The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-08-01

what does not concern us, but that we propose to insist in a firm and candid manner upon the performance of international obligations. To sta- ble government, appropriately dis charging its international duties, we should give ungrudging support. A short period of firm, consistent and friendly dealing will accomplish more than many years of vacillation.
 EUROPEAN WAR
 Maintenance of American rights: In this land of composite population drawing its strength from every race. the na- tional security demands that there shall be no paltering with American rights. The greater the danger of divisive influ- ences, the greater is the necessity for the unifying force of a just, strong and patriotic position. We countenance no covert policies, no intrigues, no secret schemes. We are unreservedly, devoted ly, whole-heartedly, for the United States. That is the rallying point for all Ameri- cans That is my position. I stand for the unflinching maintenance of all Ameri- can rights on land and sea.
 we have had a clear and definite mis- sion as great neutral nation. It was for us to maintain the integrity of inter- national law; to vindiacte our rights as neutrals; to protect the lives of our citi- zens, their property and trade from wrongful acts. Putting aside any ques- ton as to the highest possibilities of moral leadership in the maintenance and vindication of the law of nations in con- nection with the European war, at least we were entitled to the safeguarding of American rights But this has not been secured. We have had brave words in series of notes, but despite our pro- tests the lives of Americans have been destroyed.
 NOT WORDS THAT COUNT
 What does it avail to use some of the strongest words known to diplomacy If ambassadors can receive the impression that the words are not to be taken seri- ously? It is not words, but the strength and resolution behind the words that count. The chief function of diplomacy is prevention; but in this war diplomacy failed, doubtless because of it's impaired credit and the manifest lack of disposi- ton to back words with action. Had this government by the use of both informal and formal diplomatic opportunities left no doubt when we said strict account ability we meant precisely what we said, and that we should unhesitatingly vindi- cate that position, I am confident that there would have been no destruction of American lives by the sinking of the Lusitania. There we had ample notice; III ldCt, PuUllSLSo IiOtlCC.
 Furthermore. we know the situation and we did not require specific notice. Instead of whiting away our formal statements by equivocal conversations, we needed the straight, direct and decisive representa- tions which every diplomat and foreign office would understand I be- lieve that in this way we should have been spared the repeated assaults on American lives. Moreover, a firm Ameri- can policy would have been strongly sup ported by our people and the opportuni- ties for the development of bitter feeling would have been vastly reduced.
 It is a great mistake to say that reso- luteness in protecting American rights would have led to war. Rather in that course lay the best assurance of peace. Weakness and indecision in the mainten- ance of known rights are always sources of grave danger; they forfeit respect and invite serious wrongs, which in turn create an uncomfortable popular resent ment; that is not the path of national security. Not only have we host of re- sources short of war by which to en- force our just demands, but we shall never promote our peace by being stronger in words than in deeds. We should not have found it difficult to main- tain peace, but we should have main- tained peace with honor. During this critical period the only dagner of war has lain in the weak course of the admin istration.
 NOT ON SAME FOOTING
 "I do not put life and property on the same footing, but the administration has not only been remss with respect to the protection of American lives it has been remiss with sespect to the projection of American property and American com merce. It has been toO much disposed to be content with leisurely discussion. I cannot now undertake to review the course of events but it is entirely clear that we failed to use the resources at our command to prevent injurious action, and that we suffered in consequence.
 We have no ulterior purposes and the administration should have known how to secure the entire protection of every legitimate American interest and the prompt recognition of our just demands as a neutral nation.
 We denounce all plots and conspiracies in the interest of any foreign nation. Ut- terly intolerable is the use of our soil for alien intrigues. Every American must unreservedly condemn them and support every effort for theil suppression. But here ~so. prompt, vigorous and adequate measures on the part of the administra- ton were needed. There should have been no hesitation; no notion that 1t was wise and polite to delay. Such an abuse of our territory demanded immediate and thoroughgoing action. As soon as the administration had notice of plots and conspiracies it was its duty to stop them, It was not lacking in resources. It's res sponsibility for their continuance cannot