New Britain herald., 1915-06-12

those who took sides. I feel well .4 ~, Il acquainted with the European nrn American to believe that in a var between this country and any European power the nayuraIized cfti- ;ens from that country would be as quick to enlist as native born citizens. Al; am now speaking to German Americans I am glad to repeat in
 public what I have often said in pri-
 vate. and would have said in public before but forsthe factsthat 1t would
 rot have been proper TOT one in my
 official position to do so--namely, that
 in case of war between the United
 States and Germany--if 50 improbable q supposition can be Considered German Americans would be as
 prompt to enlist and as faithful to the flag as any other portion of our people. What have said in regard to German-Americans Is an ,introduc- ton to all appeal which I feel it my duty to make to them.
 Appeal to German Americans.
 First: If any of them have ever ln a moment of passion or excitement suspected the president or lack of neu- trality or lack of friendship toward
 
 nan people, lot that thought be for sotten, never again to be recalled. I have, since my resignation, received numerous telcgrams, from German Americans and German American societies commenting my action: I think the senders of these telegrams understand my position, but that no enc may mistake 1t, let me re-state it. The president is not only desirous of peace. but he hopes for it and he has adopted the methods which he thinks most likely to contribute toward reace. My difference from him is as to method, not as to purpose and my Ltterances since .resignlng have been intended to crystalize public sentiment in support of his efforts to maintain peace, or. to use a familiar phrase peace with honor.' BuI remember that whom I use the phrase peace with honor.' I do, not use 1t in the same sense that those do who regard every opponent of war as favoring peace at any price Peace at any price is an epithet, nor d true state- ment of anyone's position, or of the policy of any group. The words are employed by jingoes as an expression ct contempt and are applied indis- criminateIy to all who nave faith in the nations ability to find a peaceful way out of every difficulty. so long as 10th nations want peace. The alarm ists of the country have had control of the metropolitan press and they have loudly proclaimed that the pro- longation of negotiations or the sug- Eestion of international investigation would be a sign of weakness-and everything is weakness that does not contain a hint of war. The jingo sees in the rainbow of promise only one color. red.
 Duty to Help Secure Peace.
 Second: Knowing that the presi dent desires peace. it is your duty to help him to secure it. and how? By exerting your influence to convince the German government of this fact and to persuade that government to take no steps that would lead in the direction of war. My fear has been that the German government might, dAspairing of a friendly settlement, break off diplomatic relations, and thus create a, condition out of which war might come without the inten- tion of either country. I do not ask you to minimize the earnestness of the presidents statement--that would be unfair. The sinking of the Lusi- tania cannot be defended upon the facts as we understand them. The killing of innocent women and chill dren cannot be justified, whether the killing is by drowning or starving; no nation can successfully plead the in- humanity of her enemies as an excuse for inhumanity on her own part. {e f,.s.o o 1n1fS iw ur If fn beget cruelty, it cannot be said that like curse like Even in war we are not absolved from the obligation to remedy evils by the influence of good example. Let your lights so shine is precept that knows no times nor seasons as it knows neith- CT latitude nor longitud e.>
 Demands Upon Great Britain.
 Third: Do not attempt to connect the negotiations which are going on between the United States and Ger many with those between the United States and Great Britain. The cases are different. but even if they were the same, 1t would be necessary to treat with each nation separately. My personal preference has been to re- peat our insistence that the allies shall not interfere with our commerce with neutral countries, but the differ ence on this point was a matter of judgment and not matter of princi- pie. Tn the note to Great Britain, dated March 30, this government said:
 Tn view of these assurances for mally given to this government, it 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 a manner as to modi- fy in practical application those pro-