only remedy. |
| |
|Secretary Bryan is understood to have urged that the|
|United States could stand firmly for its rights and |
|not close the doors to any explanation that |
|Germany--or any other belligerent--might make. It is|
|understood that Bryan pointed out that Germany had |
|accepted the principles of the arbitration treaties |
|as a general proposition, but failed to execute the |
|treaty because of the European War breaking out. Her|
|opponents enjoy the advantages under such a treaty, |
|and Secretary Bryan insisted that Germany should not|
|be denied the same rights.... |
| |
|Although Secretary Bryan will continue his efforts |
|to modify the note, persons close to the President |
|insist that he will fail. The President is said to |
|have decided, after hearing all arguments, that the |
|safest course is to remain firm in the demand that |
|American rights under international law be |
|preserved. And it is expected that when the note is |
|finally O. K.'d by Counselor Lansing, it will be |
|sent to Germany. |
| |
|There is speculation as to whether Secretary Bryan |
|will sign the note as Secretary of State. He has |
|angrily refused to take any positive position on the|
|subject. If he should refuse, his retirement from |
|the cabinet would be certain. Bryan's friends insist|
|that he has been loyal to the President and has made|
|many concessions to meet the latter's wishes. They |
|believe that he will content himself with a protest |
|and again bow to the will of his chief. But there |
|was no way of getting any confirmation of this |
|opinion from Bryan. |
| |
|This is the first serious friction that has |
|developed in President Wilson's cabinet. Politicians|
|declare it will have far-reaching effect. Bryan has |
|fought consistently for arbitration principles. And |
|he now considers, some of his friends think, that |
|they have been ridden over rough-shod.[19]... |

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