The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1915-07-29

essential or fundamental right of its people
because of mere alteration of circumstance.
The rights of neutrals in time of war are
based upon principle not upon expediency,
and the principles are immutable. 1t is the
duty and obligation of benigerents to find a
way to adapt the new circumstances to them
The events of the past two months have
clearly indicated that it is possible and prac-
tlcable to conduct such submarine operations
as have characterized the activity of the I'M
perlal German navy within the so-called war
zone in substantial accord with the accepted
practices OF regulated warfare.
The whole world has looked with interest
and increasing satisfaction at the demonstra-
ton of that possibility by German naval COM
manders. 1t is manifestly possible therefore,
to lift the whole practice of submarine attack
above the criticism which it has aroused and
remove the chief causes of offense
In view of the admission of illegality made
by the Imperial Government when it pleaded
the right of retaliation in defense of it's acts.
and in view of the manifest possibility of con-
forming to the established rules of naval war
fare, the Government of the United States can
not believe that the Imperial Government will
longer refrain from disavowing the wanton
act of its naval commander in sinking the
Lusltania or from offering PREPARATION for the
American lives lost, far as reparation can
be made for needless destruction of human
life by an illegal act
The Government of the United States. while
md
1t is made cannot accept the suggestion of
the Imperial German Government that certain
vessels be designated and agreed upon which
shall be free the seas now illegally pro-
scribed.
The very agreement would by implication.
subject other vessels to illegal attack and
would be curtailment and therefore an aban-
donment of the principles for which this Gov
eminent contends and which in times of calmer
counsels every nation would concede as of
course.
The Government of the United States and
the Imperial German Government are contend
ing for the great object, have long stood
together IN urging the very principles upon
which the Government of~the United States
now so soemnly insists. They are both con.
tending for the freedom of the seas The
Government of the United States will continue
to contend for that freedom. from whatever
quarter violated. without compromise and 81
any cost 1t invites the practical co-operation
OF the Imperial German Government at this
time when cooperation may accomplish most
and this great common object be most strik.
ingly and effectively achieved.
The Imperial German Government az.
presses the hope that this object may be in
some measure accomplished even before +bo
present war ends. 1t can be- The Govern.
ment of the United States not only feels OBJ
liged to insist upon it. by whomsoever VIC
lated or ignored, in the protection of its own
citizens, but is also deeply interested in 500
ing it made practicable between the bel1iper.
ents themselves, and holds itself ready at anv
time to act as the common friend who NAV
be privileged to suggest a way.
In the meantime the very value which this
Government sets upon the long and unbrotan
friendship between the people and Government
Of the United States and the people and Gov.
eminent Of the German National impeIs il 70
press very solemnly upon the Imperial German
Government the necessity for scrupulous
observance of neutral rights in this critical
matter
Friendship itself prompts # to say to the
Imperial Government that repetition by the
commanders OF German naval vessels of acts
jim contravention Of those rights must be re-
regarded by the Government of the United
states. when they affect American citizens as
deliberately uufriendly
LANSING