New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-13

situation out of which war might come
without the intention of either side.
81 am sure that the President does
not want war and | am confident that
our people do not want war; have no
reason to believe that either the Ger
man government or the German people
desire war. But war, calamity at
any time, is especially to be avoided
now because our nation IS relied upon
by both neutrals and belligerents as
the one nation which can exert most
influence toward bringing this war TO
an end.
IF we were, by accident, to be drawn
into the conflict. we would not only
surrender the opportunity to act as
mediator, but we might become re-
sponsble for drawing other nations
into this contest. When we see how
one nation after another has been
dragged into this war, we cannot have
confidence in the ability Of any one to
calculate with certainty upon the re-
suits that might follow if we became
embroiled in the war.
"No one will be happier than II the
Presidents plan results in peaceful
settlement, but no one was in posi-
tion to say what effect our note would
have upon Germany or what results
would follow if she in anger broke on
diplomatic relations, and | was not
only unwilling to assume the RESPONSE
bility for the risks incurred-risks
which no ore could with any degree
of accuracy measure-but | felt that,
having done all ! could in the Cabinet.
it was my duty to undertake, outside
the Cabinet, the work upon which l
have entered.
81 have no doubt that the country
will unanimously support the Presi-
dent during the war, il so great mis-
fortune should overtake US, but | be-
!ieve that the chances of war will be
lessened in proportion as the country
expresses itself in favor of peace-not
peace at any price, but peace in pref
erence to a war waged for the redress
of such grievances as we have against
Germany, at least against war until
we have given to Germany the oppor-
tunity which we are pledged TO give to
Great Britain, France and Russia-to
have every difference of every charac-
ter submitted TO an international COM
mission of investigation.
81 would contend as earnestly for
the application of the treaty principle
TO the Allies as | contend for it in the
case OF GeIWdHy. II IHc plluSlplc 10
sound it ought to be applied to every
country with which we have a differ
ence, and x il ought 20 be applied at
all | think it is better to suggest it in
the beginning than to accept it later
after a seeming reluctance to apply 1t.
81 understand that Secretary Lansing
has already given out a statement cor
recting an inaccuracy which appeared
in this mornings papers. ! appreciate
his kindness. 1t is true that saw the
final draft Of the note just before my
resignation took effect, but il con-
tanned an important change. ! had no
knowledge of this change at the time
my resignation was rendered and &C
cepted. This change, while very much
softening the note, was not, however.
sufficient, in my judgment, TO Justify
me in asking permission to withdraw
my resignation. As Germany had sug-
gested arbitration, felt that we could
not do less than reply to this offer by
expressing a willingness 20 apply the
principle of the peace treaties 20 the
case. These treaties. while providing
for investigation of all questions, leave
the nations free 70 act Independently
after the international commission has
concluded the investigation"
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan left this evening
for Old Point Comfort, where they will
remain for the next two weeks.