Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1915-05-26
H. GERMAN VIEW OF THE SINK
(; ING OF THE LuSlTANlA, !"


ING OF THE vLUslTANiA. ~
The extracts from lengthy edi-
torial in the Illinois ts-Zeitung,
quoted below, fairly state the s Ger
man contentious: in reference toathe
sinking. of the Lusitania. The edi-
torial makes note Of the fact; that
as early as May 10th the State De
partment at Washington was enabled
to publish the following note from
the German Government: -. =,
Il. It is selfevidently not the in
tention of the imperial government
to cause an attack to be made by
submarines or air ships on such
neutral merchantmen found within
the war; zone defined in the procla-
nation Of the German Admiralty,
February 4th. which have committed
no act hostile to Germany. On the
contrary, German warships have re-
peatedly been given definite instruc-
tions to avoid attacking such vessels
under any circumstances. Even II. such
ships carry contraband Of war, sub
marines deal with them in accord
dACS WILL tuS 6SAQ0loLAOAo ~ AAtOAA~
tional: law governing the rights of
war prizes. .&..*. r},' K II.
&c. In the event, however, that a
neutral ship, owing to misunder-.
standing or misfortune, should be
damaged in the war zone, the Ger
man government will unreservedly
assume all responsibility, win give
expression Of its regrets and offer
without submitting the
case to prize court
III This note the State Department re-
ceiyed on May 10th, and Mr.. Bryan
caused it to be published the follow
ing day. &@5 m . So -.
I, Two days later, on May 18th the
President sent his note to. Germany,
which, according to authorizes, is
based on the treaty with Prussia, re-
newed May LIST, 1928.
The question now is: did the Pres
ident, in formulating the demands Of
the American government, confine:
himself to the stipulations contained
in that treaty or did he exceed its
bounds, thereby invalidating the
treaty. d.. a.
Z Our government has the right, and
it is her. duty, to protect the lives
and property of American citizens.
It has no right, however, to protect
British interests against Germany by
making threats !, as long sas 1t. to all
appearances at least, wishes to be-
considered neutral. 20 E%
tE We said yesterday and now repeat;
t.""The American government mott
only has the right but. it is its es-i
sential duty to protect the lives Of
American citizens and to use every
means at its, command to insure
their safety. In the: performance Of
this duty, In exercising this right,
every American citizen, whether he
be- OF German or other descent, or
whether demands are made on Ger;
many, or any other nation will, as a.
patriot, strain every nerve in support
Of the government.
= F'.This right and this duty of the
American government has been re-,
cognized without reserve in Ger.
many, and Germany would be con-
demnable II she did not support the
American government in its care for
the safety of American citizens, or
would even increase its cares or
render its task more difficult.
j.. But whoever is anxious regarding
his life must not unnecessarily ex-
pose 1t to danger. II there was no
other water way open to Americans
than the one in which Germany es-'
tablished a war zone, If no. other
vessels were available. than the bel
ligerent British ships, and If such
ships were not, carrying arms In
tended for use against Germany, our
government could decidedly and just
" demand of Germany, that she abb
stain from molesting such vessels,
carrying non-combatants, among
them Americans. And regardless
refusal to comply with these de-
mands would lead. Americans of Ger
man descent to detest Germany also. t
'But there is open to the Amer
lean travellers a waterway which Is
without any danger. Travelling Amer
leans have every chance to use
ships sailing under neutral flags.
And q government careful for the
life of it's citizens has no right to
entrust these citizens to ships on
which arms are carried, which have
been sold to the enemies OF Ger
many, by American citizens for the
or German people. TO-
demand of Germany Ito let such YES:
sells pass unmlested would mean /,
to demand Of Germany to deliver
itself defenseless into the hands OF
its enemies
= If Germany would be forbidden to
sink English ships which, carry