New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 5, August, 1915 | Page 8

says, "is the
hint on the fact that the United States and Germany, so far as the
freedom of the seas is concerned, have the same object in view."
"Sharp and clear is it also explained" that after the end of the war the
United States is "ready to play the rôle of an intermediary, in order to
find a practicable way out." In fact, the note handed to the Government
in Berlin "is at the same time meant for London," since it expresses
itself as determined to protect neutrals "against every one of the
warring nations." The New Yorker Herold is "certain that the
complications will be settled amicably," while the Illinois
Staats-Zeitung feels that "apparently our Government has a secret
agreement with England intentionally to provoke Germany."
In praise of this note American press opinion is again nearly unanimous.
The New York World says that "what the President exacts of Germany
is the minimum that a self-respecting nation can demand." The New
York Tribune calls the note an admirable American document. The
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle says it is strongly put, but not too
strongly, and the Boston Herald thinks there is no escape from its logic.
The Philadelphia Public Ledger says "the final word of diplomacy has
obviously been said," and the Administration cannot "engage in further
debate or yield on any point." The Chicago Herald believes the note is
couched in terms that "no intelligent man would resent from a neighbor
whose friendship he values." The St. Louis Republic says: "One
hundred and twenty-eight years of American history and tradition speak
in President Wilson's vindication." The St. Paul Pioneer Press calls the
note "a great American charter of rights," and the Charleston News and
Courier declares that "we have drawn a line across which Germany
must not step." The Portland Oregonian says: "If there was any
expectation that the President's note to Germany would yield any
measure of American rights or descend from the noble and impressive
determination of the original warning to and demand upon Germany, it

has not been fulfilled."

Austria-Hungary's Protest
An Associated Press dispatch dated London, July 16, says:
According to an Amsterdam dispatch to Reuter's Telegram Company it
is stated from Vienna that the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign
Affairs sent a note to the American Ambassador at Vienna on June 29,
drawing attention to the fact that commercial business in war material
on a great scale is proceeding between the United States and Great
Britain and her Allies, while Austria-Hungary and Germany are
completely cut off from the American market.
It is set forth in the note that this subject has occupied the Government
of the Dual Monarchy from the very beginning, and, although the
Government is convinced that the American attitude arises from no
other intention than to observe the strictest neutrality and international
agreements, yet "the question arises whether conditions as they have
developed during the course of the war, certainly independently of the
wish of the American Government, are not of such a kind as in their
effect to turn the intentions of the Washington Cabinet in a contrary
direction.
"If this question is answered in the affirmative, and its affirmation
cannot be doubted," according to the opinion of the Austro-Hungarian
Government, "then the question follows whether it does not seem
possible, or even necessary, that appropriate measures should be taken
to make fully respected the wish of the American Government to
remain a strictly impartial vis-à-vis of both belligerent parties."
The note continues:
"A neutral government cannot be allowed to trade in contraband
unhindered, if the trade take the form and dimensions whereby the
neutrality of the country will be endangered. The export of war material
from the United States as a proceeding of the present war is not in

consonance with the definition of neutrality. The American
Government, therefore, is undoubtedly entitled to prohibit the export of
war material.
"Regarding the possible objections that American industry is willing to
supply Austria-Hungary and Germany, which, however, is impossible
owing to the war situation, it may be pointed out that the American
Government is in a position to redress this state of things. It would be
quite sufficient to advise the enemies of Austria-Hungary and Germany
that the supply of foodstuffs and war material would be suspended if
legitimate trade in these articles between Americans and neutral
countries was not permitted."
In conclusion, the Austro-Hungarian Government appeals to the United
States, calling attention to the uninterrupted good relations and
friendship between that country and the dual monarchy, to take the
present note under careful consideration.
WHY AUSTRIA ACTED
A dispatch from Vienna, via London, dated July 16, gives the following
information from The Associated Press:
From a highly authoritative source at the Foreign Office a
representative of The Associated