Arizona republican., 1915-07-11
The German Reply

The German reply to the second American note amounts to a rejection of the demands of President Wilson. It is a proposal ignoring the ques- ton of nternat tionaI rules of warfare. It lays the foundation for rules which will be set aside when the instruments warfare are changed again It presents another way ofs saving the lives and property of American citizens the only mat ter in which we directly concerned. It is little more a reiteration of the German view con Neyed the original reply. And the reply $ what The Republican predicted it would be Germany whether right or wrong, could have been eN- pected surrender the tremendous advantage her submarines have given her and which in great measure the Br::isn control of the surface of the sea
 The German note deals rather casually with the sinking of the Iusitania the episode which precpi tated the correspondence For that in the first reply by Germany, Great Britain is blamed Use is made by Germany of tine Lustania incident to prove it's contention that is impossible for an attacking submarine conform to so called inter national rules. Even though stricken by torpedo. the reply states. the great vessel would have re- maned afloat long enough permit the passengers and crew to be saved but for the explosion of the of ammunition with which the vessel was laaen But it is the contention of Germany that the submarines have right to attack without warning. all beigerent vessels carrying contraband This right also. according the reply. extends to
 
 contraband. The reply suggests a duty for this government perform in preserving the lives or it's citizens It is also urged that the submarine warfare against merchant vessels provoked and made necessary by the British violation of inter national rules trying starve the non-com- Latant population of Germany and in effecting a blockade against neutral ports
 We believe that the reply is the last word. At any rate. we cannot why the negotiations should be continued There is point which the two countries come together in agreement upon the main question in the controversy. the right of Americans travel merchant vessels subject to the existing international rules warfare. The United States says that those rules still bind ing. Germany that they have ben rendered by submarine and proposes engagement less temporary. with tine United States. take their place
 And afterward. have believed. and do believe that in consequence of this dispute. however far apart the countries be a the of it. there will be between the United States and Germany There has been noth- in either of the American notes suggesting uItimatum Germany. The second one. though firm, friendly The friendly relations between the two countries may be suspended and for a time. diplomatic relations may be severed but that will not be We not. in the first place, prepared go war and could not be prepared within year At the most. the most powerful of the neutral nations. might exert influence among Europe who agree with opposition the German mode of warfare. further isolate the Central Empires. Holland and Sweden and Norway nave grievances against Ger many similar those of the United States. It is unlikely though. that of those nations would be irto the against their powerful neighbor they could be brought to exert pres sure which would become irksome if not serious.
 But whatever course government elect to take will find the people behind it. Annericanism will be brought to Hf surface