New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-12
Wilson Waits for People
To Decide Foreign Policy

smallest thought that II was dis
patching an ultimatum and without
the least forethought of the con
sequences of such note, that IT made
no preparation and gave no thought
to the situation that would result II
Germany failed TO accept the ultima
tum promptly and wholly.
In the mind5 of these men the Lusi-
tania episode came to Washington as
an unforeseen catastrophe and found
them destitute of all resource TO meet
it. But Immediately the political as
pect began to exercise q dominant in
! fiuence. Promptly Mr.. Wilson was sd-
vised from many quarters of the coun-
| try that the one important thing was
to maintain peace. and that "he kept
the country out Of war" would be an
all sufficient watchword for the next
campaign.
This portion of Washington believes
that the question Of domestic politics
has exercised and Is exercising bane-
full influence upon the conduct OF for
egn affairs. This view was summed
up by one critic thus! at is difficult
to assume posture Of self-defence
when you are keeping one ear to the
ground"
There Is an unmistakable tendency
discoverable here to credit the admin
istration with an eagerness to find each
/ German explanation satisfactory and
to make IL az easy as possible for Ger
many to continue to make explana-
lions.
The shadow OF Bryan is thought by
many to rest heavy over Washington
still shadow temporarily. banished
| by counter offensive OF Colonel
Roosevelt. These are the reefs be-
/ tween which the Wilson administra-
/ ton Is credited with endeavoring to
steer its course.
| Here, as elsewhere. there is unmis-
/ taxable bitterness In many quarters
among those who recall the more Wig
orous foreign policy Of other admins
J trations. I'VE are too proud to fight,
too big to hide. and so we shall have
to 90 on playing the innocent by
stander"-this is a typical comment.
Mexican Ghost Constant Visitor.
But, after all, it is the Mexican ghost
which has been and remains most fatal
to the administrations hold upon the
confidence Of Washington In its Ger
man negotiations. The INDIGESTION, hest
tation, rash advance and ignominious
retreat in this case return to shatter
faith at the most critical moments in
the present difficulty. II there had been
no Mexico, no "watchful waiting"
which continue to be waiting, there
would not be 1.-THE Of the doubt and
/ distrust that exists here to-day and is
one Of the most striking details in the
situation.
Official Washington, to balance the
counter currents, insists that the ad-
ministration is waiting for the country,
but waiting with the determination 70
sacrifice no essential point of national
honor in the meantime; that il has a
I policy and purpose. Unofficial and
unfriendly Washington insists that
peace at any price is the dominant idea,
that the political questions are con-
trolling, that there is no policy but
opportunism.
Last night, when the Dumba case was
fresh in mind, the strong policy that
seemed assured silenced the doubters.
But tonight they are in full voice
again; the developments of the day are
| accepted by them as one more evidence
that the avoidance of war is the main
concern of the government and that
more notes, more opportunities for Ger
many, are TO be allowed. As to any real
German consent to live within the law,
neither the friends nor the foes Of the
administration look for this.