The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1916-06-09
NOTE THREATENS
BREAK If SUBSEA
: WAR CONTINUES
President Demands Germany
Stop Attacks by U-Boats.
SUSSEX FACTS ARE RECITED
Berlin Told That Unless Present Meth
DDS Of Submarine Warfare Are
Abandoned u. S. VIII Sever
Diplomatic Relations.


States note to Germany. demanding an
immediate cessation of submarine at
tacks on unarmed passenger and
freight vessels. given out by the state
department simultaneously with its re-
ceipt in Berlin, Is regarded generally
in the nature of an ultimatum. al
though not designated technically as
such by the state department. The
note demands that the German govern
ment Immediately declare and effect
an abandonment Of its present meth
DDS of submarine warfare.
Sussex Sunk Without Warning.
The note first takes up the Sussex
case and declares that careful inves-
tigation by naval and military officers
OF the United States has conclusive
ly established the fact that the Sussex
was torpedoed without warning or
summons to surrender and that the
torpedo by which she was struck was
of German manufacture"
These facts from the first. it is de-
clared, made the conclusion that the
torpedo was fired by German sub
marine unavoidable.
Sussex Not Isolated Case.
The note states that if the sinking
of the Sussex had been an isolated
one. the United States might hope that
the officer who was responsible for the
act mad violated his orders or been
criminally negligent and that the ends
OF justice might be satisfied by impos-
ing upon him an adequate punishment,
coupled with a formal disavowal OF
the act and payment of suitable in
demnity by the imperial government.
1t is asserted, however, that this is
only one instance of the ruthless de-
struction that has marked the subma-
rine warfare. 1t is pointed out that
when the imperial government first an
| nounced it's intention of inaugurating
the submarine campaign against enemy
ships. the United States protested, be-
| lieving that it would be impossible to
conduct such a warfare without en-
dangering the lives of noncombatants
at sea, and that this opinion has been
borne out by subsequent events.
Germany Persists in Its Policy.
1t is asserted that again and again
the imperial government has given it's
solemn assurances to the government
Of the United States that at least pas
senger ships would not be thus dealt
with and yet 1t has repeatedly permit
ted its undersea commanders to disre-
ri wi I'm
prnity.
Great liners like the Lusitania and
| Arabic and mere passenger boats like
| the Sussex. It is declared. have been
attacked without q moments warning,
and the lives of noncombatants, pas
! sengers and crew have been destroyed
| in manner which the government of
the United States cannot but regard
as "wanton and without the slightest
color OF justification"
Says Time Has Come for Action.
The note points out that the United
States has been very patient. but as
serts that the time now has come when
the facts are susceptible OF only one
Interpretation. 1t has become pain
fully evident IL Is declared. that the
use OF submarines for the destruction
of an enemy's commerce. because OF
the character of the vessels employed.
is incompatible with the principles of
humanity, the long-established and In
controvertible rights of neutrals and
the sacred immunities OF noncom bat
ants. In view OF these facts. 1t Is de-
clared, the United States government
finds but one course 1t can pursue.
Only One Course to Pursue.
Unless the imperial government
should now Immediately declare and
effect an abandonment OF its present
methods OF submarine warfare against
passenger and freight carrying yes
sels." the note concludes. the govern
ment of the United States can have no
choice but to sever diplomatic rela-
tons with the German empire alto
gether. This action the government OF
the United States contemplates with
| the greatest reluctance, but feels con.
strained TO take in behalf Of humanity
and the rights OF neutral nations"