The Alaska daily empire., 1915-06-11

WASHlNGT ION, June n. - heiter- atlns In 60 many words the American note of May 18th, ineistlno that the German government must recognize lthe rlehts of Americans on the high Hseas and aokIns that 1t guarantee that they shall not again be invaded, the aecond American note on the Lusita- na and other questIone at issue be- tween the United States and Germany llnsIoto that these are questions that are "out of the class Of ordinary sub lects of diplomatic discussion or in- ternatIonal controversy"
 Tho note suggests that the United States "expeots" Germany to recoa- nize the principles set forth by thlo country and to put them Into prac- tlee ao far as that is necessary to safeguard American lives and shlpo.
 The note is couched in friendly dip lomatIc language, but It states the po- oitIon of the United states 90 plainly that there can be no misunderstand- ing concerning it.
 LUsiTANlA sINKlNe UNLAW.
 FULL
 Referring to the German represen- tations concerning the oinking of the Luoitania, the note says:
 "WhateVer may be the contentious of Che Imperial German government regarding the carriage of contraband on board the Lusitania, or regarding the explosion Of that material by the torpedo which caused her snklns, it need only be said that in the view of this government these contentious are irrelevant to the question Of the legal fly Of the methods used by the Ger man naval authorities in sinking that ve5oel. The sinking Of passenger shIps involves principles of humanity which throw into the background any special case, principles which lift It, as the Imperial government will no doubt be quick 10 recognize and ack- nowledge, out of the class of ordl- nary subjects for diplomatic dioeus- sion or international controversy.
 "What ever may be the facts re- aardIns the LuoItanla, the principal fact 10 that a great steamer primar- llly and chiefly a conveyance for pac- sensers and carrying mere than 1000 souls, who had no part or lot in the conduct Of the war was torpcdoed and sunk without co much as a challenge or warning, and that men and wom- eu and children were sent 10 their death under circumstances unparal- leed in modern warfare.
 GREATER THAN PROPERTY
 RIGHTS.
 "The government Of the Ulnted States is contending for something much greater than mere rights of property or privileges Of commerce; ! it ls contending for nothing less high and sacred than the rishts of human ity, which every government honors itself in respecting, and which no gov ernment is Iuotified in resisnng on behalf Of those under Its care and authority.
 "The fact that over 100 American citlzens pcrished made it the duty of tho United States with solemn empha- sis to call tho imperial German goy- ernment's attention to grave respon- slbllty the United statee conceived tt had incurred in this tragic 9ccurrancc, and to the indisputable principle up- on which this responsibility rests"
 UNARMED AND NOT A TRANS
 PORT.
 Referring to the German contention that the Lusitania was armed with cannon and carrying Canadian troops, the note says:
 "The United States officers scrupu- lously investigated these things be- fore permitting the Lusitauia 10 sail. If the imperial government has con vincing proof or evidence that the United States officials did not per form their duties, the United States hopes Germany will submit such eyi. dence. Meanwhile the United States confidently looks see justice and hut manity of the German government vindicated in all cases where Ameri- can citizens have been wronged."
 Ridicules Falaba Defense.
 Referring to the sinking of the Fa- laba, the note says: The United States is surprised to find the imperial gov ernment of Germany contending Q merchantmans attempt to escape would alter warship commanders obligation respecting the safety of those aboard said merchantmen, al. though the vessel ceased attempting to escape before a torpedo was fired. "This obligation the note contin- tues. "it not new It has been recog, lnized throughout the development of naval warfare
 War Zone Illegal.
 Referring to the German submarine warfare in the so-called war zone, the mote says:
 eThe government of the United States cannot admit that by the pro elamation establishing war zone wherein neutral ships have been warned to keep away can be made 10 operate as in any degree an abrieya- ton of the rights of either American shipmasters or American citizens bound on lawful errands as passen- ! gers on merchant ships of belligerent nationality. It does not understand the Imperial government to question those rights. The United States therefore. earnestly and solemnly re news It's representations made May 18th. relying upon the principles oi humanity, the universally recognized understandings of international law and the ancient friendship Of thl