Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-01-07
The Submarine Crisis.

The destruction of the steamship Persia, with a
resultant loss of some two hundred lives, among
whom was an American consul, makes our subma-
rne issue with the Teutonic Powers more than ever
entangled and ominous Following closely upon the
Ancona case, in which Austria acceded to the de-
mands of the United States, this incident kened
to the torpedoing of the Arabic Immediately after
Germany's assurances regarding the Lusitana.
While the parallel is obvious, it should be noted
that the present crisis is the graver of the two be-
of the additional strain it places on the
patience of the American nation and the deeper
uncertainty with which it beclouds the promises of
the Teutonic Governments.
For months past we have expected settlement
of the submarine controversy basis of interna-
tional law and humanity. We logically presumed
that the principles to which Berlin subscribed in
this matter would be adopted and practiced By
Vienna. The attack on the Ancona violating as it
did all those principles, a grievous shock.
We realized that if submarine piracy and slaughter
had merely been shifted from the waters around
the British Isles to the Mediterranean, diplo-
matte victories fruitless after all. Then
Austrias assuring note, admitting in substance the
wrong of the destruction of the Ancona, and the
justice of the American contentious, stating that
the officer responsible for the deed had been pun
ished and offering indemnity for the loss of Amer
lean lives. In the face of those assurances, the
repetition of the act comes with redoubled injury
and insult
The exact circumstances of the Persias de-
struction yet be established in full,
light of existing evidence 1t seems that the Austrian
Government either cannot or will not make its sub
marine officers conform to its diplomatic pledges.
Three more passenger vessels besides the Persia
have been destroyed since Austrias fair promises
to the United States. Are these continual ofenses
to be made in each instance the subject of slow
diplomatic correspondence? Is there to be an in
definite spinning out of an issue which national
honor and international law and human life de-
pend? Can apologies and indemnities suffice in ever
and the American people have shown the utmost
restraint in the shadow of submarine grievances,
but neither the government the people can be
expected to carry forbearance to the point of
nouncing their rights and honor
1t has been nearly eight months since German
U-boat sank. the Lusitania and the issue is still
pending. True, the activity of German submarines
in the English channel and neighborng waters has
ceased, but the work of stealthy and ruthless de-
struction has been resumed in the Mediterranean
with redoubled terror. The suspicion that these
latest outrages against passenger ships carrying
neutrals and noncombatants perpetuated by
German crews if not by German craft under Aus
trian disguise may be wholly unwarranted But
the essential fact remains that submarine violence
contrary to the planest principles of international
law and the plainest dictates of humanity continues
The situation has reached critical stage
that nothing short of prompt, positive and sus-
tanned action on the part of the Teutonic Powers
in abolishing outlawry among their submarine
crews relieve the tension and prevent
serious difficulties with the United States Profess
sions and promises no longer will suffice AS far
as this nation is concerned, the only question is
whether America shall be true to it's rights, to it's
people and to its great trust of civilization and
humanity.