New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-12

that would lead in the direction OF
war. NV fear has been that the Ger
man government might, despalring OF
a friendly settlement, break of dlplo-
matte relations, and thus create con-
dition out of which war might come
without the intention OF either country.
81 do not ask you TO minimize the
earnestnesS of the Presidents state
mant That would be unfair, both TO
him and to Germany. The sinking OF
the Lusitania cannot be defended upon
the facts as we understand them. The
killing Of innocent women and children
cannot be justified, whether the killing
is by drowning or starving. No nation
can successfully plead the inhumanity
of her enemies as an excuse for inhu-
manity on her own part. While 1t IS
true that cruelty is apt to beget
cruelty, it cannot be said that like
cures. like Even in war we are not
absolved from the obligation TO remedy
evils by the influence of a good eX-
ample. Let your light so shine is a
precept that knows no times nor sea-
sons, as it knows neither latitude nor
longitude.
"Third-Do not attempt to connect
the negotiations which are going on be-
tween the United States and Germany
with those between the United States
and Great Britain. The cases are diff
ferent but even if they were the same
it would be necessary TO treat with
each nation separately. My personal
preference has been TO repeat our in
sistence that the Allies shall not inter
fere with our commerce with neutral
countries, but the difference on this
point was a matter of judgment and
not a matter of principle. In the note
to Great Britain, dated March 80 this
government said:
"In view Of these assurances for
mally given to this government, il is
/ confidently expected that the extensive
powers conferred by the Order in
{ Council on the executive officers Of the
Crown will be restricted by "orders
issued by the government directing
the exercise OF their discretionary
powers in such manner as to modify
in practical application those provi-
sons of the Order in Council which,
if strictly enforced, would violate neu-
trail rights and interrupt legitimate
trade. Relying on the faithful per
Torrance of these voluntary assur-
ances by his majesty's government,
the United States takes il for granted
that the approach of American mer-
chantmen to neutral ports situated
upon the long line of coast affected by
the Order in Council will not be inter-
fered with when il is known that they
do not carry goods which are contra
band of war, or goods destined 10 or
proceeding from ports within the bell
llgerent territory affected
To Make II Easy for Germany.
There is no doubt that cur govern
ment will insist upon this position. That
is an important thing. The exact date
Of the note is not material. My reason
for desiring TO have the matter pre-
I sented to Great Britain al once was
not that Germany had any right 70 ask
It. but because ] was anxious 10 make
IT as easy RS possible for Germany to
accept the demands OF the United
States and cease to employ sub
marines against merchantmen. There
is no reason why any Commandments
can should doubt the Presidents in
tentions in this matter.
u am sure that every one, upon re-
fection, recognizes that our duty to
prevent loss of life is more urgent
than our duty to prevent interference
with trade. Loss of trade can be COM
pensated with money, for no settle
nent that the United States and Ger
many may reach can call back 10 life
those who went down with the Lusi-
tsnia-and war would be the most ex.
pensive OF settlements. because it