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Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1916, Page 4

AMERICA AND HUN PIRACY, rim action of President Wilson relative to the sinking of vessels carrying American citizens was aptly summed up by Mr. Roosevelt as a policy "of milk and water versus blood and iron." As long back as February, 1915, the United States Government sent a protest to Germany to the effect that the destruction on the high seas of American vessels or the lives of American citizens would be viewed as an indefensible violation of neutral rights. To send such a message to Germany was the height of absurdity, for a moment's reflection should have caused President Wilson to remember that Britain was forced to enter inco the war because of Germany's violation of neutral rights in the case of Belgium. Germany's reply naturally ignored the question of the rights of neutrals, and suggested that America should stop exporting contraband (munitions) to Britain, and should convoy its merchant vessels with warships. After the sinking of the Falaba and Lusitania, another American Note was sent to Germany, in which the practice of torpedoing merchantmen was described as a violation of many sacred principles of justice and humanity, and calling on Germany to disavow such acts, make reparation, and prevent their recurrence. This communication was practically treated with contempt. Germany was at war, and had banished all her "principles of justice and humanity" —if she ever possessed any —and if America were, aggrieved the blame rested on Britain, who must be told to mend her ways. Then a Note was despatched that led to Mr. Bryan's resignation, because He deemed it too warlike, though it was even < milder than the previous Note, merely containing a "very earnest, very solemn warning." With studied insolence Germany ignored the Note for a month and sent a ni >ei evasive ai.d unsatisfactory reply. Tins was on July 3, and on July 23 America ■e v t a t'nrther Note declaring that the infraction of neutral rights would he regsided as "deliberately unfriendly." In the following month the Arabic was sunk without warning, and several Americans drowned. This produced such an outburst of indignation that Germany, for the moment, became conciliatory, and Count Bernstorff promised that liners should not be sunk by German submarines without warning and without provision for the safety of the lives of non-combatants President Wilson was weak enough to treat this promise seriously, only to be disillusioned in less than a month when the Hesperian was sunk off the Irish coast by a submarine. This time Germany denied that a submarine was in the neighborhood, but the evidence to the contrary was overwhelming. Another assurance of not attacking passenger steamers was given by Germany, also a promise of an indemnity for the Arabic victims. Mere scraps of paper! Eventually President Wilson awoke from his lethargy and got Congress to endorse, by an overwhelming majority, the right of American citizens to travel in any ships they please. Now there is the latest example of Hun piracy and murder, the torpedoing of the Sussex, which has produced an acuto situation at Washington. It will he seen by this morning's cable news that it is practically certain relations will be broken off between America and Germany if it be proved that the Sussex was torpedoed. The proof is most conclusive, so that we shall soon see whether America really means to assert herself and no longer consent to be flaunted ty Germany. Devolpments will be awaited with curiosity. Will there be a comedy or drama? Time will show.