ATTITUDE OF GERMAN-AMERICANS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 16892, 6 February 1917, Page 5

ATTITUDE OF GERMAN-AMERI-CANS.

PROFESS TO BE "AMERICANS

FIRST."

Received February 5, 8.10 p.m

NEW YORK, February 4

The outstanding feature on Sunday was the quietness of the New York crowds and the absence of demonstrations and flag waving. There was little to indicate the existence of such a serious crisis. The Sunday newspapers were largely read, but there was no excitement.and also no

disorder

The news from Washington has not changed the situation, which is cleared by the removal of the Hous-

atonic as an issue

The state Department is asking Britain for safe conduct for Bernstorff.

There is much interest in the attitude of leading German-Americans. The heads of German clubs and financiers, according to interviews, show their general wish and belief that war will be averted, and that they are even hoping that the diplomatic break will serve to induce Germany to modify her programme. The majority declare that they are Americans first, and will support President Wilson in whatever he decides.

The "Staats Zeitung" says: "The die is cast. The president has spoken for all the country and the people, while they may regret the trend of events, recognise that it is the duty of every American to stand squarely behind the President. There must not be any division of sentiment or opinion. There can be only one loyalty, namely, to America."

The United States Consuls abroad are engaged on informal conversations with neutral Governments with a view to co-operation in vindicating the rights of neutrals at sea.