The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-28
REAR ADMIRAL KAUTz's LETTER.

REAR ADMIRAL KAUTZ'S LETTER.
Rear Admiral Kautz is a splendid OFF,
Ger and, as far as the public knows, has
thus far acted courageously and wisely
in all matters pertaining to the Samoan
problem. but he could not forego giving
expression TO his feelings toward the Ger
mans when an opportunity to do so pre-
scented himself 1t is true he didn't expect
what he said or rather wrote. would
reach the public, as his letter was ad-
dressed to his cousin, in Cincinnati, a wo-
man, who was so tlckled at getting
letter froz the admiral that she straight
way sent it TO a newspaper for publica-
ton. In view of this letter from Admiral
Kautz, and the little speech and song by
Capt. Coghlan, of the Raleigh, at the ban
quet ip. New York, il does seem as if the
navy department ought TO have a cireu-
lar, showing just what naval officers may
and may not say, sent to each officer.
II they haven't discretion enough to know
when to talk and not to talk upon ques-
tons bearing upon the relations existing
between their country and other coun-
tries the Secretary of the Navy will have
to put a paddock on their lips.
Neither Admiral Kautz nor Capt. Cogh-
Ian meant to be offensive to the German
Emperor or the German people, but what
they said was of an irritating character
and, In the case OF Capt. Coghlan, brought
a protest from the German government
NO notice has YET been taken of the
Kautz incident, but 1t is by no means Ger
tain that 1t will be permitted to pass I'M
questioned.
These naval officers didn't seem to real
ize that there are newspapers which would
rather provoke a war than miss an OPP
portunfty 20 get an item of news-or at
least what they are pleased TO call news.
In fact, ala they care for is an excuse
to print something calculated TO get in
dividuafs, communities or nations into
trouble with each other. officials there
fore cannot be too careful In expressing
sentiments for which the government
might be held responsible.
There are people in this country who do
not like the Germans or the German EN-
peror, and there are newspapers which
make il a point to encourage such dis
like, but the vast majority-those who
really make public sentiment-recognize
the Germans as a great people and the
German Emperor as a man of ability and
force of character. Those who would be-
little either are lacking In common sense
The policy of this great republic should
be that of peace and good win and oppo-
-aAi 10 raatlt TO- A So h.
people are of German decent, and while
they are loyal Americans they have a
warm place in their hearts for their ma
tive land. If the lingo press and thought
less public speakers represented the senti-
ments Of the people we should very soon
be on the edge of war with every other
nation, and instead of being engaged in
Industrial pursuits, adding to the wealth
and prosperity Of the country, our young
men would be forced into armies, our sub
stance would be wasted in wars and the
life of the nation imperiled.
The alarm which for a few months last
summer prevailed along our coast when
II was supposed the Spanish fleet was free,
was insignificant in comparison with what
IL WOulu 10 ~ we were 10 nave war with
one or more of the great Powers of Eu-
rope.
We have had taste of war within the
last year-in fact, we are still having a
taste of it--and we found 1t rather
costly, though fortunately it didn't cost as
much as 1t might. We do not believe that
the people are anxious for more war. They
will always be ready to defend the honor
of their country and its territory, but
they are not hunting for prexets for war
Our policy should be one of peace. In
deed the people would rejoice if they
could be assured that there would be no
more wars for generation. Therefore
they do not believe 1t advisable to encour-
age letters and speeches like those of Ad-
miral Kautz and Capt. Coghlan-letters
and speeches which are likely to cause a
rupture of the friendly relations which ex-
ist between this and other nations.
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