The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-06-13

either the German government or the
German people desire war. But war, a
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 sur
render the opportunity to act as a me-
diator. but We might become responsible
! for drawing other nations into this con-
test. 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 results that might follow If we
become embroiled in the war.
People Will Support Wilson.
No one will be happier than I il the
Presidents plan results in a peaceful
settlement. but no one was in position to
,, say what effect our note would have upon
Germany, or what results would follow
II she. In anger broke off diplomatic re-
lations. and / was not only unwilling to
assume the responsibility for the risks
lncurred-risks which no one could with
any. degree of accuracy mea sure-but I
leit that. having done all could in the
Caolnet, II was my duty to undertake
outside the Cabinet, the work upon which
have entered. l have no doubt that the
country will unanimously support the
fresldent during the war. IL so great a
misfortune should overtake US. but
believe that the chances of war will he
lessened in proportion as the country ex-
presses itself in favor Of peace-not
peace at any price but peace In prefer
ehce 10 a war waged for the redress of
sucn grievances as we have against Ger
manE-at least against war until we have
given to Germany the opportunity which
Mefare pledged to give to Great Britain.
france and Russia-to have eyerv d,ffer,
ence OF every character submitted to an
international commission Of Investigation
would contend as earnestly for ~.
application of the treaty principI. 10
tne sliles as l contend for it in the cas-.
OF germany If the principle is sound
II ought TO be applied to every country
WIN "hich We have a difference, and il
IL ought to be applied at all tbink
II is better to suggest it in the beginning
than to accept 1t later, after a seeming
reluctance to apply it.
understand that Secretary LANSING
mas already given out a statement cor
rectlng an lnaccuracy which appeared in
,tiis morning papers. l appreciate his
hinuhess' IL Is true that / saw the final
vi alt OF the note just before my resigna-
tioh look effect but it contained an i'm
portant change. 1 had no knowledge of
me change at the time my resignation
was rendered and accepted. 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
mad suggested arbitration. felt that We
could not do less than reply to this offer
oy expressing Willingness to apply the
principle OF the peace treaties to the case.
lhese treaties. while providing for in
Hestisation of all questions. leave the ma
tions free to act independently after the
international commission has concluded
the investigation. ". J. BRYAN