New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-26
A BREAK INEVITABLE
Now Is the Time for Americans to
Stand Together.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In crisis such as now confronts the
United States it would seem eminently
proper and fitting that every American ct
zen enter the arena of public debate and,
through the medium of the press, contribute
his views upon the momentous issues at
stake. It is quite probable that the indi-
vdual contributions to the discussion may
be of little value in themselves, yet they
should amount TO something, and their sum
total should be an important factor in cari-
flying the surcharged atmosphere Of doub.,
fear and hesitation that now characterzes
the attitude of this country concerning It's
future conduct at home and abroad.
1t has been demonstrated beyond rea-
sonable doubt, especially within the last
two weeks, that powerful and unscrupulous
propaganda of Indictment to violence, snc
worse, is being stealthily spread in America.
How deeply it has penetrated, how manifold
its ramifications, can only be guessed at; !;
will require the shock of a crisis that will
rock this country to its foundations TO IN
cover this fermentation in all its hdeousnes'
That such crisis is fast approaching is
practically certain. We may not realize it
as we should, though we are beginning to
have dim perception of the truth, but II
Is fact that the element of distrust Of those
about US has reached serious stage. We
have a sub-conscious feeling that tomorrow
we may find active and vndictive enemies
among those we have believed to be FRIENDS
1t behooves every American citizen, there
fore, to combat to the uttermost extent o,
his power, however humble he may believe
that power to be, this insidious propaganda
Advertng to the present tense situation
with Germany: At the outbreak of the World
War last August the writer was firmly con-
WINGED that if the conflict lasted twelve
month the United States must inevitably be-
come involved. He has had no reason to
change that conviction.
We may not at the present moment De
on the verge of entering actively into tho
European situation as bellgerent; that we
shall be eventually compelled to DO 50
scarcely admits of argument Every nation
not already engaged is potential enemy oil
every other nation, fighting or neutral IN
view of the complex inter-relations, eco
nomic commercial and social, existing be-
tween the nations of the earth II necessarily
follows that the majority of them eanno'
be engaged in a death struggle for su-
premacy, for very existence even, withou'
sooner or later, and more or less seriously
and completely, involving the others, how
ever earnestly the latter may desire TO re-
main aloof, either from motives Of sell
interest or the higher humanity.
A break with Germany is, the writer be-
lieves, a foregone conclusion, as it has been
for the last year. The severance OF diplo-
matte relations with the imperial Teutonlc
government is the logical first step towsru
a rupture. Having recalled our ambassador
from Berlin and given the German Amba'sa'
dor to the United States his passports, We
shall probably remain passive, waterbury
waiting, having done all that can be done =
maintain our national dignity and honor
Germany will then, the writer believes
either declare war upon the United states
within few months, or possibly weeks o.
Iperpetuate an act OF such ruthless atroei'y
against us that we shall have no alternative
but TO take our stand with the Allies.
That President Wilson will transmit note
to Germany protesting against that country
latest outrage in sinking the Arabic IS only
to be expected. As logical sequence to DIE
so far admirable handling of probably the
most serious international crisis with when
the United States has ever been confronte"
he can do nothing else. 1t is due to oota
this country and TO Germany that inc
Kaiser be given the opportunity to interpose
a defence of his action in sinking inc
Arabic in the teeth of President Wilson
calm but firm warning against repetition
of the Lusitana catastrophe. or course no
one can doubt for a moment that the DIS,
patch of such note will be a waste o.
time. yet strict justice demands it,
HOMER DUNE.
! Yonkers, Aug. 81, 1915.