Omaha daily bee., 1916-06-04
LANSING DEFENDS
HIS FOREIGN POLICY
(continued tom Page One

Continued from Page One.)
the two powers with which we have
had our principal controversies, IS
this:
Germany, having developed the
submarine as an offensive engine OF
destruction, asserts that 1t cannot, on
account of the resulting conditions,
/ conform to the established rules OF
naval warfare, and we should not,
therefore. insist on strict compliance.
Great Britain has no sympathy with
the German point OF view and de-
mands the submarines observe the
rules OF visit and search without ex-
ception.
ION the other hand, Great Britain
declares that on account OF the new
conditions resulting from submarine
activity and the use OF mines and from
the geographical position OF Germany,
ii cannot conform to the established
rules OF blockade ard contraband, and
we should not, therefore, hold II 10
strict compliance with these rules.
Germany insists, nevertheless, that
Great Britain be made to follow the
! existing law.
Must Hold to Old Laws.
THE only alternative is for this
government to hold firmly 10 those
neutral rights which international law
has clearly defined and to insist vigor-
ously on their observance. In not the
slightest degree can the settled rules
be modified unless all the parties con-
sent to the notifications.
This has been the position OF the
United States from the beginning OF
the war. 1t has twice sought to obey
mutual consent from the belligerents
10 certain changes In the rule, but In
both cases il failed and the sugges
tons we're withdrawn.
1T is true that the rights violated
by the belligerents may differ in inn
portanee and therefore require differ
ent treatment. Thus the violation OF
the natural right OF life is a much
more serious offense against an indi-
vidual and against his nation than the
violation OF the legal right Of prop
erty. There Is not and cannot be
adequate reeompense for the wrongful
destruction OF life, but property losses
may be satisfied by the payment OF
ndemnities, n one belligerent yio-
ataes the right Of life and another
belligercnt violates the right OF prop
erty, can you doubt for a moment
which one gives this government the
greatest concern, or which one will
call forth the more vigorous protest
and the more earnest effort to pre-
vent repetitions OF the offensesl
Congressman Criticised.
IF this government places life and
property on an equality il would be
generally condemned, and justly con-
demned, and yet regret to say there
are some Americans who do not real
ize this difference. Judging by the
letters and kilograms received in
Washington, the number who take
this view is large Indeed, II Is held
by some who sit in the halls OF con-
gress. These people openly complain
that the government does not exert
as much pressure to protect American
property as II does TO protect Ameri-
can lives.
This attitude OF mind Of a portion
OF our people, as said, increases the
difficulties OF diplomacy. 1t Is almost
impossible to present strong and
unbending front in controversy un-
less a united and determined nation
is behind you. The knowledge that
our people are not unit in support
ing a vigorous policy encourages
foreign government to resist our pro-
tests, feeling sure that we must with
draw or modify them. / firmly be-
lieve that the American people will
one Of these days crush out this influ-
cnce, and become as they should,
great united nation, jealous OF their
representatives, and eager to defend
their honor regardless OF personal
sacrifice. Americanlsm, with all that
that term implies OF patriotism, 10y
atty and zeal, must be from this time
forth the great standing policy OF this
republic.
Negotiations Must Be Quiet.
st is always my wish, and know
that il is the wish OF the president, to
tell the people frankly what the situa-
ton is, but you must realize that II
cannot be done in every case. They
must try to be patient and to trust the
government to do the very best il can
in upholding the national honor and
dignity
Those who arc prone to blame the
government because II does not de-
mand and threaten ought TO consider
very seriously what il would mean to
the nation il their wishes were carried
out. II they were responsible for the
consequences would they give the
counsel, which, as private citizens.
they are so ready TO give@