Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1915-06-04
GERMANY REPLIES TO
NOTE OF UNITED STATES

due consideration, the Imperial Government Of Ger
many has made reply to Americas note bearing upon
neutral rights in the so-called war-zone, established by
the former. about the English Isles.
The reply does not meet the demands Of Presi-
dent Wilson's communication nor answer the require
ments of this country.
1t is evasive indefinite, and too much inclined to
dodge the issues involved in the situation created by
the arbitrary action Of the German Government,
which are so plainly pointed out in the note OF Presi'
dent Wilson, and to which he, with honest thought and
logical conclusion, directed that Governments attention
employing clear-cut sentences, composed OF words
burning with emphasis, and which need nothing to
strengthen their force and logic and aptness in convey
ine his meaning.
What course Mr.. Wilson will now pursue we, Of
course, know not.
We can only conjecture as to it; but the BEACON
is of the opinion he will deal with the conditions
promptly and with a degree Of decorum, dignity and
decision to leave no room for real doubt in the mind
Of any one as to his determination to do all that is
demanded by wisdom, patriotism and the highest
order of courage.
We do not in the least doubt he will assert boldly,
and firmly affirm, the rights of neutral nations in GEN
eral and will, with ample discriminative particularly,
maintain and vindicate-announce, uphold and make
certain Americas purpose to compel a proper OBJ
servance and respect for the rights Of American citi-
zens everywhere, whether in peace circles or war-zones,
on land or sea.
A discussion Of the contentious In Germanys
note is scarce worth while.
Mr.. Wilson's demands in behalf of the neutral
rights Of his fellow countrymen having been so com
pletely ignored, 1t seems 1t is now o%pportune for TIT
United States Government. to issue its ultimatum to thu
effect that the rule of International law, requiring
bellieerents to board merchant vessels and take neces-
sary steps to save lives of non-combatants, and espec-
tally those of allegiance to neutral countries shall
in letter and spirit, be strictly observed, before such
vessels may be sunk,
Should Germany take the position that that is
impossible or impracticable with submarines, and insist
upon it, then she should be told in no uncertain
terms that submarines must not be used to sink mer-
chant ships because" as Senator John Sharp VIII
liams tersely put sit, they admittedly cannot comply
with international obligations
The time has arrived when this Government must
neither temporize nor permit temporizing in dealing
with the situation
1t has grown too ugly for dilatOry p~arleying.
The occasion has come when it should be borne in
mind that
Tender handed stroke a nettle.
And it stings you for your pains,
Grasp it like u man of mettle,
And it soft as silk remains"
the issue is clear cut and has been drawn so in
t~ellieently, with such nicely drawn distinctions and
steady hand, by Mr.. Wilson in his first note, naught
seems to be left him now, other than r~eiteration of and
standing pat upon the enunciation then made. Any
further sign of h~eSitancy on the part Of the Imperial
Government of Germany to comply with the demands
there expressed should be met with such spirit and in
such a manner as convincingly to manifest the fact
that no traitorous doubts or craven fears to attempt
will be permitted to make America lose sight of the
right thing to do or deter her from promptly doing that
thing.
If it is the wish or purpose of the German en-
pire to dily daily in a play for time, or to defy our well
defined rights as a neutral power under international
law, then the sooner our diplomatic relations with her
are severed and whatever else may follow that meas
IRE, the better for us, and the peace of the word, it
will be.
WORLD. WIDE MISERY INCREASING
Conditions a~vervwhoro thrN,ohout Tho nv .Jd