Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-05-19


asked Ambassador Gerard at Berlin TO
notify the United States that subma-
rine commanders have been specifi-
cally instructed not to harm neutral
ships which are not engaged In hostile
acts in the war zone, and that Ger
many will pay for damage sustained
by such ships.
Washington, May 12.-President
Wilson will enter a vigorous protest
TO Germany and will insist on an ex-
PLANTATION of the series of incidents
connected with the submarine war
waged around British Isles which re-
suited in the deaths of American citi-
gems.
The president after three days OF
study in solitude, came to this decision
last night and submitted his draft to
the members OF the cabinet 1t was
unanimously approved.
This decision, reached by President
Wilson tonight, marks the first step in
the policy which will be pursued by
the United States as result Of the
sinking of the Lusitsnia with the loss
OF more than 100 American lives.
The kaisers government also win be
asked TO explain the sinking of the
Falaba, causing the death of Leon C.
Thrasher, an American; the torpedo
ing OF the Outright, and the attack by
German airlnen on the American
steamship Cushing.
In firm and unmistakable terms, ac-
cording to those familiar with the doc
ument. the president. after voicing the
intense feeling of the United States
over these happenings, demands, in
the name of international law, that
Germany adhere to the established
rules of maritime warfare.
Demands Safety for Passengers.
Unarmed merchant vessels, carrying
non-combatants. must be visited and
searched when encountered on the
high seas, says the note. and passen-
gers and crew be transferred to a
place OF safety before any prize is de-
stroyed
The document to be sent to Germany
points out that the Teutons will be
held 10 strict accountability for any
attacks on American vessels or deaths
OF American citizens. II is said the
United States denies the right on the
part of Germany to carry on such
methods Of warfare and states that the
mere giving of official notice Of an
intention TO commit an uniustifable
act does not make it lawful
The events which follow IL Germany
refuses to comply with the expressed
wishes of the note, would not be dis
cussed by members Of the cabinet to-
night.
Roosevelt For Drastic Action.
Syracuse. n. T.. May 12.-Former
President Roosevelt Tuesday night
pleaded for prompt action by the I'm
tied States on account of the Lusitania
disaster. commenting on President
Wilson's speech in Philadelphia. Mr..
Roosevelt was particularly interested
in that part of the presidents speech
in which the latter referred TO such
a thing as man being too proud to
fight" and "a nation being so right
that it does not need to convince 9th
ers by force that 1t is right"
THE $50 babies drowned on the Lu-
sitania, the hundreds OF women
drowned with them, and the American
ship. the Outright. which was torpe-
doed OFFER an eloquent commentary on
the actual working of the theory that
it is not necessary to assert rights and
that a policy of blood and iron can
with efficacy be met with a policy of
blood and water
Germany low offers to stop the
practice of murder on the high seas if
we will now abandon further neutral
rights, which by her treaty she has
solemnly pledged to see that we exer-
else without molesGCion
Without t~cs.ty-four hours delay
this country should and could take eff
fective action by declaring that in view
OF Gernany's murderous offenses all
CONNER ce with Germany shall be
forthwith forbidden and all commerce
of every kind permitted and encour-
aged with France, England and the
rest of the civilized world"