to an anchorage, 'where two of the tor-pedo-boats ordered her to Zeebnigge, Tho captain protested that ho did not know the locality, and .asked for a pilot. Tho Germans, in bullying tones, ordered him to quit the vessel within five minutes, alleging that if he disobeyed orders they would torpedo the vessel. A torpedo was fired before the boats could be lowered, and the Artemis»received a gaping hole, but floated on her empty oil tanks. The crew reboarded her four hours later, and took the to Rotterd**"-!