New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-13
Won BernstorR's Indiscretions.

It is hard to explain Count Won Bern
storff's diplomatic indscretions except on
the theory that he is trying TO force this
government to ask for his recall. The
manner in which he gave out for publca-
ton the memorandum recently presented
by him to Secretary Bryan was in itself
an affront TO the United States. Count
Won Bernstorff must have known that UNI
less that document had the approval of
the Foreign Office in Berlin he was I'M
perilling his status here by preparing and
publishing it.
II it expressed his personal ideas only
it was bald attempt to array public
opinion in this country against the neu-
trality policy of tie administration-an
attempt which no administration could toll
crate. That must have been evident to
anybody with diplomatic experience. Yet
in giving the memorandum to the press
the German Ambassador refrained from
indicating that it was presented here UNI
der instructions from Berlin and left the
public to infer that it was, and was in
tended to be, an appeal on his part from
the American government to the American
people.
Count Won Bernstorff is accredited to
the government of the United States and
is bound by the rules of international in
torcourse to deal exclusively with the gov
eminent. He is not privileged to interfere
in domestic politics or to discuss differ
ences of opinion. existing or supposed to
exist, between the government and the
people He may not openly intrigue with
domestic factions or use the press to create
sentiment hostile to the policies Of The ad-
lninistration. But the memorandum just
published, if it was not a communication
directly authorized by the German govern
ment, offended in all these respects against
diplomatic ethics and made its author
liable to the penalty of dismissal or recall
II is now -unofficially or
semi ofiicially-that the Won Bernstorff
communication did actually have the sane
ton of the German government. If that
is so. the Ambassador cannot be held re
sponsibe for the matter Of it. But he
remains responsible for the unfortunate
manner in which what appeared to be an
Legitimate challenge of the administra-
TONS capacity and sincerity was issued.
The form which that challenge took in
Mondays newspapers may have given
pleasure to the small minority in this
country which is eager to aid Germany at
sacrifice Of all other considerations. But
it was bound to excite the resentment Of
the vast majority, determined while the
war lasts, to subordinate all alien inter,
osts to the interests Of the United States.
The country has always stood behind the
government in demanding a strict observ-
ance by foreign diplomats of the principle
of non-interference in domestic affairs.
From Genet, the most fragrant of all Of
tenders, down to Catacazy and Sackvile-
West, we have never brooked attempts to
90 behind the President and the State De
partment and work on the susceptibiities
of the public. Even when the adminstra-
tiOn was most out of touch with the nation
the principle remained unquestioned.
ltSluIuJ NltNCldHu Nlu HIS DeSl-OT
worst-in 1893-'95 to upset the provisional
republican government of Hawaii and to
restore eX-Queen Liliuokaani to the
throne. Probably 90 per cent of the Amer.
lean people were against restoration. But
when the Hawaiian Minister here, Mr.
Thurston, attempted to stimulate opposi-
ton TO the Presidents course his recall
was demanded and the country conceded
that that punishment was fully justified
Count Won BernStorlf has had many
temptations to engage IN a similar agita-
ton. He may also think it worth while to
foment opposition to an administration
which on general grounds has lost popu-
larity. But whether it is popular or not, the
people are behind the present administra-
ton in insisting that foreign agents and
foreign interests keep out of the arena of
domestic politics. Count Won Bernstorff
should read up on the Sackvile-West and
ThurSton cases and also ponder the result
in the recent municipal election in Chicago.
The further he goes on the path which he
seems inclined to follow the worse it will
be for him personally and for Germany's
case in this country.