Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1915-07-29

terired the activity of the imperial
German navy within the so-called war
zone In substantial accord with the
accepted practices OF regulated war
rare. The whole world has looked
WIN interest and increasing satisfac-
tion at the demonstration OF that DOS.
sibility by German naval command
ers. 1t is manifestly possible. there
fore to lift the whole practice of sub
marine attack above the criticism
which 1t has aroused and remove the
CHIEF causes of oifense.
IN view of the admission of Illegally
made by the imperial government
when it pleaded the right of retalia-
ton in defense of its acts, and in view
Of the manifest possibility of conform
ing to the established rules of naval
warfare, the government of the Unit
Cd States cannot believe that the i'm
perlal government will longer refrain
IRON disayowing the wanton act OF its
naval commander in sinking the Iusi-
lama or from offering reparation for
the American lives lost. so far as repa-
ration can be made for a needless de-
struction OF human life by an Illegal
act
Suggestion Not Accepted
The government Of the United
States, while not indiffeI ent to the
friendly spirit in which it is made,
cannot accept the suggestion of the
imperial government that certain yes
sells be designated and agreed upon
which shall be free on the seas now
illegally prescribed The very agree
ment would, by implication, subject
other vessels 10 Illegal attack, and
would be curtailment and therefore
an abandonment OF the principles for
which this government contends, and
which in times of calmer counsels
every nation would concede as of
course.
The government OF the United
/ States and the imperial Germon gov
eminent, contending for the same
great object have long stood together
in urging the very principles upon
which the government OF the United
States now so solemnly insists. They
are both contending for the freedom
OF the seas. The government of the
United States will continue to contend
for that freedom. from whatever quar-
ter violated without compromise and
81 any cost. II invites the practical
cooperation of the imperial German
government at this time when coop
Grafton may accomplish most, and this
great common object be most strik-
ingly and effectively achieved.
Can Be Accomplished
-f..1
expresses the hope that this Object
may be in some measure accomplish
Cd even before the present war ends.
II can be The government of the
United States not only feels obliged
! to insist upon it, by whomsoever VIC
lated or ignored. and in the protec.
tiOn OF its own citizens, but is also
deeply interested in seeing it made
practicable between the belligerents
themselves. and holds itself ready at
any time TO act as the common friend
who may be privileged TO suggest a
way
In the meantime the very value
, which this government sets upon the
long and unbroken friendship between
, the people and government OF the
; United States and the people and gov
I eminent of the German nation impels
I it to press very solemnly upon the
p imperial German government the
/. necessity for a scrupulous observance
, Of neutral rights in this critical mat
1 ter Friendship itself prompts II L
4 say to the imperial German govern
Z ment that repetition by commanders
b of the German naval vessels of a,ts il
h contravention Of these rights must b.
I regarded by the government OF TN
|. United States. when they affect Amer
o lean citizens. as deliberately un
r. friendly
/. (Signedl LANSING.