America.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 313, 12 June 1915, Page 5

America.

THE AMERICAN NOTE. SINKING OF AMERICAN SHIPS. THE LUSITANIA DISASTER. VESSEL ONLY HAD PASSENGERS. THE RIGHTS OP AMERICANS. Received June 12, 12.25 a.m. Washington, June 11. Ihe American Note to Germany, referring to the Cushing and Gulf Light cases, note? that Germany will acknowledge to meet its liability where them was an attack on neutral ships not guilty of a hostile act, and promises full information relating to the Cushing Regarding the sinking of the ftilaba, where an American lost his life, the United States is surprised to find Germany contending that an effort on the part of merchantmen to escape capture and secure assistance alters the obligation of an officer seeking to make a capture in respect to the safety of the lives of those on board merchantmen, although the vessel ceased to attempt escape when torpedoed. After quoting the international law, the Note states the United States understand Germany is seeking in this case to relievo itself of liability, but intends to jfet forth the circumstances which led the commander of the submarine to allow himself to be hurried in the course taken. Regarding the Lusitania, the contention of Germany that the liner was equipped with masked guns supplied with trained gunners and special ammunition, , was transporting Canadian troops, was carrying cargo not permitted by the laws of the United States to a vessel carrying passengers, was serving in virtual effect in the auxiliary naval forces of Britain, is refuted. The Imperial Government is informed that special attention was paid to these matters by proper officials of the American Government, and if the Imperial Government may deem itself possessed of convincing evidence that the officials of the United States did not perform their duties thoroughly it hopes it will submit that evidence for consideration. Th<> contentions of the Imperial Government regarding the carrying of contraband on the Lusitania was declared to be irrelevant to the question of the legality of the methods used by tlie German naval authorities. Whatever may be the facts regarding the sinking of the Lusitania, the principal fact remains that the great steamer was primarily and chiefly a conveyance of passengers, and was carrying more than a thousand souls who had no part or lot in the conduct of the war. She was torpedoed and sunk without warning, and men, women, and children were sent to their death under circumstances unparalleled in modern warfare. It is upon the principle of humanity as well as the law founded on this principle that the United States must stand. The Government of the United States confidently looks to see justice and humanity considered. The Government of Germany would be vindicated in all cases where Americans had wronged their rights as neutrals and invaded the proclamation war zone, which was not admitted by the United States to affect the right of American shipmasters and citizens as passengers bound on lawful errands. The Government of the United States deems it reasonable to expect the Imperial Government to adopt measures necessary, put the principles into practice in respect to safeguarding American lives on American ships, and asks for ' assurances that this will be .done. SUPPLIES TO EUROPE. AN ENORMOUS INCREASE. PRESS ON THE BRYAN INCIDENT. Received June 11, 11.5 p.m. New York, Juno 11. The official reports on explosives, automobiles, and leather manufactures as a result of the European demand, showed record increases for April. Explosives valued at £1,220,000 were exported, while the exports of automobiles increased £1,280,000, and leather manufactures £1,440,000, ready for placing on behalf of Britain. The, leading newspapers throughout the United States declare that Mr. Bryan's desertion of the Cabinet is unfortunate. The Times says it is the least becoming act of an unprofitable diplomatic career, coming as it does at a time when a Note is about to be despatched to Germany, and when a stiffening attitude of the United States is looked for abroad. The papers view the incident as one which cannot but he agreeable to Germany, where it must necessarily erroneously appear that it will divide sentiment in America as to the propriety of his act. MR. BRYAN AND PEACE. AMERICA SHOULD SHOW THE WAY Received June 12, 1 a.m. Washington, June 11. Mr. Bryan has issued an appeal to the American people, saying the real issue was not between President Wilson and himself but between the systems of government. He adds that force represents the old system, and that passing persuasion represents the new as a humble follower of the Prince of Peace. He •urges the United States to lead the world out of the black night of war into the light of that day when swords would be beaten into ploughshares. MR. BRYAN'S RESIGNATION. DOTS NOT AFFECT SITUATION. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) Received June 11, (i.lO p.m. London, June 10. The Times, in a leader, says the resignation of Mr. Bryan is much more a personal than a political event in its result. His views are peculiarly his own, and ho is not out us a pacificist with a deep conviction of the righteousness and feasibility of substituting conciliation for force in international affairs, ile sees the country taking up the attitude which Germany insisted involved a risk of war, and he feels he cannot conscientiously be a party to incurring such liability. His cause nearest at heart is not the maintenance of American interests and honor, but the prevention of war. The resignation may affect the fortunes of the Democratics, but assuredly it will not affect the situation which has arisen between the United States and Germany. It may be inferred that the Note involving the crisis does not abandon (he recent specific demands which were contemptuously ignored and evaded.

RIGHT TO STOP VESSELS. GERMANY SAYS SINKING IS PERMISSIBLE. Received Juno 11, 10.30 p.m. Washington, June 11. Germany's reply to the American Note regarding the sinking of the William P. Frye declares the Prussian- ' American treaty of 1799 expressly reserves the right to stop vessels carrying contraband, and it follows that if this cannot be effected in any other way it must be effected by the destruction of the ship. The Prize Court is only necessary to fix compensation, and the owners J of the William P. Frye should enter a claim. RIGHT TO DESTROY SHIPS. GERMANY'S REPLY TO NOTE. MUNITIONS AND A SCHEME. Washington', June 10. Germany's reply to the American Note relative to the sinking of the William P. Frye claims the right to destroy, any American vessel carrying contraband, while agreeing to pay damages for such acts. London, June 10. The Chicago Herald says that bankers have assisted Count Bernstorff, who is scheming to purchase the chief American munition plants, thus preventing the export of contraband to the Allies. Amsterdam, June 10. The Cologne Gazette regards Mr. Bryan's resignation as a triumph for Ger-man-Americans. It states that Mr. Bryan had always expounded neutrality in favor of Germany's enemies. Other TBerlin newspapers declare that the resignation can hardly be regarded as favorable to Germany.