The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1915-05-15
THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE

To the slaughter of the innocents in
Belgium and in Poland has been
added the slaughter of the innocents
on the Lusitania :.
This last massacre violates all pre-
vious law of the seas It accords with
the law of the seas recently promul-
gated by the German government and
announced by it in American news
paper advertisement a week ago to-
day, the morning on which the Lusi-
tania sailed. Whether the American
government will acquiesce in this new
German law of the seas is question
which will agitate all American
hearts today, and all days until the
decision is announced.
- A mere formal protest in words, an
exchange Of: notes between the state
department. and the German embassy,
between Ambassador -. Gerard and
Wilhelmstrasse, amounts to nothing
but puff of wind, is tantamount to-
our acquiescence in Germany's new
laws or the, seas. Let us not for one
instant deceive ourselves as to that.
The alternative to words-action-
is fraught with consequences of in
calculable horror.
In the Lusitania's last manifest, on
file at the New York custom house,
appears the item. "5,470 cases of am
munition, valued at 5000, 900" There
was about half million dollars
worth of other contraband of war. On
these facts undoubtedly Germany. will
make such defense as, it makes.
We do not propose to weigh the
value Gf any of the defense as COM
pared with the evil of the deed.
That is function which belongs to
our official government, under the
leadership of President Wilson, and
which, in a crisis as grave as this
one, should belong exclusively to our
official government.
1t is not for any good American
now to cloud its counsels with un-
sought advice, or to attempt to force
it's decision. We can only stand and
wait, united in our determination to
enforce the will of our government,
whatever that may be.
Our country! In her intercourse
with foreign nations may she always
be in the right; but our country,
right or wrong"
THE CHICAGO HERALD
For Americans the important fact
is that there were large number of
American passengers aboard the Lu-
sitania and that a number have lost
their lives as result of. the torpedo
ing of the ship. And this possibility
at once raises the question Of the
meaning which this country may be
called on to give to the presidents
well-known words about "a strict ac-
liability for the loss Of American
lives. .::-.... 49,.
1t is true that these Americans
were aboard an enemy's ship. But
even neutral passengers aboard an
enemys merchant ships have rights
under the laws of nations which can
not yield to the supposed: exigenciea
Of submarine warfare, And among
these rights is that Of reasonable
regard for their lives and safety.
The idea that neutrals under such
circumstances have cut loose from all
protection Of international law is un-
tenable. .- ="
International law 'contemplates the
capture Of merchant vessels. IT con-
templates their destruction under GER
tain conditions. But it does not con-
template. provide for or justify des-
truction of the crews and passengers
OF such ships without giving them g.
chance for safety - . =. =
The. situation is full dangerous
Possibilities. -: !: e, 49, sE' - -:
NEW YORK SUM- ...... ..~. >
1t is proper to keep clearly in mind
the fact that the undersea attack on
the Lusitania is Of less Importance to
u.s., as an eve mt involving international
relations. than the recent sinking OF
the Falaba; that is, II it shall happily
prove true that all the American pas
sengers escaped with thei- lives. s.
II, on the contrary, any American
citizen died In consequence OF the tor
ped0ing Of the Lusitani the incid ent
sis an the class tlis tire Falaba ana
technica osse1sss snei thor more nor