The Elbert County tribune., 1915-05-21

washington. - President Wilson's
note to Germany informs the Kaiser's
government that the United States
VIII leave nothing undoue to obtain
compliance with its request that
Germany adhere to the International
rules OF warfare when attacking mer-
chant ships on the high seas. The
note is regarded here as the strongest
representation that the United States
possibly could make with reference to
the sinking of the Lusitania and the
Gulflight and other offenses affecting
America.
1t so thoroughly covers the aspects
OF the controversy and so emphatical-
ly states the position OF the United
States and its intention to insist upon
its demands that the note is consid-
cred little short of an ultimatum.
One and only one. loophole is left
to Germany, by which she may back
down from her policy of attacking
vessels without warning.
The note suggests that It is possible
that the commanders OF German sub
marines have acted without instruc-
tions and that instructions 10 them in
accordance with the American note
will end the practices complained of,
Summary of Wilson Note.
The principal points in President
Wilson's note to the German govern
ment substantially are as follows:
One-the United States government
calls attention to the various incidents
in the war zone proclaimed by Ger
many around the British isles, the
sinking of the British liner Falaba,
with the loss of Leon C. 9'hresher, an
American; the attack by German air
men on the American steamer Cush-
ing, the torpedoing without warning
of the American steamer Gulflight,
flying the Stars and Stripes, and final
ly, the torpedoing without warning of
the Lusitania with its loss OF more
than thousand lives of non-comba-
tants, among them more than 100
Americans.
Two-These acts are declared to be
indefensible under international law.
The United States points out that It
never admitted Germany's right to do
them. and warned the imperial govern
ment that 1t would be held to strict
accountability for attacks on Amer
lean vessels or lives. A strict account
ing, therefore, is now asked from Ger
many.
Three-The usual financial repara-
tion will be sought. although Germany
is in effect reminded that no repara-
tion can restore the lives of those sac
rificed in the sinking of the Lusitania
and other ships.
Four-Expressions of regret may
comply with the legal precedents. but
they are valueless unless accompanied
by cessation of the practices endan-
gering lives OF non-combatants.
Five-The right of neutrals to travel
any point of the high seas on neutral
or belligerent merchantmen is as
serted
Skin the name OF humanity and
International law. the United States
demands guarantee that these rights
will be respected, and that there be
no repetition of the attacks on mer
chantmen carrying non-combatants.
Seven-The giving of warning to
the American public without officially
communicating them to the United
States government is commented on in
connection with the German embassy's
printed advertisement before the sail
ing of the Lusitania, but irrespective
OF the failure to advise the American
government of Germany's purpose. the
point is made that notice of an inten-
ton to do an unlawful act neither JUS
titled nor legalized it.
Eight-The suggestion is conveyed
that the German government, OF
course, could not have intended to de-
stroy innocent lives, and that conse-
quently the German submarine com
manders must have misunderstood
their instructions. The American gov
ernment indicates its hope that this
will be found to be true, and cessa-
tion OF the unlawful practices thereby
Nine-In conclusion, Germany's at
tention is called to the earnestness OF
the government and and people of the
United States in this situation. IL is
made plain that the United States VIII
leave nothing undone. either in diplo-
matte representations or other action.
to obtain a compliance by Germany
TO the request made.