Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-26
point at issue. The language employ
ed by Secretary Lansing is unmistak-

point at issue. The language employ
able"
Several of the morning papers de-
clare they are unable to understand
President Wilson's reference in the latest
note to Germany to events of the last
two months which have proved that 1t
is possible to conduct submarine ope-
principles of warfare. The papers
argue there has been no change OF
German methods in this respect.
No Change in German Methods.
The naval correspondent of the Times
asserts the blockade of the past two
months does not bear out the view of
President Wilson and points out the
few intervals of decreased activity al
ways has been followed with renewed
activity resulting in the sinking with
out warning and with the loss or
life OF both British and neutral yes
est indication that German command
ers have changed their methods and
that President Wilson's words. there
fore. taken in their ordinary accept
ance cannot be justified"
The Tines says 1t is possible Presi-
dent Wilson may have had from the
British government some informatlo
which is withheld from the public, but
argues that in so far as the facts have
been revealed there is no ground for
supposing any changes have been
made in the instructions given German
submarine commanders.
There is only one opinion expressed
by the British press on the American
note to Germany-that. in polite lang
uage. 1t is tantamount to an ultima
tum, and the dignif1ed manner in
which President Wilson has stood from
the beginning of the negotiations for
the principles of international law and
humanity" is remarked with peculiar
satisfaction.
The issue between the two govern
ments is thus stated in it's sternest
and MOST unequivocal terms" says the
Daily Mail. and adds:
tract from the dignity and high mind
edness and patient skill with which
President Wilson, acting in the name
of humanity and from no merely ma
tional motive, has thus far conducted
these difficult negotiations"
The Daily News. in an editorial, says:
German American papers which sug
gest that America Is forcing a quarrel
upon Germany are guilty of a gross
travesty of the facts.
Praise Pacific Intentions.
NO government could possibly have
given more convincing evidence of its
done under quite unheard-of provoca-
ton. A single intractable sub
marine commander may now destroy
in a few seconds the f1imsy fabric
which Is all that remains of Official
German-American friendship
The Daily Graphic thinks 1t unlikely
that the American note will result In
war. because of the cosmopolitan pop
ulation of the country.
ut is needless to say, the newspaper
adds, that we in no wise are anxious
that America should be dragged into the
war. but only that, as the most powerful
neutral nation. she should undertake the
defense of the principles Of international
law"
The Daily Telegraph says:
Those who had expected any lack OF
drmness in the note will perceive that
correctly foresaw. the development Of this
momentous correspondence between WASH
ington and Berlin. While scrupulously
courteous, the note is in substance an
ultimatum and nothing else.
Germany has done her worst with her
policy Of maritime murder, and brought
herself within sight OF rupture With
power whose continued neutrality she has
moved heaven and earth to secure. We
shall see whether she is prepared to perse-
we're in the course which led her to this
situation"
Manchester Guardian skeptical.
In an editorial discussing the para
graph in the American note to Ger
many which invited the cooperation OF
the German government in securing the
freedom of the seas, the Manchester
Guardian says:
This whole passage should be very
carefully noted. 1t means quite plainly
that in President Wilson's opinion this
country is an offender against the prin-
ciple Of the freedom OF the seas; we
have, in fact. had several dispatches
from President Wilson on this very
subject, and these 1t is believed surely
will be followed by another.
HE declines to discuss alleged in
fractions of the freedom of the seas
with Germany now. but he says in eff
feet that the case might be different II
Germany showed sincerity in her at
tachment to the principle Of freedom at
sea by abandoning her submarine cam
paign which is the most serious in
fraction of that freedom ever known.
Let Germany do that and America and
she may do something together for
freedom on the seas. The whole pas
sage may we'll occasion some very Sc
rious reflections in this country"
ALLIANCE ASSAILS NOTE.