The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1915-06-10
IT'S GRAVE EVENT
Germany Must Regard Ser
iously Withdrawal of Offic-
ial Who Was Pledged
to Prevent War,

Washington, ID. C.-After two
years and three months as secretary
of state little more than half of the
Wilson nstration---Secretary
Bryan today returned to private life.
His departure from the cabinet UNI
der sensational circumstances be-
cause he could not join in approval
OF the note to Germany Or reconcile
its principles to the cause which he
declared to be nearest his heart
the prevention of war"-developed
not only a most unusual situation in
the domestic politics of the United
States, but also a grave turn in it's
foreign policy.
Staunch in his advocacy of peace
and firmly set against any communi
cation to Germany which might in
volve the United States in war,
Bryan found himself opposed not
only by President Wilson, but by a
majority of the members of the cab
met as to the methods of dealing
with the situation
Profess Same Purposes. -.
The president, in his letter express
ing regret over Bryan's resignation
said he was not separating himself
from Bryan in the objects sought in
the present crisis but only in the
method by which they were to be
accomplished. Wilson and his advis-
ers are equally anxious to prevent
war but in asserting the rights of
the United States they hold it to be
absolutely necessary to affirm the
American position III such way as
to leave no doubt abroad as to the
firm intention OF the United States
to enforce its rights if necessary to
secure protection for American citi-
zcns on the high seas.
Wilson Went Farther.
Officials and diplomats who have
followed the situation very closely
pointed out that the president stood
with Bryan in tho doing of every
thing possible to prevent war, but
believed it necessary also to be ready
for eventualities in case Germany re
fused to acquiesce in the American
point of view as to neutral rights on
the high seas and continued her at
tacks on American lives and vessels.
Through his friends, it is learned
that Bryan intends to continue his
political support of the president He
has given Wilson such assistance
through his influence in congress
heretofore ana plans to go on with
the work for the maintenance of
Democratic policies.
Removes Foe of War.
The outstanding feature, however,
of the situation. is the effect OF
Bryan's resignation on the relations
between the United States and Ger
many. Heretofore, there have been
many intimations from official
sources in Berlin, that the viewpoint
of the United States, as expressed
in the note sent, could not be taken
seriously because of the knowledge
that Bryan was committed against
drastic measures. In one of his
speeches Bryan had said that wnlle
he was secretary of state there never
could be war. His withdrawal at
critical moment over the very ques-
ton of adopting firm and vigorous
policy is regarded In Official and oip-
lomatic circles here as likely to pro-
duce q profound impression on the
German government.
In the closing hours of his admin
istration, Bryan bade farewell 10
his associates in the state department
looked after same minor executive
questions, received newspaper cor
RESPONDENTS and made tour o.
the state, war and navy buildings 10
call informally on his colleagues. He
turned over the affairs of his oflce
to Lansing at 1 p. m. AS TO MS per
sonal plans for the future, bryal
said none had been formulated anc
that he expected to remain In WASH
ington for short time.
Washington, D. C.-Robert Lans
in counselor of the state department
today received his formal appoint
ment as secretary of state ad interim
AfYectionate Farewell to Wilson.
Bryan, after leaving the state dc
n,rtment. where he bade farewell U
the office staff, went to the Whit
House where he was received by tn
nresideut For fifteen mintues, tn
president and Bryan talked. es
changed words of farewell.
The secretary was making his las
official call on the president, bu
nevertheless the personal elemen
was present.
Cordially and without any trace Q
feeling the two men talked of tn
situation which resulted in Bryan
resignation. Each spoke dispassior
stely Of their differences and OF hi
belief that the other man was doin
what he thought best for the Unite
States. Those who saw them wei
touched by the regard the two me
displayed for each other.
Finally, Bryan remarked that h
knew the president was busy MAJ
and that he W0uld not delay hi