Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-18
With Germany Alone

IT is suggested in some OF the dispatches
from Washington that in response to
President Wilson's note, Germany will agree
TO the abandonment of submarine warfare on
condition that the United States insist on
the right of neutrals to convey foodstuffs to
German ports. 1t is inconcevable that this
OFFER, should it be made, will meet with the
ADMINISTRATIONS acceptance or approval
The differences with Germany, which led
to the Presidents splendid declaration of
American rights, are with Germany alone
They constitute in themselves a perfect and
lmpregnable cause Of action. The wrongs
we have suffered are not condoned by British
violations of other principles Of international
law nor shall we endure the danger of their
repetition, nor accept guarantees of their dis
continuance which are made conditional on
the acts or policies of third party We
snail not permit citizens to be trans
formed into hostages for British observance
OF a rule of conduct that Germany laws
down.
Under international law. it ought to be
remembered, the allies have an unassailable
right to blockade the German coast 1t is
true that, In response to the German sub
marine policy, the allies have adopted form
or blockade not hitherto recognized, and have
undertaken to extend this blockade, in effect
to neutral as we'll as to enemy coasts That
is an invasion Of neutral prerogatves, against
which this government has protested strenu-
ously and against which it will continue to
protest, but the injury inflicted is utterly un-
like, whether in character or degree that in
Volved in the wanton destruction of defense
less American lives.
Germany must meet our terms directly
II an offer to arbitrate the questions at issue
be accompanied by promise to suspend,
while the arbitration is in progress, the
methods OF warfare from which our protest
springs, 1t may be acceptable. Indeed as
has been suggested before on this page it
would be difficult for the United States to de-
cine arbitration when the proposal is &C
companied by an agreement to abandon sub
marine attacks on merchant shipping
we would guarantee in this fashion that
future safety of our nationals on the high
seas that was the principal object of Mr. Will
sons note. Certainly we have no desire to
emulate Germany in protesting scorn for and
Indifference to the views and opinions Of other
enlightened nations Certainly also, we cam
not be distrustful of the finding of any
arbitral board that could be selected
Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel
just, and America should have no hesitancy
III submitting its cause to the Judgment of
hottest men. as II would have no hesitancy in
the more dreadful alternative, OF submitting
that cause 10 the arbtrament OF the sword
We discuss these matters at this length be-
cause they are the subject of present specu-
lation. If, however we were ourselves to
hazard guess at the nature of the German
reply, il would be that the note from the
Nlihe!mStrasSe Will contain the very PROPOSE
ton that America cannot accept---the sugges-
t1on that this nation become the dagger at
Britains throat. Doubtless. there will be an
adequate number OF fine phrases and express
SONS OF regret, but we shall be surprised to
ma II meeting the issue with the frankness
the situation demands.
Decision however rests with Berlin. The
Kaiser and his advisers with the Presidents
note before their eyes and the unanimous an
prevail OF that note by American sentiment
within their consciousness, must cast the die