The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-06-24
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Thousands Of American flags floated
over this city Monday in celebration of
the 13Sth anniversary Of the adoption
of the Stars and Stripes by the Con-
tinental Congress az the flag Of the
nation. Patriotic exercises, in which
the president Of the United States,
members of his cabinet, other officials
Of the government and citizens of the
district had prominent part, were held
at several of the executive departments
and bureaus and the schools and the
churches of the city. And men, women
and children pledged their allegiance
to their country, and their devotion to
the flag. The ceremonies were made
more impressive than in past years, due
| to the crisis which this country is fac
ing in connection with it's foreign re-
lations. Many of the speakers dwelt
| upon the fact that at such a time every
true American, native born or foreign
born, must do his duty to the country
and the flag.
Germany has sent out note to this
country in reference to the sinking of
the American sailing ship VIM. p Eyre,
by the German vessel Prinz Ethel
Friedrich, making the far-reaching
| q
can vessel carrying contraband, while
agreeing to pay damages for the act.
President Wilson s second note to
Germany on the sinking of the Lusi-
tania, revolves around the central idea
that existing international laws give
United States citizens the right to be-
at sea. The most sensational thing con-
Cd with 80,
ton as secretary of state. Hardly any
thing was talked about in Washington
for three or four days, but the resigna-
ton. The statements issued by him
since have furnished additional topics.
Speculation has been rife as to his fu-
ture course of action, and its effect
upon the Democratic party. Many were
of the opinion that Mr.. Bryan would
again seek the presidential nomination
in 1916 in opposition to Wilson, while
others believed that he might become a
senator from Nebraska, his home state.
Some predictions were made that his
action would result in split in the
Democratic party and its ultimate de-
feat in 1916; yet taking his announce
ments at their face value his designa-
ton and his plans have for their ulti-
mate end the support of the president
and the good of the Democratic party.
Increasing optimism is being shown
by American government officials and
attaches of the German embassy, that
Germany and the United States will
reach an amicable settlement of their
differences. The editorials of the Ger
man press were read with particular in
terest by the officials, who drew much
encouragement from the references to
the friendly tone of the recent Ameri-
can note.
Although the United States govern
ment for the last two weeks has been
absorbed in the German situation, the
interim of a fortnight or more that will
elapse before reply comes from Berlin
undoubtedly will draw attention again
to political developments in Mexico
Gen. Carranza has issued a proclama-
ton claiming that having control of a
large territory and having instituted
civil administration therein, he is en-
titled to recognition. Gen. Villa has
sent a note to this government favOring
President Wilson's suggestion of a
union of the Mexican factions for peace
and has made overtures to Carranza.
But the opinion is general in Washing
ton that the administration cannot long
tolerate the present trend of affairs in
Mexico. just how long the president
will wait before acting no one seems
to know, as he has not discussed the
Mexican question for more than
week.