The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-26
GERMANY TORN
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CONTINUED from rage One.D
confidence that the leaders of the
empire will be guided solely by the
empires in this. Mr.. Wolff. editor in
chief of the Berliner Tageblatt, again
devoted an article in that paper to
the support of the idea that a breach
of relations between Germany and the
United States must be avoided if pos
sible upon any acceptable basis. He
criticises President Wilson'S accusa-
ton that submarines are sinking neu-
trail ships in a pre-considered manner
and in pursuance of methods laid
down for them, but he declares it
would be a mistake to answer sharp
words with sharp words. He says:
Would Protect NeutraIs.
Most of us would consider it a
great good fortune if it could be made
possible to protect peaceable travellers,
women and children from death in
the waves to insure the rights of neu-
trails against mistakes and in every
case to fulfill the commandments for
the protection of humanity which suf-
fers so severely in war times.
Stories published in the entente
press that following the sinking of the
Lusitania and in similar cases all Ger
many danced and rejoiced are a ire
mendous mistake. Numerous Ger
mans certainly were moved by entire
ly different sentiments.
Although we are of the opinion
that steamship passengers must them
selves estimate the danger they run,
every possibility of uniting the tactics
of submarines with the protection of
peaceable lives and neutral property
would be welcome to us. 1t would be
welcome to us even if the president
of the United States had never sent his
demand to Berlin.
Doesn't Invite Hostility.
IF it should at the same time be
made possible to hinder war between
Germany and America this would
seem to us a great gain. We do not
share the conception that Americas
hostility truly would be divinely good
fortune for us"
Mr.. Wolff asserts that the American
yellow press and certain German
newspapers and politicians have dis
turbed the relations between the two
countries, but that Washington must
realize that sober discussion still is
possible in Germany.
Whether discussion will achieve
| tangible results cannot be foreseen .
he adds. This hope that remains
cannot conceal the seriousness of the
situation. A breach of German
American relations would be greeted
by the advocates of an unrestrained
use of the torpedoes with a feeling of
relief; in England and other hostile
states presumably it would arouse a
similar feeling"
Would Lengthen War.
Mr.. We1ffsrelated the history of the
first days of the war when secret d.
plomacy dictated the course of events
and points out that now, however, the
situation is different. There is no rea-
son for being rushed into any decision
| and every one has his part to bear in
the responsibility. Mr.. Wolff declares
that American entrance into the war
would lengthen it.
The Tagehche Rundschau, which is
alone in feeling there is no chance of
an understanding, says:
THE prospects of an understanding
are most seanty- President Wilson
has decided on a final blow against
Germany and can hardly be hindered
from doing it. We must reconcile our
selves to this fact -