New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-02

the following:
There can be no sincere criticism OF the
Presidents foreign policies by men who are
too cowardly to exercise the power and re-
sponsibilitv which is exclusively vested in
them by the Constitution of the United
States. If the Republican leaders in Con-
gress are dissatisfied with the president
policies. let them be honest enough 70 lace
the alternative of war and let them be SIN
cere enough to vote for war
Also this:
+ il he argued that diplomatic relations
with Germany, for example, should De sus
pended in case an immediate settlement OF
the Lusitania matter cannot be erected hele
AGAIN the power of Congress is beyond con-
,roversv. 1t may direct the President TO sus
mend diplomatic relations. The probability
that such action would be preliminary 70 wal
makes Congress the only branch OF govern
nent which may properly assume the respon-
sibility for so momentous STEP
The Tribune believes "The World is
absolutely right in its views as expressed
above II believes that Immediately upon
the meeting of Congress the Republican
minority in tn Senate and House should
introduce a resolution calling upon the
President to suspend diplomatic relations
until surb time as the German Govern
ment shall disavow the Lusitama CRIME
apologize for the insult to American nonor
and agree to submit to the Hague triou-
nal the question of reparation in money
e. Tho murders. Such course might or
might not mean war, but it is course
which should be followed without regard
to consequences.
Our neighbor is exactly right when II
asserts that if the Republicans in Con-
Dress do not dare to meet the issue square
w they will not have the right to assail an
administration which has similarly evaded
the issue and because Of alleged domestic
dangers. political and other, has let Ameri-
ran lives be taken with impunity on the
high seas.
The Tribune has never regarded the
present situation as raising any question
of Democracy or Republicanism. 1t views
the present issue as one between Ameri-
canism and cowardice. 1t has not criti-
cised Mr.. Wilson as Republican news
paper, but as an American newspaper. 1t
has not assailed his foreign policy because
Of partisan considerations, but because 1t
seemed a shameful betrayal Of national
honor.
II the Republican party, Influenced by
leaders who are thinking about votes, not
honor, and about an election, not Ameri-
can lives, lodges the Lusitania duty as
Mr.. Wilson and his Democratic associates
have lodged it, it will deserve the con-
tempt of every American citizen; it will
earn the scorn of all Americans, without
regard to party, who believe that the
America Of 1915 should be faithful to the
traditions and example of ITS and 1861.
The indictment Of Mr.. Wilson's German
course is simple. He issued his "strict
accountability" note without meaning it.
When American men, women and children
had been murdered in defiance of that
note he did not dare to make good his
pledge 10 the dead and his promise to
his fellow-countrymen. Now, long months
after the crime, he does not dare to insist
upon German dsavowal lest a refusal
should necessitate break in relations
with Germany.
This policy or impolicy has come from
Mr.. Wilson's conviction that his personal
political fortunes and the fortunes Of his
party would be best advanced by course
which avoided the possibility Of war
at all costs and sacrificed American lives
TO the preservation Of peace, prosperity
and business az usual"
In all this The Tribune believes Mr..
Wilson has not only betrayed national
honor. but misrepresented American sen
timent and tradition. 1t does not believe
the mass of American people are for peace
at any price. II does not believe they are
"too proud 10 fight" for their women and
their children. II does not believe that
they are prepared 10 barter honor for
prosperity or desert the post Of duty be-
cause 10 stick Is 10 risk sacrifice
But even more contemplate, 10 The
Tribune's view, has been Mr.. Wilson's