The state herald., 1915-07-16

lTOm lue SupIudElue WdEldTo. f1oW-
ever, the American government will
also understand. and appreciate that
in the fight for existence which has
been forced upon Germany by its ad-
versaries and announced by them, 1t
is the sacred duty of the imperial gov
ernment to do all within its power to
protect and save the lives Of German
subjects.
Enemies Blamed for Lusitania Horror.
"If the imperial government were
derelict in these, its duties, 1t would
be guilty before God and history OF
the violation of those principles OF
highest humanity which are the foun-
dation of every national existence.
"The case Of the Lusitania shows
with horrible clearness to what jeop-
ardizing of human lives the manner of
conducting war employed by our ad-
versaries leads. In the most direct
contradiction OF international law, all
distinction between merchantmen and
war vessels has been obliterated by
the order to British merchantmen to
arm themselves and to ram subma-
rines, and the promise of rewards
therefor, and neutrals who use mer-
been exposed in an increasing degree
to all the dangers Of war.
"If the commander of the German
submarine which destroyed the Lusi-
tania had caused the crew and pas
sengers to take to the boats before
firing torpedo, this would have
meant the sure destruction of his own
vessel After the experiences in sink
Ing much smaller and less seaworthy
VESSELS, It was to be expected that n
mighty ship like the Lusitania would
remain above water long enough even
after the torpedoing to permit pas
sengers to enter the ships boats.
Explosion Hastened Destruction.
Circumstances of a very peculiar
kind, especially the presence on
board Of large quantities Of highly ex-
plosive materials defeated this expec-
tation.
I'm addition 1t may be pointed out
that II the Lusitania had been spared
thousands Of cases Of munitions would
have been sent to Germany's enemies
and thereby thousands of German
mothers and children robbed Of bread
winners.
In the spirit Of friendship where
with the German nation has been i'm
bued toward the Union and its inhabi-
tants since the earliest days of its ex-
istence, the imperial government will
always be ready to do all II can dur
ing the present war also to prevent
the jeopardizing of lives Of American
citizens. The imperial government.
therefore, repeats the assurances that
American ships will not be hindered
In the prosecution of legitimate ship
ping and the lives of American citi-
zens In neutral vessels shall not be
placed In jeopardy.
In order to exclude any unforeseen
dangers TO American passenger steam
ers, made possible in view OF the con.
duct OF maritime war by Germany's
adyersaries, German submarines will
be instructed to permit the free and
safe passage of such passenger steam
ers, when made recognizable by spe.
cial markings and notified Il reason.
able time In advance.
The imperial government, however,
confidently hopes that the American
government will assume to guarantee
that these vessels have no contraba
the unhampered passage OF these ves-
sells TO be agreed upon by the naval
authorities of both sides.
Neutrals Suffered on Enemy's Ships.
In order to furnish adequate "A.
cilities for travel across the Atlantic
for American citizens. the German
government submits for consideration
Il proposal to increase the number of
available steamers by installing In
passenger service a reasonable mum.
ber OF neutral steamers, under the
American flag, the exact number to
be agreed upon under the same con.
dition as the above mentioned Amerl-
can steamers.
The imperial government believes
II can assume that In this manner ade.
quate facilities for travel across the
Atlantic ocean can be afforded Ameri-
can citizens. There would, therefore,
appear to be no compelling necessity
for American citizens to travel TO Eu.
rope In time OF war on ships carry.
Ing an enemy flag.
In particular the imperial gov.
eminent Is unable TO admit that
citizens can protect an
enemy ship through the mere fact
of their presence on board.
Germany merely followed Eng.
lands example when she declared
part OF the high sea an area OF war
Consequently. accidents suffered by
neutrals on enemy ships In this area
OF war cannot well be Judged differ.
entity from accidents to which neu.
trails are ut all times exposed at the
seat OF war on land when they be.
take themselves into dangerous To-
ealities In spite OF previous warn.
ings,
III. however. II should not be pos.
alblc for the American government 10
require an adequate number OF neu.
tral passenger steamers the Imperial
government is prepared TO interpose
no objections TO the placing under the
American flag by the American gov.
crnmcnt OF four enemy passenger
steamers for passenger traffic be.
tween North America and England.
Assure Americans Safe Passage.