Cresco plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1913-1945, 1916-05-05
The Reqe.t Made Of Germany.

Dubuque Telegraph Herald: 1t is to
be hoped that Germany in its eager
ness to cripple it's enemy will not be so
blind to the rights of humanity, of in
ternational law and civilization as to
persist in continuing it's submarine pol
icy which has become offensive to
America and all other neutral nations,
offensive in manner that it is no longer
tolerable. 1t is the hope of all Amer
lea that the German government may
pause in its mad struggle long enough
to realize that neutrals have some
rights which :eligerents are bound to
respect.
President Wilson's administration
has borne with this aggravated ques-
ton long and patiently, hoping that the
war-mad European countries would
hearken to mild words of protest. But
those mild words have been utterly dis
regarded. President Wilson has been
criticized at home for his failure to
take drastic action, He has uncom-
plainingly borne this criticism, be-
cause he has fully realized any act of
his would be so charged with moment
Gus possibilities because he of all
things is God-fearing, peace-;oving
man. But there is a limit to what
even great man like him can bear,
and it appears this limit has been
reached.
The president is asking only that
Germany in future conduct its subma-
rine warfare upon merchant ships in
accordance with the provisions of in
ternational law and that the imperial
German government instruct it's COM
manders of undersea craft against such
violations as have been recently re-
corded. Having received promises that
this submarine warfare would be so
conducted, and believing those prom
Uses to have been disregarded, he has
finally notified Germany that further
violations will be considered sufficient
grounds for breaking off diplomatic re-
lations.
President Wilson is not demanding
that Germany discontinue its subma-
rine warfare. He is not so ignorant of
international law as to make such an
absurd request. Germany is at liber-
ty to wage war in any manner it may
see fit against the citizens of other ma
tons, but when its warfare even
casually affects citizens of the United
States it must observe the letter of in
ternational law.
Against the use of the submarine
President Wilson is making no COM
plant. He recognizes it is an efficient
weapon. But he demands it be used
humanely and in civilized manner.
He does not admit the sinking of mer-
chant vessels without warning to be
either humane or civilized.
International law, recognizing the
right of war vessel to prey upon
enemy commerce, humanely provides
that before sinking merchant vessel
the crew and passengers must be re-
moved to place of safety. Even per-
hitting them to take to boats is not
considered enough, unless the land be
near and the sea calm.
The president is asking that Ger
man submarine commanders, before
sinking a merchant vessel, first re-
move the passengers and crew and as
sure their safety. Having done that
the vessel may be sunk or burned or
taken prize.
If Germany will comply with these
provisions of international law the
United States will make no further
complaint but will recognize the new
submarine warfare as legitimate.
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