Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-05-14
The Voice of Great Nation Speaks in the
Note to Berlin

The Voice of Great Nation Speaks in the
Note to Berlin
FTNHE note to Berlin measures UP to the
best traditions Of American statesman
ship. It does not necessarily mean war. for
the German Government has but to live up
to its treaty. to which It itself appealed only
recently. and follow the dictates of humanity
to avoid the inevitable disaster that break
with this country would presage.
There is in it no quibble, no hesitation.
no doubt 1t cannot be misunderstood. 1t
is the answer of a great civilized nation,
speaking for humanity. to another great ma
ton that has relapsed into barbarlsm under
the leadership of military caste.
CLEAR-CUT DEMAND.
TNHE note declares that German outrages
L against our commerce must cease. 1t
reiterates the fundamental rights of neu
trails even when on belligerent merchant
ships. 1t asserts the recognized privileges of
noncombatants to safety of life and limb on
the high seas, under any and all circum-
stances. It protests against even incidental
mockery of American rights Il stands fast
against the use of submarines as commerce
destroyers declaring that so to use them is
to outrage the inherent rights of civilization
and humanity themselves.
SWEEPS ASIDE ALL sUBTERFUGE
TT DECLARES that German professions of
- sorrow because of the wanton destruction
OF American lives cannot be entertained, and
points out that the only course satisfactory
to the United States will be the cessation
Immediately of the savage practices which
have aroused the resentment and indgna-
ton of the world, and have made 1t neces-
sary for this independent nation, speaking
for humanity to send its mighty veto across
the water.
I'm not arguing with you. william. I'm
just telling you," is the real meaning of the
note So this great democracy, founded on
the protection of human rights, speaks to
the Hohenzollerns. II is a clarion note that
will resound down the ages and sets a new
standard for national action. Thank God
am an American" every citizen. in all rev.
erence, say today.
NOl 10 AN ~ M
FTHE note is in effect an ultimatum. These
i things must cease" we say to Berlin. "or
you must take the consequences" What
those consequences are Germany knows.
Unless madness has settled down upon that
land. it will yield. If humanity and regard
for civilization do not counsel such a course
common sense must. Even a military
oligarchy must appreciate the folly of fight
ing against the whole world. of being left
without single friend on earth.
FAITH IN PRESIDENT JUSTIFIED.
FTlHE nations faith in the President is
4 justified. It can rejoice that it waited
patiently and in confidence for him to act
The note does not represent a statement in
the heat of blood 1t is, on the contrary. the
deliberate opinion OF this nation, an express
sion of the deep-seated conviction of a vast
majority OF our people. The ruthless rape
of Belgium unforgettable and unforgivable
We passed by. but the frightful destruction
OF the Lusitania has converted the world to
one opinion, and that is that Prussanism
must be wiped on the face OF the earth.
LET THE PUBLIC BE CALM.
n1HE EVENING LEDGER has counseled re-
4 straint during this week OF suspense. 1t
has pointed out how the sophistry OF Ger
man leaders. skifully devised, has mlsled
that people We counsel patience now. We
trust thar Germany. while there is yet time
viii be brought TO a realization OF her situ-
alton. We hope that Berlin will see the light
and act accordingly. And we believe that
the people OF the United States are willing
10 meet Germany half way. IL that nation
coneludes now to follow straight and hon
orabie course.
ghe position OF our Government is clear
Il Becomes. therefore. the position Of every
estizen. The time has passed for considera-
tlon 81 cur policy. II has been announced
snd Is 3 national asset. Let every man
STAND aquarely behipd the President
POSSIBLE COURSE or UNITED STATES.
AS 40 ahat me course q this Government
fn IS Il the German reply Is unsatis-
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