Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1915-02-19
DRIFTIGN TOWARD WAR


present conflict, is a definite posi-
bility, fully recognized by those who
are conversant with the present sit
uation. England is bent on the break
ing of German resistance by cutting
of all commercial intercourse what
.ocyer with neutral nations. Food
stuffs for civilians, never before con-
sidered contraband, are to be confis-
Gated. In defiance of international
law and without SO much as even de-
claring u paper blockade England
proposes to step between Germany
aud the United States. In answer to
our protests England, it is under
stood, will extend her policy, and,
in addition, will search neutral ships
for sailors of the countries with which
she is at war. This latter is perilous-
~ near the policy which brought us
into conflict in 1912. There are 9TH
er striking similiarites in the situa-
ton now and then.
Early in the eighteenth century
France. under Napoleon. was locked
in u death grip with allied Europe.
the coalition being headed by Eng
and. then. n now, mistress of the
seas. To >tarve France. England in
-liiuted II most rigorous policy of
search and seizure of neutral ship.
ping. Napoleon retaliated. rs Ger.
many is attempting To do, and he
tween the two American commerce
was all but swept frcm the seas. We
settled the score with France in 1900
by short hut sharp naval exchange
in which the Young American repub.
lie came off first best. But Presi-
dent Madison in 1912 was n peace
lover, and humbled the United States
before the might Of England until
American citizens burned with shame
and Indignation. The president be-
lieved that he could break of com.
mercial relations with England until
that country would be- glad to deal
Justly with America. lie even DELHI
erately weakened the American navy
openly to successfully oppose the
British. But war was inevitable. the
British having established virtual
blockade Of American ports. The
small American navy put to sea, and,
though il was hunted by the great
fleets of England. it came of vie
torious in fourteen out Of eighteen
naval engagements.
Like President Madison. our pres
ent secretary of state believes in
peace at any price. His yard stick
To measure absolute waste is tho
price of battleship and he has been
II constant enemy of an adequate
navy. He is now face to face with
problem the final solution of which
may BE- u naval conflict with the ma
ton which possesses the greatest
amount of naval strength. England
and Germany will continue to pla.
the game regardless Of the rights of
neutrals. There is no appeal to in.
ternational law. because that is only
u term. No one is bound to observe
international usage except by the
threat of superior force.
Our government issues manifestos
To European monnrchs as il they were
Mexican chicftains. The note 10
Germany contained n definite threat
and the German newspapers were
quick to recognize this and resent il.
American bluff" they called it, They
have the right idea. "Serious conse.
Qurnces," n stock phrase of our pres.
ent state department. is taken in
Europe To threaten war. Al home il
Is known To mean only that the nd.
ministraiion is "peeved.
II the United States maintains
strict neutrality as defined by inter
national convention. il will earn the
enmity of all belligerents. because
neutrality j. just what none Of them
want. We have full right to ship
munitions of war to the allies or to
Germany. That England controls the
sea is no fault of ours. Germany
protests loudly against the practice.
but she wants foodstuffs and any
thing else she can get. and she pro-
poses To place our ships in jeopardy
because England is lucky enough. ar
foresighted enough. Ia have possess
ed herself of the advantage. To try
In divest England of this advantage
j. unfriendly. To refuse To sell mu.
niiions of war now. Is To take from
the United States the right To buy
IN foreign markets in ease Of war.
A. the United States never was
known TO he prepared for conflict