Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-02-20

On the streets, the trains, and in all
public places, these days, are heard
references TO the possibility or @the
United States becoming involved in
the European war. IN many instan-
ces, this possibility amounts TO fear.
yet We believe there IS no cause for
alarm. The American administration
should not allow itself to be drawn
into such expressions or entangle-
ments as will involve the United
States in war at this time. Of all
times this the hour in which the Am
erican people and their executive,
should maintain a broad view If the
war madness which prevails On the
other side Of the Atlantic Over there,
our German friends and our British
friends are under the stress of con-
ditions and physiological impress
sinns. which We can hardly under
prevails and everywhere, there. hui
man minds are innbued with the I'M
Just attitude Of their enemies and with
their own burdens Of woe. Over here
we should remember these things,
consider our own fortunate position,
and make allowance for the pressure
under which the leading minds Of Eu-
rope are today attempting to direct
international affairs
Dispatches from London, on Friday
afternoon informed us that Germany's
submarine war on commerce had all
ready begun, and that Great Britain
had already ordered that all traffic
cease in the English Channel. )
French merchant ship had been sunk
by German torpedo boat
1t IS the opening OF a new epoch, in
the prosecution Of war. Conditions
today prevail that could never have
been possible before. Presumably
when the vessel was sunk in the chan
mel, Friday, the crew Of the German
submarine did not know whether it
was British, French or American.
Fortunately for the American peace
of mind, and for the American admin
istration, in the attitude which it has
assumed, the ship belonged to one Of
the Allies, the German enemy. If
1t had been an American ship, We
should suddenly arrived at point
where all our good resolutions. all our
high determinations, and all our COM
mand OF generous impulses toward
the government of a nation with
which we are at peace, must be exer-
cised.
America has received warning from
Germany that neutral ships entering
the English channel Of the North
Sea after this date, must do so at their
own risk. Our protest was received
firmly but the German reply is
couched in friendly language, yet
maintains its first position, that its
proposed actioE is necessary by Great
Britain's policy Of attempting to cut
of the food supply for the German
civic population, by a method never
before recognized in international law.
Germany claims that Great Britain
has ordered merchantmen to fly neu-
trail flags, has equipped merchant ships
with artillery and with orders to de-
stroy submarines, which Germany
claims rendered the right Of search
nugatory. It is not for US to Judge has
tily who is right or who is wrong, fur
Their than to generally concede that
both are wrong. We should restrain
our sympathies in the interests Of Jus
tice. Both these great nations which
are tearing at the threats Of each
other. have grounds for their most
recent procedure, but the United
States would better Immediately de-
clare an embargo upon all supplies 60
ing to Europe than to allow itself to
become involved in this war. We are
confident the administration will fore
see and forefend such limitlees disas-
ter.