The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-07-10

z
with horrible clearness to what
tjeopardizing of human lives the man
ner OF conducting war employed ~
our adversaries leads. In the most
direct contradiction of international
law all distinctions between merch-
anthem and war vessels have been
obliterated by the order TO british
merchantmen TO arm themselves and
| to ram submarines, and the promise
of rewards therefor, and neutrals who
use merchantmen as travellers thereby
have been exposed in an increasing
degree to all the dangers OF war.
Would Wrought Own Destruction.
III the commander of the German
submarine which destroyed the Lusi-
tania has caused the crew and pas
sengers TO take TO the boats before
firing torpedo, this would have
meant the sure destruction of his own
vessel. After the experiences in sink
Ing such smaller and less seaworthy
vessels II was to he expected that
q mighty vessel like the Lusitania
would remain above water long
enough, even after the torpedoing, to
permit passengers to enter the ships
boats. Circumstances OF a very Pc
culiar kind. especially the presence
on board of large quantities of highly
explosive materials words omitted,
possibly issipated") this expecta-
ton.
In addition, IL may be pointed out
that II the Lusitania had been spared
thousands of cases of munitions wouio
have been sent to Germany's enemies,
and thereby thousands or Sermah
mothers and children robbed OF bread
winners.
I'm the spirit OF friendship wherewth
the German nation has been imbued to-
ward the Union and It's inhaoitnnts
since the earliest days OF It's exissence'
the imperial government VIII always ne
ready 20 do Gil II can dur1ns the pres
emit war. also to prevent the teopnreA-
Ing Of lives Of American cttf1ens. Ine
imperiai government, therefore, Fepe"as
the assurances thaf Amerieah saips "ias
not De hsnaered in tae pFosec"c" =.
feEisimate shippi"g, ans tne Hses y.
s. - I, sSn.-ax
ns.r-..
eo""s VI
In order to exclude any unforeseen
dangers TO American passenger seeam
ers, made possible In view OF the con-
duct Of maritime war by Germany
adversaries, Germany submarines Will
he instructed to permit the free and
safe passage Of such passenger steam
ers when made recognizable by special
markings and notified q reasonable
time i'm advance. The Imperial gov
ernment. however, confidently hopes
that the American government VIII
assume to guarantee that these ves-
sells have no contra band on board. de-
tails OF arrangement fof the uh-
hampereta passages OF these scsseis 70
be agreed upon by the naval autnori'
ties OF both sides.
/ In order to furnish adequate facili-
tiles for travel across the Atlantic for
American citizens the German govern
/ ment submits for consideration pro-
/ posal to increase the NUMBER OF await
able steamers by Installing In paseh.
i ger service reasohapie huh'oV
neutral steamers uhoef the Aiiel- !. !,
| flag, the exact NUMBER 10 De agreed
upon under the same cohoitioIi At 'he
above mentioned American s'eatue1s
The Imperial Government believes
lit can assume that in this manner
/ adequate facilities for travel across
| the Atlantic Ocean can be afforded
| American citizens. There would
ltherefore. appear to be no compelling
inecessity for American citizens &c
travel to Europe In time of war or
ships carrying an enemy flag. In par
ttcular. the Imperial 1osel . ~
unable TO ADMIT thae <ne 10" mir
izens can protecl 81 49, nras.
through the mere iaos "
ence on poara'
Merely Follows Engianus Esxan. y.
Germany merely fouoweo Ehslanu
/ example when sne declared PAL y
the high seas an area OF wa,. ~.
seduenfiy. accidents suneIeu ny =,
trails on enemy snips IN s s,esaa,.,,
war cannot WEI. os suasea .,.rais ~
from accioehts 20 wna.n ~. - Mo !,
.. an 800 go tns, hetake fhamselyes
20 aargarous localities in spite O
ih,o
ns-H .. "a. :. = $3.50. -. noe
II. however snou'a .soa,t :,
/ sieie Tor the hnn1. .se -, - ns,,fra
ACQUIRE an aas ~ tr,psrial gov
passens - nranarsa TO interpose n.