Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-04-21
The Last Word.

The Presidents final word on Germany's sub
marine lawlessness meet with only one verdict
among true Americans verdict of wholehearted
appreciation. He has taken the only stand which
Justice and honor allow. continuance of diplo-
matte relations with Government that repeatedly
houts our national rights, slaughters our citizens
and utterly ignores the plainest principles OF law
and humanity would be recreant to all the tradl-
tons and shameful to all the future of the United
States Appeals and protests have proved unava1l-
ing Nothing short of immediate and permanent
cessation of her boat outrages can entitle Ger
many to the continued amity of this Republic
In making that demand in positive and final terms,
President Wilson has spoken the worthy and
trusted leader of the American people.
More than year has passed. since Germany
launched her campaign of undersea warfare in de-
fance of international law, in disregard of humane
instinct and over the earnest protest of neutral
Governments During that time her submarines
have attacked hundreds of peaceful vessels of neu-
trail as we'll as belligerent ownership without
warning and without provision for the safety or
noncombatants Between the terrible tragedy of the
Lustania and the equally criminal, if less appall-
ing outrage against the Sussex, lies a long, grim
trail of German frightfulness and outlawry-hu-
man victims by hundreds, women and children as
we'll as men. The torpedong of the Sussex which
has moved our Government to a conclusive course,
is of Importance not simply within itself but be-
cause of all that has gone before AS the Presi-
dent said in his address to Congress;
"If this instance stood alone, some expla-
nation, some disavowal by the German Gov
eminent some evidence of criminal mistake
or wiIfuI disobedience of the commander of
the vessel that fired the torpedo might be
sought or entertained; but unhappily, it
does not stand alone Recent events make
the conclusion inevitable that it is only one
instance, even though it be of the most
extreme and distressing instances, of the spirit
and method of warfare which the Imperial Ger
man Government has mistakenly adopted, and
which from the first exposed that Government
to the reproach of thrusting all neutral rights
aside in pursuit of fits immediate objects. The
government of the United States has been
very patient. 1t has been willing to
wait until the significance of the facts became
absolutely unmistakable and susceptible of but
one Interpretation. That point has now un-
happily been reached"
And that is a point at which the United States,
as nation pricing its integrity, must cease from
further parleys and insist decisively on dennlte
satisfaction The latest American note to Berlin
is the last on this issue. and rightly So Time and
again the German Government has given solemn
assurances that peaceful vessels would not be at
tackled without warning and without due regard for
the safety of noncombatants. But just repeated
", these pledges have been broken. Months OF
diplomatic correspondence over the Lusitania incl
dent have left the issue nearer just settlement
than at the 1t would be farccal to continue
a discussion that leads to no decision, certainly to
no righteous action on Germany's part.
Whatever the outcome of the present situation
may be- 1t at least puts an end to Berns pettifog-
ging evasions and places the United States immov-
ably on the rock of justice and honor. Standing
thus our country can face the future with un-
troubled conscience and unbending resolution.