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

the war. because every change sug-
gested Is discussed, not upon its merits
as an abstract proposition, but accord
ing 20 the effect it will have upon the
contest
Those who wanted 70 lay an en-
barge upon the shipments of arms de-
Tended their position on the ground
that il would hasten peace, but It IS
strange that they could have overlooked
the fact that the only way IN which
such action on our part could hasten
peace would have been by helping one
side to overcome the other.
while the attacks made upon the
President by the extremists of both
sides were very unjust. 1t was equally
unjust to suspect the patriotism OF
those who took sides. | feel well
enough acquainted with the European
born Americans to believe that in a
war between this country and any Eu-
ropean power the naturalized citizens
from that country would be as quick
TO enlist as native-born citizens.
"As | am now speaking TO German
Americans am glad TO repeat in public
what have often said in private-snd
would have said in public before but
for the fact that it would not have been
to do so-namely, that in case of war
between the United States and Ger
many-if so improbable a supposition
can be considered German Americans
would be as prompt to enlist and as
faithful to the flag as any other por-
ton of our people. What | have said
in regard to COMMUNICATIONS is an
introduction TO an appeal which ] feel
II my duty TO make TO them.
First, if any of them have ever in a
moment of passion or excitement sus-
pected the President of lack Of neu-
4 trality or lack of friendship toward the
German government and the German
people, let that thought be forgotten,
never again TO be recalled. ] have.
since my resignation, received numer-
Gus kilograms from COMMUNICATIONS
and German-American societies com
inending my action. ! think the send
ers of these kilograms understand my
position, but that no one may mistake
il let me restate II.
"The President is not only DESTROYS
OF peace, but he hopes for it, and he
has adopted the methods which he
thinks most likely to contribute toward
peace. My difference from him is as to
method, not IS 10 purpose, and my
utter0nCeS since IeslSHiue nave pttn
intended to crystalline public sentiment
in support of his efforts to maintain
peace, or, 70 use familiar phrase.
peace with honor But remember that
when | use the phrase peace with
honor do not use it in the same sense
that those do who regard every OPP
ponont Of war as favoring peace at any
price
"'Peace at any price is an epithet,
not a true statement of any ones posi-
tion or Of the policy of any group.
The words are employed by jingoes as
an expression Of contempt, and are ap-
piled unfortunately 10 all who have
faith in the nations ability 70 find a
peaceful way out Of every difficulty so
long as both nations want peace. The
alarmists of the country have had con-
troll OF the metropolitan press, and they
have loudly proclaimed that the pro-
longation Of negotiations or the sug-
gestion of international investigation
| would be sign of weakness and
everything is weakness that does not
contain a hint of war. The lingo sees
in the rainbow of promise only one
color-red.
Second, knowing that the President
desires peace, it is your duty 20 help
him secure IT, And how? By exerting
your influence to convince the German
government Of this fact and 10 per-
suade that government 10 take no steps