New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-22
Mr.. Wilson's German Policy

I
cent editorial discussing Mr.. Wilson'S
German policy. Several Of these, as well
as other letters, have asked for further
statement Of The Tribune's view. With
this request The Tribune cheerfully COM
plies.
The German-American difficulty grew
out Of the German note proclaiming its
submarine blockade" Of Great Britain,
which was issued in the first week OF
February. and was justified as an act Of
reprisal against the British for alleged
violations by them of international law to
the detriment Of Germany.
When this blockade" was proclaimed
there were open 10 the American govern
ment two courses. The blockade itself
was no blockade under any previous con-
vention describing blockades. 1t con-
stituted an infringement Of the rights OF
all neutrals. and the United States, like all
other neutrals, was fully justified in pro-
testing against it and resisting 1t to the
uttermost. Thus the natural course OF
the Administration was to send note to
Germany protesting against the blockade
and informing her that it would neither be
recognized nor tolerated.
But this course carried with it an OBJ
vious danger. If Germany believed 1t
more important to her interests to continue
the blockade with its injuries to Great
Britain than to pay attention to the Ameri-
can admonition. then the United States
would be obliged TO make good. Its protest
bv actual force or else submit to a COM
plete and humiliating rebuff. By protest
ing the United States would take the
field as the champion Of the neutral rights
of the world, but no championship could
he without the very grave risk Of subse-
uuent war with Germany.
On the other hand, if Mr.. Wilson be-
Heved that his country desired peace at
any price. he could reach an easy solu-
ton by making only the mere formal pro-
test against the blockade, which would
leave the United States on record against
the invasion of its rights, and then agree
TO a modtts uivendi with Germany, insur-
ing the safety of ships flying the Ameri-
can flag which travelled the war zone.
Such an agreement Germany was at all
times ready to make and at no time has she
molested an American passenger ship or
declined TO make good the loss incident to
anv attack upon an American merchant
ship.
The second course was patiently lnglo-
rious. II would have invited much Just
criticism from the portion Of the country
which believed that il was the duty of the
government to defend unquestiOned rights.
The Tribune would unhesitatingly have
opposed such a course, because it is not
Ct the peace-at-any-price persuasion. But
such course would have been safe Fol
lowed by proclamation by the President,
similar 10 that issued in the case of Mex
ico warning Americans to keep off bellig-
crent ships, there would have been elimi-
mated the peril of such incidents as the
Iusitania, the Arabic, the Orduna, the
Hesperian, if the latter was sunk by a
submarine.
But Mr.. Wilson could not make up his
mind to commit himself to either course
unreservedly. He began by sending the
"strict accountability" note. This was all
right, if he meant it, But he was told in
Cabinet meeting that the note would mean
a grave situation, if Germany disregarded
It. and that if such note was to be sent
then steps should be taken to make it
good. But the view that prevailed was
that Germany would not dare to defy the
United States, because of her other diff
cuties, and that il was safe TO take. a high
tone with Berlin because Berlin was help
less and must submit.
In word, there was dispatched 70 Ber-
lin a note which was, under the circum-
stances, only a gigantic bluff for both Mr..
Wilson and Mr. Bryan were committed to
the notion that the country desired to be
kept out Of war at any cost. They were
enamoured Of the idea that by speaking
firmly. without ever meaning TO make
good their words, they would avoid all
danger. And every pro-German agent in
Washington knew that the "strict account
ability" note was a bluff and that the Ad.
. ministration was taking no steps TO bach
up It's words, if necessary.
Then Germany sunk the Lusitania. She
rightly gagged the weakness that was be.
hind the words Of the President. Had the
President meant the words there was no
course left TO him bat, having allowed Ger
many her chance 10 disayow. TO break OF
relations. "Strict accountability" was the
last word that could be spoken; it was the
extreme Of language 10 express the idea
that il meant 10 express, if it meant to ex-
press anything. But Mr.. Wilson did not
think Of breaking off; he thought Of get
ting out Of the scrspe without war.
kor now fhnre deAccnded nnnr,- him u