Other influences than those of the submarine campaign are working
in favour of the breaking off of diplomatic relations. The Grand Jury in New York have ordered the inclusion of Captain von Papen, the late German Military Attaché, among the persons against whom a true bill has been presented in connexion with the charge of conspiracy to blow up the Welland Canal. Apparently "John Doe," that wondrous legal fiction of the common law, who still lives on in America though defunct here, is also included in the presentment, and, according to the Daily Chronicle, there are rumours that this alias conceals the identity of Herr Albert, the Kaiser's chief financial agent in America. The evidence, however, is at present deemed insufficient to justify his direct indictment. As Captain von Papen is out of the country, no direct punishment can reach him ; but the Federal authorities would be fully justified in obtaining a conviction against him in his absence, should the evidence warrant such a result.
