The Washington herald., 1915-05-14
The Note to Germany.

sent to Germany. The careful reader will be
periodically expcctant until he reaches the last
| two paragraphs and then he will be fatty disap-
pointed. 1t is unfinished note. 1t buzzcs and
looks venomous wasp until the'end is ex-
anined and it is found that the sting has been
withdrawn The whole American people will sup
port their Presidents declaration; they would
have supported him with ten times more enthu-
siasm it, after expressing adherence OF the crime
of the Lustania and his and the peoples
view of what constitutes civilized and what un-
civilized warfare he hid appended a stern demand
that Germany should at once shape her course
to comply with those views But after telling
the United States believes anG thinks and feels,
here is the nearest approach to a message rcquir-
ing an answer from the German government
1t (the government OF the United States) con-
hdently expects therefore, that the Imperial Ger
man Government will dsavow the acts Of which
the Government of the United States complains,
that they will make reparation so far as repara-
ton is possible for injuries which are without
measure and that they will take immediate step,
subversive of the principles OF warfare for which
the Imperial German Government have in the
past wisely and firmly contcnded.
The note, is we'll known, was written by
President Wilson. 1t does not need the signature
Bryan to suggest that another brain and hand
than Woodrow Wilson's concocted the last two
feeble paragraphs. But for these the note would
have become a famous State paper in the worlds
history As it is it leaves the way open for pro-
longed diplomatic exchanges that Germany will
take full advantage Of We Confidently expect"
and that is all 1--WE emphatcally demand" would
better have satisfied nation that for week has
been sitting its indignation.
And yet, in the setting forth OF the country'i
position the President leaves nothing to be desired.
We have observed Germanys warfare merchant
shipping with growing concern, distress and
amazement" assume that the German govern
ment accepts "thc rule that the lives OF noncom-
batants whether they be OF neutral citizenship or
citizens OF one OF the nations at war, cannot law
fully rghtfuy be put in jeopardy by the cap
turc destruction OF an unarmed merchantman;"
call attention with the utmost carnestness to
the fact that the objection to their present method
of attack against the trade OF their enemies lies in
the practical impoSsibility OF employing subma-
rines in the destruction OF commerce without dis
regarding those rules OF fairness reason, justice
and humanity, which all modern opinion regards
Imperative" assert the right OF American
citizens to take passage merchant ships, of
belligerent nationality without endangering their
lives, and can not believe that the command
ers OF the vessels which committed these acts OF
lawlesSneSs did except under misapprehen
sion OF the orders issued by the Imperial German
naval authorities. And finally: The Imperial
Government will pot expect the Government of the
United States to omit any word any act neces-
sary to the performance OF its sacred duty OF
maintaining the rights OF the United States and
its citizens and OF safeguarding their free exer
else and enjoyment.
1t is a dignihed and scholarly presentation OF
convictions. but it lacks the force OF The
strict accountability note OF February 10,
which has been contemptuousy set at naught-
because it merely suggests and does not even ask
In suggestion it goes further than might have
been expected, with reference to the safeguarding
OF the lives of all noncombatants, whether OF
or bclliccrent nations, and with reference
to the practical imposSibity OF employing sub
marines in warfare commerce without disrc-
garding the laws of humanity Bit to most OF
government, naturally will be that it docs not
concur.
There !, scarcely the iancst note OF hostility
in the note; ii certainly contains nothing in which
the whole American people cannot heartily con-
cur. Something hrmer and sterner was required
to win their entire appreciation. There is almost |
nothing for Germany agree TO reject. The
has hccn laid for diplomatic exchanges /,
that will last until Congress meets. In the mean
time what may not happen upon the seas: