Publication of the American note in Berlin was delayed until July 25,
owing to difficulty in translating its shades of meaning. While German
statesmen and editors expressed keen appreciation of its literary
style, the press was unanimous in considering the note disappointing,
expressing pained surprise at the American stand. Captain Perseus,
naval critic of the Berlin Tageblatt, said that the note "expresses a
determination to rob us of the weapon to which we pin the greatest
hopes in the war on England," and indicates that the "pro-British
troublemakers have finally won over the President." Count von
Reventlow in the Tageszeitung complains of the note's "far too
threatening and peremptory tone." The Kreuz-Zeitung says: "We are
trying hard to resist the thought that the United States with its
standpoint as expressed in the note, aims at supporting England," and
Georg Bernhard of the Vossische Zeitung believes that yielding to
President Wilson's argument means "the weakening of Germany to the
enemy's advantage," adding that any one who has this in mind "is not
neutral, but takes sides against Germany and for her enemies." The
Boersen Zeitung says it is compelled to say, with regret, that the
note is very unsatisfactory and "one cannot escape feeling that the
shadow of England stands behind it." The New Yorker Staats-Zeitung
says that the note is distinguished for its "clear language," and
quotes the phrase "deliberately unfriendly" while noting the demand
for disavowal and reparation. "Of quite unusual weight," the
Staats-Zeitung 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 role
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."