America

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 73, 26 July 1915, Page 5

America

WORLD'S PRESS COMMENT. AVENUE OF ESCAPE YET OPEN. United Press Association. (Received 935 a.m.) ; Amsterdam, July 25. The majority of the German newspapers abstain from comment on the American Note. The Deutchs Zeitung states that it is neither friendly or necessary in American interests, nor is it conceived in a neutral spirit. Germany's practical and conciliatory proposals are rejected in order to liberate Germany's enemies from .the sub-: murine war which is continually proving more damaging. • Paris, July 25. . The newspapers here are of opinion that the Note is clearer and firmer than any of its predecessors), arid de T finitely states the rights of neutrals, hut at the same time leaves an avenue for escape open, which Germany will endeavour to widen.

Le Gaulois states; it was essential that America-should abandon her passivity, and all illusions of that abhorred people who had assumed they would be allowed to do everything. The Petit Parisein says the .Vote is equivalent to a legal summons, in due and proper form. PRESS COMMENT. (Received 8.20 a.m.) London. July 25. London newspapers comment on the sternness of President Wilson's language. The Westminster Gazette say s they are the strongest words diplomacy could employ short of severing relations. '^ TERMS OF PRESIDENT'S' REPLY. London, July 24. President Wilson's despatch considers Germany's Note of July 8 most unsatisfactory, as it fails to meet the real differences. The President indi-

cates that it in no way applies the accepted principles of law and humanj ity to tlie grave matter in controversy, hut proposes, on the contrary, arrangements for the partial suspension Of those principles which virtually set them aside. The United States Government notes with satisfaction that Germany recognises, without reservation, the validity of the principles insisted upon in previous American communications, the principles being that the high seas are free, that the cargo and character of merchantmen must

be ascertained before destruction, and that tlie lives of non-combatants must in no ease he jeopardised unless a vessel resists, or attempts to escape, after being asked to submit to examination, but President Wilson is keenly disappointed that Germany regards itself as exempt from these principles, even where neutral vessels are con cerned, by what Berlin believes to be the policy of Britain regarding neutral commerce. America cannot discuss the British Government's policy, except with Britain ; the conduct of other belligerents being irrelevant to the discussion of the grave and unjustifiable violations of the rights ol American citizens. Illegal and inhuman acts against the enemy, bowever ihey may be deemed justifiable, are indefensible when they deprive neutrals of their rights, and particularly when they violate the fight of life itself. If a belligerent cannot retaliate without injury to the lives am! property of neutrals, humanity and justice should dictate a discontimi- * • i auce ol the practice. | recognises the changed

conditions of warfare, hut cannot con- ' sent to" the abatement of the funda- ! mental riglits of the people. The rights of neutrals, are based on principle, not expediency, and it is a belligerent's duty to find a way to adapt the new thereto. The past two months had shown that it is practicable to conduct submarine operations in the war zone in accord with the accepted practices of warfare, night. Early in the morning a score of strikers tried to rea-1: the wall or and the whole world looked on with satisfaction that there was demonstration of the possibility of lifting suhmarine attacks above criticism. Washington cannot helieve that Berlin will longer refrain from disavowing .the wanton sinking of the Lusitania, and offering reparation for American lives lost by that illegal' act. Washington cannot accept the suggestion that certain vessels will he allowed to sail free on the seas, and now illegally prescribed and that other vessels would be subjected to illegal attack. Both Governments are contending for the same object, and had long stood toegther urging the very principles the United States now solemnly insists- upon. Both are contending for the freedom of the soas. and the United States will continue to contend for that freedom, from whatever quarter it is violated, without compromise and at any cost, ft invites the practical co-operation of the German Government at a time .when co-operation will accomplish most, anj this' great common object be ost strikingly and effectively achieved. The German Government expresses the hope that this object may in some measure be accomplished, even before the war ends, and it can be. The Governmeent of the United States not only feels obliged but will insist upon it. by whomsoever violated or ignored, : its own citizens, but is also deeply interested in seeing that it is practicable between the belligerents themselves, and holds itself ready at any time to act as a common friend who may be privileged to suggest a way. Meantime, the very value which the American Government sets upon a long unbroken friendship impels it to impress. most solemnly upon the German Government the necessity for the scrupulous observance of neutrals' 1 rights in this critical matter. This [friendship itself prompts the GovernImeiit to say to the Imperial Government that a repetition by commanders of German naval vessels of acts in contravention of those rights mu.y't be regarded by the United States, when I they affect American citizens, as deliberately unfriendly. Washington, July 24.

President Wilson is calling a conference of the Secretaries for War ami for the Navy, regarding the Pnited States' preparedness lor all eventualities. Advice is being sought from every professional source. President Wilson desires the navy op rsqual in efficiency that of any Power.

The High Commissioner reports: — London. July 2o (0.5/5 a.m.) New York messages are of a firm character. The I'nited States' Note si described by the New York Herald as a solemn warning, which is strongly endorsed by the American people. SERIOUS STRIKE RIOTS. New York, July 2i. There was serious rioting in connection with the strike at the Standard Oil Works. Four strike-., were killed and numbers wounded m skirmishing between the guards and the crowds, the strikers reply'ng with ierolver volleys. Powerful searchlights helped to keep the rioters in check, bul sniping continued I hroughout the the work-, with oilsoakcu waste, m-

lending to burn thcni down. Tin 1 : .larrjs tired, a.id I \vi ision le'l. A hundred or more -hots were exchanged. Later, another batch tried t<> approach with lit'tv pounds of dynamito. Tlio guard.-, opened lire and drove them luck. The sheriff has asked the (inventor to call out the troops. The strikers demand lo per ceijjt, incense in wages, hut the manager announced that they mu,t return to their places and work for four days before he would grain a conference. There i s ;l serious spread ol strikes in the eastern States. The gravest factor is the suspicion tha-1 German propagandists are planning an industrial upheaval which will stop war supplies to the Allies. The strikes are conlieiid to war industries—munitions. oil. and shipping. The Government is awakening to the magnitude of the conspiracy. Federal agents have warned the Cleveland munition manufacturers that plots are afoot to blow up the plant.

REPORT ON THE ORDUNA'S CASE

New York. July 2-1

The OrdiuM, report has been drawn up. It (R stated unofficially that it supports the allegation of a submarine attack. It is considered certain that America will demand an explanation from Germany.

IN THE KAISER'S HANDS.

(Received 8.20 a.m.) New York, July 25. The Sun states that the future rests with the Kaiser. The X'nited States does not stand suppliant. They do not ask for privileges. The Times says that the nation has now spoken in a tone leaving no room for further declarations. Our part in the maintenance of relations is now committed to Germany's hands. MORE GERMAN SHUFFLING. (Received 8.20 a.m.) Amsterdam. July 25. The Deutsehe-Tages Zeitoung state* that the American Note i s a pure rejection of Germany's viewpoint and proves that British influence in America is overwhelming. The Lokal Anzeiger thinks the Note affords a basis for negotiations.