Mr.Straus had been in Europe at the outbreak of the war; he had come into contact with the British statesmen in those exciting early August days; in particular he had discussed all phases of the conflict with Sir Edward Grey, and before leaving England, he had given certain interviews which the British statesmen declared had greatly helped their cause in the United States.

Of course, the German Government knew all about these activities.
On September 4th, Mr.Straus arrived at New York on the _Mauretania_.

He had hardly reached this country when he was called upon the telephone by Mr.Speyer, a friend of many years' standing.

Count Bernstorff, the German Ambassador, Mr.Speyer said, was a guest at his country home, Waldheim, at Scarboro, on the Hudson; Mr.Speyer was giving a small, informal dinner the next evening, Saturday, September 5th, and he asked Mr.and Mrs.Straus to come.

The other important guests were Mr.Frank A.Vanderlip, president of the National City Bank, and Mrs.Vanderlip.
Mr.Straus accepted the invitation, mentally resolving that he would not discuss the war himself, but merely listen.