Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-02-16

powerfully maintained. An the world had
fair notice that. az against the desperate
belligcrent resolve to conquer. the law
Of nations and the law Of humanity in
terposed no effective barriers for the
protection OF neutral rights. Ordinary
practical sense in the conduct Of affairs
demanded that such steps should be taken
that behind the peaceable assertion of
our country's rights It's independence and
its honor, should stand power. manifest
and available. warning the whole world
that Il would cost too much TO press as.
gression too far. The democratic govern
mcnt at Washington did not sec Il.
Others saw Il. and their opinions found
voice Mr.. Gardner urged II. Mr.. Lodge
urged il. Mr. Stimson urged II. MIR.
Roosevelt urged II, but their argument
and urgency were ascribed to political
motives, and the president described them
with sneer as being nervous and ex-
cited.
Wilson shifts Ground.
But the warning voices would not he
stilled. The opinion that We ought no
longer to remain defcnselcss became pub
lie opinion. Its expression grew more
general and insistent. and finally the
president. not leading. but following. has
shifted his ground. has reversed his po-
sitlon. and asks the country 70 prepare
against war God grant that he be not
too late. But the democratic party has
not shifted its ground. A large part of
Its members in congress are cndeavoring
now to sidctrack the movement for ma
tional preparedness; to muddle II by
amendment and turn IL into channels
which will produce the least possible re-
suit in the increase OF national power and
defense. What sense of effectiveness I'm
this effort can we gather from the pres
ence OF Josephus Daniels at the most
critical post of all-the head OF the Navy
department-when we see that whore
preparation has been possible it has not
been made; when we see that construc-
ton of warships already authorized has
not been pressed, and in some cases after
long delay has not even been begun
IF an increase of our countrys power
to defend itself against aggression is au-
thorized by the present congress it must
be largely through republican votes. oe-
cause the representatives Of the rcplp-
lican party i'm Washington stand for The
country no matter who is president; and
all the traditions and convictions of that
party are for national power and dug
and honor"
Fails TO Make Threats Good.
Discussing his assertion of the admin
istrations second error of policy, "mak-
ing threats and falling to make them
good'-Mr. Root alluded to the American
"strict accountability" warning to Ger
many and reviewed the circumstances
surrounding the attacks on the Falaba,
Gushing. Outright, Lusltania and other
ships. The later correspondence of the
State department was conducted with
dignity, but It has been futile" Mr.. Root
said, continuing;
1.-THE brave words with which we began
the controversy had produced no effect,
because they we're read in the light Of
two extraordinary events. One was the
report of the Austrian ambassador. Mr..
Dumba. to his government that whea
the American note OF February 10 was
received he asked the secretary Of state
Mr.. Bryan, whether 1t meant business.