TaÌˆgliches Cincinnatier volksblatt. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1885-1919, 1916-04-18
lchicago Tribune, April l7thl

RCco'tft
tion TO the people the country would
vote against entering the European
war, or taking any step which would
bring US within reach of such cata'
strophe, because Of any of the issues
OF law and fact raised in the submarine
controversy.
THE TRIBUNE believes congress IL
aware Of this and, If not maneuvered
into position in wich support Of the
executive seems necessary, would refuse
to approach war with the central
powers over the submarine campaign.
There Is, indeed, demand in Ameri-
ca that we enter the war because Ger
many caused the war, invaded Belgium
committed ATROCITIES, represents milf
tarism as against democracy, sank the
Lusitania, plots in the United States to
blow up munition manufactures, etc.
Dut the demand for war against Ger
many is not supported by American
opinion in the main.
The great majority of Americans are
not ready to 60 TO war to establish
what we many conceive to be right
wherever in the world it is assailed by
wrong.
In the submarine cont oversy, despite
violent press campaign in the east,
there is no general disposition among
the people to 60 TO war with the
central powers to establish rule OF
action for the submarine or to insist
upon the right Of American citizens
safely to travel or be employed upon
ships of belligerent nationality.
The country has seen the adminis-
tration order thousands OF American
men and women out of Mexico, although
it was their right under Mexican law
to be there, though their presence did
not interfere with any proper prose
cution Of civil war in Mexico, and
though in leaving they suffered great
personal loss.
This order was issued contrary to
their rights and our national dignity,
solely to avoid, II possible. the neces'
sity OF Intervention and the possibility
OF war.
The country cannot now be expected
willingly to enter the world war 70
enforce the comparatively trivial right
asserted by the administration on be-
half Of Americans who wish to travel or
find employment upon foreign ships
involved in the operations Of the
European war or trayersing the zone OF
these operations.
If expediency was set before right IN
the first case the country sees no reason
why the rule should be reversed in the
second.
in short, with the exception of class
which is small and unrepresentatiye,
the American public and, we are con-
fident, the majority of congress see no
reason why the United States should go
70 war to establish theory Of law or
enforce a privilege which is sought by
only few.
There is no due proportion between
the end sought and the price to be paid,
unless there are other considerations
than those appearing In the submarine
But II there are other considerations
they should be brought forward. we
ought not 10 enter the war on an irre'
levancy, Il pretense, or a minor IN
terest. There is neither wisdom nor
honor in that. II 1t is Mr.. Wilson's
telief that our substantial rights ana
are involved in the world wal,
II he conceiyes that the success Of the
central powers is inimical to our IN
terests OF dangerous to our future
peace, he should leave the tangle OF the
submarine debate and present his real
for the consideration OF con-
yress and the nation.
In the opinion of THE TRIBUNE
congress should not permit a critical
step TO be taken in our foreign
relations without full and free dis
,ussion Of our real grounds OF action,
and without making itself certain that
,ur substantial interests are being fur'
.hered and safeguarded. Mr.. Wilson has
suggested that # we enter an inter
national struggle we come out as soon
IS interest centers In America. We are
confident that the country is ready Tor
10 such self-immolation, and 1t is the
iuty Of congress to see to 1t that II
Mr.. Wilson's policy is really based on
,uch transcendental grounds it be
corrected by common sense
Ind a legitimate respect for the in
.erests which center in America.
A breach Of international relations
With the central powers involves the
probability, II not the certainty oil
var. At best II involves present and
uture consequences to the United
States and to the world SO grave ana
ar reaching that it should not oe
escorted to behind barrier Of con-