South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-07-07
LAWFUL SUBMARINE WARFARE.


pie received the news OF the sinking
OF the Armenian ought 10 be a final
proof to Germany OF the spirit Of fair
ness that prevails n the United states.
In this case there were many Ameri-
can citizens killed. But there was no
roar Of Indignation from the American
press or public. no denunciation Of
Germany no call for punishment or
rsprisaI The American attitude to-
ward submarine warfare had changed
in no respect, but the case was differ
ent from those which had led pre-
viously 10 our universal condemnation
OF the German admiralty and inspired
our demand for the reform of its war
methods.
The death Of the American citizens
on the Armenian was lamentable. but
II seems 10 have been caused by no
German breach OF the law OF nations.
The Armenian, which had the rating
OF a private merchant ship, though
used as a. transport for army mules,
had sailed from an American port as
100 other ships had, carrying like
cargoes. She was technically in the
same class as the Lusitania and the
Falaba. though she carried no pas
sengers. Her cargo was contraband.
II was subject 10 destruction or con-
fiscation by the allies enemies, and
so was the ship. which flew the Brit
ish flag. But the enemy, under the
international rules whose sanctity our
government has steadily upheld. was
bound 10 make no attack without
warning. and bound TO give the crew
a chance TO escape if he destroyed the
ship.
This plainly seems TO have been
done. There was no ambuscade. as
in the case Of the LEsitania and Fa-
laba There was no assassination.
The vessel was warned by a shot
across her bow. according TO naval
usage. 10 stop and surrender. Instead,
she turned and ran. Thereupon the
submarine Sxed upon her, and con-
tinued firing until she was disabled
and compelled TO surrender The tor
pedo that sank the ship was not fired
until the crew had taken 20 the boats.
In one of Pres't Wilson's notes to
Germany he pointed out that nothing
but actual forcible resistance or con
tinued efforts to escape by flight when
ordered to stop for the purpose Of
visit on the part of the merchantmen
has ever been held 70 forfeit the lives
OF the passengers and crew" In this
case it was the Armenian continued
efforts TO escape by flight when or
dered TO stop" that brought death to
so many of her sailors and muleteers,
both British and American. The sub
marine captain acted as the command
er OF any warship Of any belligerent
might have acted under the circum-
stances
If the death of those American
muIeteers is TO be blamed on anybody.
of the ship. The Americans aboard
mad entrusted their lives TO him. In
an effort To save the ship and the
mules. ne threw away the lives of the
men Thus If we have any grievance
IL is against Grea: Britain, which in
directly is responsible for the cap
tains conduct
England may protest that her ex-
perience with the ruthIessness of Ger
man submarines has given her mer-
chantmen no recourse except TO at
tack them or run away from them, If
she would save the lives of those on
board. But such reasoning doesn't
seem 10 apply in this case At any
rate. England should recognize that
she owes il 90 herself and 10 the neu-
trail world 10 try 10 come TO an under
standing with Germany and to meet
her half way when German command
ers act in compliance with the law.