Rocky Ford enterprise., 1916-03-03
WASHINGTON OFFICIALS NOW
WORRIED BY GERMANY's
SUBMARINE PLANS.
DEFENSE GUNS THE ISSUE
Administration Also Is Deeply Con-
eerned Over Manner In Which coun.
try Will Receive the Terms Of Set
Element of the lusitania Case.
BY GEORGE CLINTON.


lowed by the central powers OF Eu.
rope, this country may become once
more involved in dangerous diplomatic
negotiations. Word has come that 1t
is the intention of the central powers
to order that merchant and passenger
vessels belonging to belligerents shall
be sunk without warning in case they
carry guns even for defense purposes.
The mounting of guns for purely de-
fense purposes has been recognized as
the right of merchant and passenger
ships. OF course it is also recognized
that If advance warning is given that
such vessels shall be sunk, the re-
sponsibility possibly may rest with
the nations which continue to arm
their passenger and merchant ships.
even II they are armed for defense
purposes. The main danger to the
United States. 1t is recognized. is that
If the proposed plan is carried out,
some American vessel may be sunk
by mistake. and If this is done things
are likely to break loose.
The administration just now Is
deeply concerned over the manner In
which the country may receive the
terms of settlement of the Lusitania
case. Some Washington officials be-
lieve that on the answer to this ques-
tion will depend to q considerable ex-
tent Mr.. Wilson's strength or weak
ness in the next campaign. In other
words. the manner OF the reception by
the country of the terms of the Lusi-
tania settlement may have its politi-
cal as well as its diplomatic signi-
fcance.
Victory or FaiIure2
There is no more striking evidence
of how men can disagree utterly in
their opinions of things than is pre-
sented by this Lusitania affair. The
state department seemingly is entirely
satisfied that 1t has won complete
victory. There are officials in Wash
ington. however. who say that the
terms of the Lusitania settlement pre-
sent a picture of complete failure OF
American diplomacy. There you are.
Take your choice.
Seemingly. Germany has admitted
now that 1t is counter to International
law for a war vessel to sink an un-
armed merchant ship or a passenger
SuiD WIluout Luahihb PAoNhoioh hoA eAo
safety of those on board. Germany
did not want to admit that the sink.
ing of the Lusitania was illegal, and
SO the word "unjustifiable." or one
meaning the same thing. has been EN-.
ployed to cover the case. Therefore.
according to the administration point
of view, the use of this word. or q
synonym, is entirely satisfactory pro-
vided 1t is not intended to limit the
activities of the word SO that they will
cover only those vessels which have
neutral passengers on board. In 9TH
er words. the administration believes
the proper Interpretation of Germany's
position is that II is unjustifiable and
has been unjustifiable from the first to
sink merchant or passenger vessels
without providing for the safety of
crew and passengers. even If both are
composed entirely of citizens Of coun-
tries with which Germany is at war.
Washington knows the Lusitania
case is loaded with politics, while 1t
ought not to be loaded with anything
but nonpartisan diplomacy. Pol.
iticians here agree that the political
campaign next summer partly will be
directed along "Lusitania lines" OF
course it is recognized by the pol.
iticians here that the extent to which
the case will figure in the campaign
depends largely upon the amount OF
resentment, or of satisfaction. which
ever it may be, to be shown by the
country when 1t mas had time thor
oughly to comprehend the final terms
of settlement of this cause of contro-
versy between the United States and
Germany.
Not a Partisan Issue.
Preparedness seems to cover with a
sort of cloak the interest in other mat
ters of legislation. The situation in
regard to the feelings of members of
congress on the subject is Just about
what It was. 1t is becoming more evi-
dent day by day. however, that the
preparedness bill will be put through.
but it will go to its passage apparent
ly aided by the votes of the Repub-
licans
II has been apparent for some time
that preparedness is not a partisan is
sue. Some of the leading Democrats
have been opposed to 1t from the very
start, but seemingly out of regard for
the feelings of the administration such
Of the Democratic party leaders as are
opposed to preparation for defense
have refrained from making speeches
against 1t on the floor of house and
senate. The debate however. is going
on daily and it is said in Washington
that never before since the beginnings
of this government have there been so
many varying views expressed on n
legislative subject as on this prime