The Arvada enterprise., 1916-03-02
FEAR A NEW CRISIS
WASHINGTON OFFICIALS NOW
WORRIED 6Y GERMANY'S
SUBMARINE PLANS.
DEFENSE GUNS THE ISSUE
Administration Also 10 Deeply Con.
cerned Over Manner In Which Coun.
try VIII Receive tho Terms Of Set.
Element Of the lusitanla Case.
ey GEORGE CLINTON.

BY GEORGE CLINTON.
Washington.-Offl in Washing.
ton fear that under new plans for sub
lowed by the central powers OF Eu.
rope, this country may become once
more involved In dangerous diplomatic
negotiations. Word has come that 1t
Is the intention OF the central powers
to order that merchant and passenger
vessels belonging to belligerents shall
be sunk without warning in case they
carry guns even for defense purposes.
The mounting OF guns for purely de-
tense purposes has been recognized as
the right OF merchant and passenger
ships. Of course it is also recognized
that II advance warning is given that
such vessels shall be sunk. the re.
sponsibility possibly may rest with
the nations which continue to arm
their passenger and merchant ships,
even II they are armed for defense
purposes. The main danger to the
United States, it is recognized, Is that
II the proposed plan is carried out.
some American vessel may be sunk
by mistake. and IL this is done things
are likely to break loose.
The administration juss now Is
deeply concerned over the manner In
which the country may receive the
terms Of settlement of the Lusitania
case. Some Washington officials be.
lieve that on the answer to this Ques-
ton will depend to a considerable e1.
tent Mr.. Wilson's strength or weak.
ness in the next campaign. In other
words. the manner of the reception by
the country OF the terms OF the Lusi-
tania settlement may have its politi.
cal as well as its diplomatic signi.
hcance.
Victory or Failure?
There is no more striking evidence
OF low men can disagree utterly in
their opinions of things than Is pre-
sented by this Lustania affair. The
state department seemingly is entirely
satisfied that 1t has won a complete
victory. There are officials In Wash.
ington, however. who say that the
terms Of the Lusitania settlement pre-
sent picture of a complete failure OF
American diplomacy. There you are.
Take your choice.
Seemingly. Germany has admitted
now that it Is counter to International
law for war vessel to sink an un.
armed merchant ship or passenger
ship without making provision for the
safety OF those on board. Germany
did not want to admit that the sink
ing Of the Lusitania was Illegal. and
so the word "unjustiiiab!c." or one
meaning the same thing. has been EN-.
ploycd to cover the case. Therefore.
according TO the administration point
OF view. the use of this word. or a
synonym Is entirely satisfactory pro
vided 1t Is not intended to limit the
activities of the word so that they will
cover only those vessels which have
neutral passengers on board. In 9th.
er words. the administration believes
the proper Interpretation Of Germany's
position is that it is unjustiflable and
has been unjustitiabie from the first to
without providing for the safety Of
crew and passengers. even II both are
composed entirely OF citizens OF coun.
tries with which Germany Is at war.
Washington knows the Lusitania
case is loaded with politics. while 1t
ougts not to be loaded with anything
but nonpariisan diplomacy. Pol.
iticians here agree that the political
campaign next summer partly will be
directed along "Lusitania lines"
Not = Partisan Issue.
Preparedness seems to cover with a
sort OF cloak the interest In other mat.
ters OF legislation. The situation In
regard to the feelings OF members of
congress on the subject is Just about
what II was It Is becoming more evi.
dent day by day. however, that the
preparedness bill will be put through,
but It will 20 10 its passage apparent.
~ aided by the votes Of the Repub.
Leans
It has been apparent for some time
that preparedness IL not partisan Is.
sue. Some OF tho leading Democrats
have been opposed TO II from tho very
start. but seemingly out OF regard for
the feelings OF the administration such
Of the Democratic party leaders as are
opposed to preparation for defense
have refrnincd from making speeches
orainst It on the floor OF house and
senate. The debate. however. Is going
on daily and 4, Is said In Washington
that never before since the beginnings
OF this government have there been 80
many varying views expressed on
legislative subject as on this prime
matter,
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