New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-06
WITH OUR EYES OPEN.

Our neghbor The Tribune submits two
questions to "The World" which "The
World" takes pleasure in answering frankly;
Recalling the Strict Accountability note. recall
ing the note Of July ~, taking into consideration
the fact that that note has never been answered
and there is no apparent hope OF obtaining dis
avowal OF the Lusitania crime. does THE World
believe the United States should continue indeh-
nitey 10 maintain friendly relations with Ger
many?
Does It believe that the possibility that break
ing off relations might mean war should operate
10 prevent the cessation OF diplomatic relations
until such time the Lusitania crime Is dlsa-
vowed?
"The World" does not believe that the
United States should continue "indefrltely'
to maintain friendly relations with Germany
should it become apparent that there Is no
hope of obtaining a dsayowal Of the Lusl-
tania massacre. "The World" does believe
that diplomatic relations with Germany
should be maintained as long as reasonable
hope exists for a friendly and honorable
settlement.
As to the second question, II circumstances
call for the severance Of diplomatic rela-
tions the United States should and must
face the full consequences Of such action
Those consequences are war.
To sever diplomatic relations is TO aban-
don the only method by which "a disavowa'
Of the Lusitania crime" can be obtained.
Once we have taken that step we must DO
ready to take the next and final step, with
all that it implies.
The main thing is that whatever we DO
we must have a clear and definite under
standing of what we are doing Il = no
time to try to trick the American people
into setting forth upon line of policy whose
probable outcome is not made plain to them
in advance. II is no time for experimental
leaps in the dark.
"The Worlds" attitude in this matter Is
we'll stated in a letter which the late Paul
Fuller wrote last month TO Erving Winslow,
of Boston, and which we print by courtesy
of Mr.. Winslow:
am at one with you IN the hope 10 which
add the confident expectation that the Lusitans
incident Is closed and tAat some further de-
gree OF satisfaction win be eXacted OF Germany
beyond the disavowal and regret expressed by that
government with reference TO the Arabic Naleh
involved the issue.
The situation Of a private citizen. who has
little responsibility save the reprooi of his own
conscience. is vastly different from that o. the
official who, representing whole nation. must. 81
a consequence. subordinate his Individual views
20 the public opinion o. the country. Il Il thai
public opinion which I should like 10 influence. Or
see Influenced. In such manner that Il could De
a guide for our public servants and promise OF
Endorsement Of their action.
The fundamental mistake made by critics
like Mr.. Roosevelt and The Tribune is that
they think the issue of war or peace is or
ought to be in the hands of President re-
sponsible only 20 himself. God forbid that
that day should ever comel Even the Ger
man Emperor pretends to exercise no sueh
power as many Of the Presidents political
opponents have assaulted him for refusing e
usurp.
The question of continuing diplomatic re
lations with Germany is at present ques-
ton of fact and of judgment not of prin-
cip!e. Does the possibility still remain OF
obtaining a disavowal and reparatior for
the Lusitania massacre? II il does, how
much time ought the United States to give
Germany TO meet the demands made by the
President? To negotiate At all implies an
obligation TO keep on negotiating while
reasonable hope exists for a successful set
uement Of tho great issue In dispute.
This does not mean that we must negoti-
ate forever. II does not mean that we must
continue the negotiations without substan
tial grounds for believing that Germany Is
acting in good faith in processing to desire
a friendly settlement on terms consistent
with American honor. The day may soon
come when Congress may properly ask Tor
the deliberate and solemn judgment OF the
President Of the United States on the status
-. - hal
ever we do, let us DO it with our eyes open
This is no time for buster. 1t is no time
TO bluff =