AMERICA IS AROUSED.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 12 April 1917, Page 2

AMERICA IS AROUSED.

CITIZENS’ OPINION REFLECTED

A LETTER FROM BOSTON

By the Vancouver mail, Mr Harold Beauchamp has received a letter from a lady friend in Boston—a retired medical practitioner —which reflects the opinions of many Americans in respect to their country’s responsibility in connection with the present war. Writing in February last Mr Beauchamp’s correspondent says: —

"Wore you not surprised to read Saturday’s news: That President Wilson had severed diplomatic relations with Germany and Count von Bernstorff,

German ambassador to the United States, has been handed his passports and the United States Ambassador to Prussia recalflqd—of course bringing this country to the verge of war at last. I think the President made a fine address to Congress in announcing his decision. To be sure, if we were to maintain our honour and independence, and the respect of the world, there was no alternative after the ultimatum in the Note of Bth April 1916—“ that if Gcrmony renewed her relentless and indiscriminate warfare against vessels of commerce by the use of submarines, the United States had but one course to pursue, and that was to severe diplomatic relations with the German nation altogether. Germany would have sneerat us if we had done otherwise. Imagine the Kaiser telling free Americans what he would allow us to do: To let us send one ship per week to an inconvenient port if we followed the track prescribed by the Teutons. Painting our ships in stripes of their design, with a flag of her design also —no stars —and brilliantly Humiliated at night; also guaranteeing no contraband was carried by such ships. “Of course, the President could do nothing else than what he said he would do, and the country, regardless of party rose to support him. The objector were of his own Democratic Party, but could cany no weight. The President was much affected, it was said, and I was told by one who knows that the night before he met Cong"ns ho went to his room had the telephone do.ached with odors not to be disturbed- and that he ipent the whole night on h'.s kne«s in prayer—he so felt the responsibility he was taking. It moans his giving up hi j ideas of picacc, and of being the lor der in the world to do an important n.irt in the settlement when thr war codand that has berm his dream In addition many of his party are against him, and he will not have a

serene time. But- he cannot now take back what h e has done (with a full concurrence of congress) . . . “On what Germany does now will determine the question of actual war. We believe it will come. And at any rate the Kaiser has found out that Wilson, whom he thought he could browbeat, has asserted himself and spoken for the nation. We will now hope we will have a true preparedness. Congress is aroused, and so is America, even is the President should weaken (which might be with all the pro-Ger-mans working against his decision, as they arc sure to do). Some think there might be danger of a civil war with their huge pro-German citizenship, but I do not believe it. Every public building, navy yards, wharves, etc., are already heavily guanded, and no passare united all over the country to help ports will be obtainable. The women in any and every way, and the recruiting offices are crowded. At least we Americans can help financially, and in protecting shipping and the American sea coast. Was it not fine that South America joined in with North America? We can understand, however, how the neutral nations of Europe may not dare to join us yet."