Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-20

always, standing fast for right and justice.
T N DECEMBER, 1914, Won Tirpitz gave to
the EVENING LEDGERs correspondent in
Germany an exclusive interview, in which
he outlined the program of "frightfulness"
which was to be pursued by his Government
through the instrumentality of submarines.
That Interview was regarded with incredul-
ity by the civilized world, sane men finding
It impossible to believe that the great Ger
man people. who have contributed so much
OF value to humanity. would stoop, even in
an extremity, to so murderous a form of
warfare and SO treacherous a process of de-
struction.
In February. 1916 the German Govern
ment announced its intention OF translating
into fact the Won Tirpitz proposal. This ma
tion straightway entered it's formal protest,
avowing its intention to insist on it's own
rights under the recognized principles of in
ternational law, and pointing out that Ger
many could not possibly put her program
into effect WITHOUT imminent danger to all
neutrals, and particularly to citizens of the
United States.
The German Government, nevertheless
persisted in its purpose and sought in May
to palsy neutrals, as well as enemies, by one
--dct of particularly horrible and staggering
character. More than hundred Ameri-
cans were murdered when the Lusitania went
down. murdered with premeditation, and it
hoCo hat ro,,
ment must act to prevent repetition of
such deeds, or, surrendering the proud privi-
lege Of protecting its citizens acknowledge
It's humiliation to the world and walow in
= peace revolving to all men in whom there
lived sense of national honor or individual
selfrespect
Subsequent negotiations developed an APP
parent willingness on Germany's part to
acknowledge her criminality by half-hearted
reparation. But while writing eloquent notes
10 ease the just indignation of the United
States she persisted in a series of new crimes.
lesser in degree but equally indefensble in
principle, on the high seas. To this she
added propaganda within the very terri
tory of the United States. a propaganda de-
vised to capitalize our democratic institutions
for the benefit of Kaiserism and pauperize
the national honor by inspiring a political
division which would paralyze executive di-
rection. Kaiserism. indeed. thrust it's insidi-
ous sophistry into the very halls OF Congress-
1t had already corrupted the mental processes
OF an American Secretary of State. who
either through ignorance or in an orgy of
pacihsm. inspired or permitted an under
ground message TO Berlin to the effect that
the United States did not mean what it said
and was protesting against ocean vandalism
merely as a matter Of form.
In the months that have passed outrage has
succeeded outrage. Murder has been piled on
murder. and no American has Travelled great
areas OF the sea. even in neutral ships bound
Tor neutral ports. without peril to his life.
Excuses, which it is impossible to believe
were made in good faith. have come to US from
Berlin Diplomatic intercourse has been char
acterized BY subterfuges OF all sorts. until
hnally the American Government has found
II necessary. reluctantly. virtually to accuse
a great nation OF bad faith and deliberate at
tesnnts to falsify the record
That 4 showdown would come at last was
sa Inevitable as the setting Of the sun. 1t has
dome. The crisis. not of our making. is upon
%. ana let none be so foolish as to underrate
Is gravity Not in its existence has situation
q greater potential danger faced this mighty
democracy