Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-06-12
BRYAN N P[[A 70
G[RhAN-AkER|CANS
TAKES OCCASION TO EXPRESS
FAITH IN PRESIDENT AND HIS
SINCERITY OF PURPOSE.
UNJUST CRITICISM OF
WILSON BY BOTH SIDES
Aepss Germany Will Yield to United
s4atsa Demands and Insists United
States Will Be Fair to All-6ryan
Now Rssts His Case With People.
He Says-Document Mild.

Washington, June IL. William j.
Bryan last night issued ar appeal ad-
dressed to The German Americans,
urging them to aid in maintaining
peace between the United States and
the fatherland by exerting their inf1u-
ence with the German government to
persuade it not to take any steps that
would lead in the direction Of war.
With this statement Mr.. Bryan ex-
poets to end for the present his efforts
to lay before the public the situation
which caused him to resign the port
folio of secretary of state.
On Wednesday he gave out an ex-
PLANTATION of why he left the cabinet
rather than sign the last American
note to Germany regarding submarine
warfare; Thursday he issued an ap-
peal to the American people" to stand
for persuasion rather than for force in
asserting rights under international
law, and yesterday he made a brief
statement expressing qualification at
what he termed a change of tone on
the part of the lingo editors" regard
ing the note to Germany.
Referring to German Americans as
fellow citizens in whose patriotism !
have entire confidence" Mr.. Bryan, be-
sides asking them to use their influ-
ence with the German government
urged:
That they should not attempt to
called, any suspicion of lack of neu-
trality or friendship toward the Ger
man people on the part cf the presi-
dent of the United States.
THAT they should not attempt ia
connect negotiations between the
United States and Germany with those
between the United States and Great
Britain, because the cases are differ
ent
THAT Germany should acquiesce in
demands that have been made by the
United States without con dition, trust
ing the United States TO deal justly
with her in the consideration of any
changes she may propose in the inter-
national rules that govern the taking
Of prizes growing out of submarine
warfare"
Defends President Wilson.
Mr.. Bryan declared that President
Wilson has been unjustly criticized by
partisans Of both sides in the Euro
pean conflict; expressed confidence that
Germans would stand by their adopted
country in case Of war between the
: United States and Germany; main
tanned that killing of innocent women
and children, either by. drowning OF
starving could not be justified, and
suggested change in the shipping
laws to exclude passengers from ships
carrying contraband or ammunition.
His statement follows:
Permit ne to address atword tn vn1l
as one American citizen speaking to
fellow citizens in whose patriotism he
has entire confidence. It IS natural
that in contest between your father
land and other European nations your
sympathies should be with the coun-
try of your birth. 1t is no cause fo1
censure that this is true; 1t would be a
reflection upon YOU If it were not true
Do not the sons of Great Britain sym
pathize with their mother country? Dc
not the sons of France sympadhize with
theirs? Is not the same true of Rus
STA and of Italy? Why should 1t not be
true Of those who are born in Ger
many or Austria?
THE trouble is that the extremists
on both sides have mistaken a natural
attachment felt for birthplace for dis
loyalty to this country.
Both Side Criticize Wilson.
1.-The president has been unjustly
criticized by the partisans of both
sides-tne very best evidence of his
neutrality. If he had so conducted tbs
government as TO wholly please either
side 1t would excite not only astonish
ment but misgivings. for partisans
can not give unbiased judgment; they
will Of necessity look at the question
from their own point of view, givins
praise or blame, according to the act
regardless of its real character, helps
or hurts the side with which they have
aligned themselves.
THE fact that the administration
has received more criticism from Ger
man-Americans than from those In
sympathy with the allies is due to the
fact that while both sides are at lib
erty, under International law, to pur-
chase ammunition in the United
States the allies, because of their con-
troll, Of the seas, have the advantage
of being able to export it. 1t is un-
fortunate that partisan supporters o.
Germany should have overlooked Tbs
legal requirements Of the situation
and have thus misunderstood the posi-
ton Of the administration.
Administration Neutral.
"Tie Administrations position has
not only been perfectly neutral, but II
could not have been otherwise with
out & palpable and intentionanl viola
ton OF the rules governing neutrality
This government is. not at liberty ia
materially change the rules Of interna-
{ tiona1 law during the war because ev-
cry change suggested is discussed, not
upon It's merits as an abstract PROPOSE
IIou, Dul according TO the effect Il
viii have upon the contest.
Those who wanted to lay an en-
barge upon the shipments of arms de-
Tended their position on the ground
shet4,t would hasten peace, but it ii
strange that they could have over
! looked the fact that the only way In
! which such action on our part could
Aeeten peace would have been by
helping one side to overcome the
ether.
3 Attacks Unjust.
while the attacks made upon the
Oresident by the extremists Of both
sodes were very unjust, 1t was equally
unjust to suspect the patriotism Of
those who took sides.
II feei well enough acquainted with
tI,e European born Americans 60 be-
.lieve that in war between this coun.
~ and any European power, the nat
- =
u. 4. ksr