Newark evening star and Newark advertiser., 1915-08-24

War with Germany with other power is
not desired by the American government nor the
American people; least of all by American citizens
born in Germany War with America is not desired
by the German government nor the German people.
II so appalling calamity is to be averted there
grave duties incumbent upon the American public
and the American press First of all 1t must be re-
membered that if the sinking of the Arabic should
lead to the severance of diplomatic relations with
Germany that step would by involve the
awful sequel of an armed conflict. AS the New York
Times points out, to recall ambassador from
foreign capital and to hand his passports to am
bassador accredited to the government from that
capital, is not a hostile act Its utmost significance
is that causes differences have arisen and remain
unsettled which temporarily interrupt friendly inter
course In times past diplomatic relations with
governments of whose conduct had reason to
complain have been sundered Brazil and Mexico
are familiar examples. AS general thing differ
leading to the interruption of relations are
adjusted as the result of overures from one power
the other
There Is a duty of sef-restraint for Americans
like Mr.. Roosevelt, who trying to force the hand
OF the administration 1t is not within the prov
nce of the president to declare Only Con-
gress do that and Congress is In session. 1t
ID better that such is the case for this is time for
clear thought and COOL deliberate action II there is
TO be action all; and Congress would not be likely
to bring clear thinking and deliberate judgment to
the problem just now.
There Is duty for that portion of the American
press which is going the dsgraceful assumption
that the oath of allegiance taken by the hundreds of
thousands of German-born citizens of this country
means nothing to them and that they would show
themselves traitors If break should come between
the two nations. That duty Is to show confidence
that the great citizens are loyal Ameri-
cans who want peace but who II should come
would stand where they are sworn to stand, for the
land Of their adoption and the nag which shelters
them
There is duty for many so-called German Amer
leans and the editors of the speaking
of this country. 1t Is to use their influence now,
before 1t is late repress mischevous agitation
among their own peoples to cease their Incorporate
justification everything that Germany is doing
land sea, and to give stern rebuke instead of aid
and countenance to any foregn-inspired propaganda
that seeks to divide the people of the United States
ON racial lines Right now is the time for the Ger
born citizenship of the United States show the
patriotism which 1t may be trusted to display If 1t
unhappily choose between the land of Its birth
and the land of its allegiance
And there is duty, indicated by Mr.. Bryan, for
the American citizen business family affairs
compel him to take passage between the United
States and port of belligerent power. The real
question the former secretary of state says, 's
not whether American citizens have. under inter
national law, a right to travel through the danger
zone the ships of belligerent nations That is
admitted The question Just is whether an
American citizen should put his convenience even
his rights above his nations welfare"