The Washington herald., 1915-02-12
Firm Stand for American Rights.

Every American who loves his country and its
traditions will feel a cheer in his heart for his
President today. On the anniversary of the birth
OF the great Lincoln and fifty years after he the
towering figure in the nations mighty tragedy,
passed from the stage the people arc given new
assurance that their honor and their rights are
in the strong, firm hands of President determined
to safeguard them from violation by the nations of
Europe seeking each others destruction.
The warning sent to Germany of the results
that inevitably would follow the taking of Amer-
by German warships is the most momentous act
of President Wilson's administration 1t was taken
after careful dclibcration with complete reali-
zaton of the consequences that arc possible. Re-
moved from its envelope of polite diplomatic
phrases message to Germany is this: Ii an
American life is lost or an American ship de-
stroycd by the action Of the German navy the
United States will regard it as an act OF war and
will accept the challenge. We have made our
meaning clear; there can be no misunderstanding
With the warning to Germany there goes for
ward message to Great Britain, pointing out the
''SN' ~ iIN"'i SllipPlIS bNdl must SSull IL INC
use OF the American flag by British ships is to
become a practice. While Great Britain's rights
in this respect are neither conceded nor disputed
at this time, she is reminded that a measure of
responsibility would upon her in the event OF
loss OF American lives ships One sentence in
the note to Great Britain emphasizes peculiarly
interesting phase Of the whole situation. Referring
to the German admiralty's proposed naval cam
Paign in British waters, the note declares that the
general display OF the American flag by British
ships under such circumstances could, "it seems
clear afford protection to British vessels while
it would be serious and constant menace to the
lives of American citizens" The truth of this
assertion is obvious aud it at brings TO mind
the fact that should Great Britain give this coun-
try assurance OF full compliance with its wishes,
it will have the effect OF greatly simplifying the
situation between her enemy, Germany and the
United States. On the other hand should Ger
many yield to our representations without reserve
and abandon her dangerous campaign against
merchant ships England would find a much
reader answer TO this government 1t is a situa-
ton suggesting holding off and a studied spar
ring for time advantage by the bclligcrcnts. But
for the extreme gravity OF the issues involved it
would be contest in diplomacy OF absorbing in
tcrcst Germany in her memoranda OF last week
February IS as the beginning Of the
period OF danger for neutral shipping Develop
ments OF importance before that date are, there
lore, not to be expected.
There can be no denying that the situation
confronting Germany is fraught with far greater
possibilities than beset Englands position. There
will be surprise anywhere il His Majestys
government decides upon full test OF the right
OF its ships to fly neutral flag at any time
leaving its enemy to find his own way out OF
dangerous waters
In this country there will only be profound
satisfaction at the firm and statesmanke stand
OF President Wilson.