The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1915-06-17

y ..
Both Sides Criticise Wilson.
Tho president has been unjustly
criticised by the partisans of both
sides-the very best evidence of his
neutrality. If he had so conducted
the government as to wholly please
either side it would, excite not only
establishment, but misgivings, for
partisans cannot give unbiased judg-
ment; they will of necessity look at
the question from their own point OF
ling to the act regardless of it's real
with which they have aligned them
selves.
| "The fact that the administration
has received more criticism from Ger
man-Amercans than from those in
sympathy with the allies is due to the
fact that while both sides are at lib
erty, under international law, to pur-
chase ammunition in the United
States the allies, because of the con-
troll of the seas, have the advantage
of being able to export it. 1t is UNI
fortunate that partisan supporters of
Germany should have overlooked the
legal requirements of the situation
and have thus misunderstood the po-
sition Of the administration.
Administration Neutral.
"The administration position has
not only been perfectly neutral, but
it could not have been otherwise
without a palpable and intentional
violation of the rules governing neu-
trality. This government is not at
liberty to materially change the rules
Of international law during the war
because every change suggested is
discussed, not upon it's merits as an
abstract proposition, but according to
the effect it will have upon the con-
test
Those who wanted to lay an en-
barge upon the shipment of arms de-
Tended their position on the ground
that it would hasten peace, but it is
strange that they could have over
looked the fact that the only way in
which such action on our part could
hasten peace would have been by
helping one side to overcome the
other.
Attacks Unjust.
"W'hile the attacks made upon
the president by the extremists OF
both sides were very Unjust, it was
equally unjust to suspect the patriot
ism of those who took sides.
Il feel well enough acquainted
with the European-born Americans
to believe that in war between this
country and any European power,
the naturalized citizens from that
country would be as quick to enlist
as native born citizens.
''As I am now speaking to Ger
man-Americans l am glad to repeat
in public what / have often said in
private, and would have said in pub
lie before but for the fact that it
would not have been proper for one
in my official position to do so,
namely, that in case of war between
so impossible supposition can be
would be as prompt to enlist and as
faithful to the flag as any other por-
ton Of our people.
Makes Appeal.
"What have said in regard to the
German-Americans is an introduce
ton to an appeal which feel it my
duty to make to them.
'First-If any of them have ever
in moment of passion or excitement
suspected the president of lack of
neutrality or lack of friendship to-
ward the German government and
the German people, let that thought
be forgotten, never again to be re-
called.
81 have, since my resignation, re-
ceived kilograms from German
and German-American So
cieties commencing my action.
think the senders of these kilograms
understand my position, but that no
one may mistake it let me restate it.
"The president is not only DESTROYS
of peace, but he hopes for it and he
has adopted the methods which he
thinks most likely to contribute to-
ward peace. My difference from his
is as to method, not as to purpose,
and my utterances since resgning
have been intended to crystalize pub
lie sentiment in support of his eff
forts to maintain peace, or, to use a
familiar phrase, peace with honor
Not Peace at Any Price.
"But remember, that when l use
the phrase peace with honor do
not use it 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; not true statement of any
ones position, or of the policy of any
group. The words are Nemployed by
jingoes as an expression Of contempt
and are applied unfortunately to
all who have faith in the nations
ability to find a peaceful way out OF
syery difficulty SO long as both ma
tons want peace.
The alarmists of the country have
had control Of the metropolitan press
and they have loudly proclaimed that
the prolongation of negotiations or
the suggestion of international in
vestigation would be sign of weak
ness land every thing is weakness
that does not contain a hint of war.
The lingo sees in the rainbow of
promise only one color--red.
Duty to Help President.
Second that the presi-
dent desires peace it is my duty to
help him secure it-and how? BY
exerting your influence to convince
the German government of this fact