America

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 36, 12 June 1915, Page 5

America

THE HOTS TO GERMANY. | FOR HUMANITY'S SAKE. ! AtUMMUATIOR. Washington, .Tune 11. The American Note to Germany, referring to tlie Cushing and Gulf Light cases, notes that Germany . will acknowledge to meet its liability where there was an attack on neutral ships not guilty of a hostile act, and promises full information relating to the Cushing. Regarding the sinking of the Falaha, where an American lost his life, the United States is surprised to find Germany contending that an effort on the part of merchantmen to escape capture and secure assistance alters the obligation of an officer seeking to make a capture in respect to the safety of the lives of those on hoard merciiantment, although the vessel peased to attempt escape when torpedoed. After quoting the international law. the Note states the United States understand Germany is seeking in this case to relieve itself of liability, hut intends to set forth the circumstances which led the commander of the submarine to allow himselt to he hurried in the course taken. Regarding the Lusitania, the contention of Germany that the liner was equipped with masked guns supplied with trained gunners and special ammunition, was transporting Canadian troops, was carrying cargo not permitted by the laws of the United States to a vessel carrying passengers, was serving in virtual effect in tho auxiliary naval forces of Britain, is refuted. Tho Imperial Government is informed that special attention was paid to these matters By proper officials of the American Government, and if the Imperial Government may deem itself possessed of convincingevidence that the officials of the United States did not perform their duties thoroughly it hopes it will submit that evidence for consideration. The contentions of the Imperial Government regarding the carrying of contraband on the Lusitania was declared to he irrelevant to the question of the legality of the methods used by the German naval authorities. \ Whatever may he the facts regarding the sinking, of the Lusitania, the principal fact remains that the great steamer was primarily and chiefly a conveyance of passengers, and was carrying more than a thousand souls who had no part or lot in the'-conduct of the war. She was , torpedoed and sunk without warning, and men, women, and children were sent to their death under circumstances unparalleled in modern warfare. It is upon the principle of humanity as well as the law founded on this principle that the United States fnust stand. The Government of the United States confidently looks to see justice and humanity considered. The Government of Germany would he vindicated in all cases where Americans had wronged their rights as neutrals and invaded the proclamation war zone, which was not admitted by the United States to affect the right of American shipmasters and citizens as passengers bound on lawful errands. The Government of the United States deems it reasonable to expect the Imperial Government to adopt measures necessary, put the principles into practice in respect to safeguarding American lives on American ships, and'asks for assurances that this will be done. “VELVET CLOVE OF CONCILIATION. •‘THE IRON HAND OF PURPOSE!” (Received 8.15 a.m.) Washington, Juno 11. The Note, which is more friendly than was expected, reiterates the previous demands, and leaves room for a friendly reply. It has become known that President Wilson is not opposed to diplomatic discussion,, hut insists on a guarantee that American lives arc not jeopardised during the negotiations. The State Department officials take a sharp issue of Mr Bryan’s interpretation, .and declares there arc no grounds in the Note to lead to war. That contingency would only arise if attacks are repeated.

The consensus of newspaper opinions indicate that within the velvet glove of conciliation is the non hand of purpose.

MR BRYAN’S RESIGNATION more PERSONAL THAN POLIT!CAL. AN APOSTLE OF PEACE. Times and Sydney Sdn Service. London, June 10. The Times, in a leader, says the resignation of Mr Uryan is much more a personal than a political event in its result. His views are peculiarly his own, and he is not out as a pacificist with a deep conviction of the righteousness and feasibility of substituting conciliation for force in international affairs. He sees the country taking up the attitude which Germany insisted involved a risk of war, and he feels he icannot conscientiously he a party to incurring such liability. His cause nearest at heart is not the maintenance of American interests and honor, but the prevention of war. The resignation may affect the fortunes of the Hemorraties. hut assuredly if will not

affect the situation which has arisen between the United tSates and Germany. It may be inferred that the Note involving the crisis does not abandon the reoent specific demands which were contemptuously ignored and evaded.

New York, dune 11

I The official repoa-ts on explosives, automobiles, and leather manufactures as a result of the European demaml, showed record increases for April. Explosives valued at £1,220,000 were exported, while the exports of automobiles increased £1,280,000, and leather manufactures £1,440,000, ready for placing on behalf of Britain. The leading newspapers throughout the United States declare that Mr Bryan’s desertion of the Cabinet is unfortunate. The Times says it is the least becoming act of an unprofitable diplomatic career, coming as it does at time when a Note is about to he despatched to Germany, and when a s;iffening attitude of the United States is looked for abroad. The papers view the incident as one which cannot but be agreeable to Germany, where it mast necessarily erroneously appear that it will divide sentiment in America as to .the propriety of his act. Washington, June 11. I Mr Bryan has issued an appeal to the American people, saying the real issue was not between President Wilson and himself but .between the sysj terns of government. He adds that Force represents the old system, and I that passing persuasion represents the new as a humble follower of the Prince of ePace. He urges the United States to lead the world out of the black night of war into the light of that day j when swords would be beaten into [ploughshares.

TEUTONS’ WILY REASONING

MAKING THEIR CASE GOOD.

(Received 11.15 a.m.) Amsterdam, June 11

The Lokal Aiizieger states that Germany’s attempts to reach a peaceful solution with America should not be prematurely abandoned, nor should, they aggravate the political relations without purpose. The German newspapers regard Britain’s altered attitude toward German submarine prisoners as a commendable retreat, proving that tho German reprisals achieve their purpose.