The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-05-15
PEACE WITH HONOR.


Sxiea supports President wilson's note now
|ESe hands of the German Government That
does no; contain single idle threat or
~ one super1uous charge. II states our po-
lS ana declares what action or line OF &C
Z "a the part OF Germany we will accept.
~ GermHny's to choose what future relation
EV~fy have with the United States. with the
Srnnce thai this nation will not omit any
or any act necessary TO the performance
" sacred duty of maintaining the rights OF
United States and its citizens" That Is
En snectac nor a general threat II Is
%ation OF position so clear and unmistakaeie
th~ Germar Government cannot fail to un-
Ind the stern determination behind the
. The position Of the United States
~. .~aiiahIe In every statement made we
within our rights.
1xeral new elements In the situation are
E0Iuced by the Presidents note. In the first
~ ~ placas on Germany the burden Of de-
fHS me future relations between the coun-
that ad, antage for us should not be over
IN
1nid down what are really two new deela'
- If urfaciples One Of these Is that as II
kke.Snciusively shown that submarines cannot
y any sort OF regard for sacred principles
~. rar nm merchantmen, the submarine &C
~ Of Germany against merchantmen must
3Ekecessity cease Another new statement OF
zion. although not OF principle, Is that In
~ war American citizens have full rights
Nv where they please in the pursuit OF their
Sfness and that their Government will pro
Z them in that right
Finally. and by no means least, the President
!. orslined what action will he acceptable &c
1. gs,xerrmcnt ana what stand we will talks
the event of Germanys refusal to comply
kh onr views.
what might Germany be expected 70 DO!
nv should she avoid and why should sh'
p war with u.s. We must confess that white
1Ehave all to lose and nothing 10 gain by wal
.ituation with Germany is almost exactly
II war were declared against III
90 would be In the frst place no neutral Of
sfent power to protest against her suoma
7S noa,cy. which alone OF her naval operations
nroyeu effective. In the second place sh'
Sna that shipments OF war supplies IRON
country to the allies will slacken because
I'D for furnishing forces OF our own. She
5&rreaNy no far unbalanced on the sea thai
- additions cannot do much greater harm
Il Kor. while the lessening OF shipments o.
is Europe and the necessarily long time
those arms could be sent over in tbs
n American troops viii give her some
from the pressure Of the allies
~ allies. TOO, have much to gain from oui
efuation with them. First and foremos
0nr financial resources Allied newspaper
rs hesitation in asserting the eagernes'
&xefr Eovcrnments to secure access to tn
states treasury and money market. oul
support they believe can be invaluable
" With us the situation Is far different
80 now at peace and have maintained
serccsss our position Of neutrality towards
Salfxerents save as they have made such ar
SHs impossible. That our people, the grea
SUf our people. earnestly desire 10 remain
naee we do not believe can be disputed
Vtrvs~snr trusts we may continue TO bc a
that a. President Wilson expressed II
my and all others may zee that we ar
&2Sr righ. that 10 is not necessary to fgh
80 We are right"
xnnnot believe that any nation is 20 com
....A>r fbn A,Tntp anee NJ militia STR an N
1nsde all right. all justice, in the mad de
min .ts ends. II Is our hope and belief
- course that will be chosen by Ger
Nfii be like that OF Wilson. consistent
SAonor and peaceful. Let the people o
~ retain their selfcontroi and their hu
= that the future may be met viii
IN confidence OF right conduct and ciea