The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1916-02-20
THE OPEN FORUM
In Which Readers Of The Washington Herald Express Then
Views on Current Topics

Editor of The Washington Herald:
The sympathy displayed in the edi-
.orlal columns Of local morning
newspaper for the fragile German SUBJ
marine Is amusing. but evidently sin
cere' and inspired by desire 70 pro-
tect It's dear friend the Teutonic u
BOAT. The charges that Great Britain
mas secretly armed her merchantmen
win big guns manned by trained gun
ners with instructions TO attack sub
marines whenever they think they can
destroy them, resolves itself into a
gooo suggestion for England. But
where is the reliable source whence the
daily paper gets its secret informa-
ton? II does not say
me ridiculous statement has also
Deen made, and strongly emphasized.
that the gunners remove and secrete
thelr uniforms upon arrival in a neu-
trai port. Why uniforms? But of
course IL must be the esteemed edi-
torial writer has also secret informa-
lloh that English gunners cannot fire
straight unless clothed in their reguIa-
ton uniform The gold braid and the
brass buttons doubtless aid them IN
their ability to locate the periscope Of
the deadly pirate of the seas and there
fore they must hide the precious gar
ments in safe conceslment
1t was not the gunners Of England
that caused a beautiful American WON
an with her six strong and active of
spring TO be hurled TO death in icy
waters, with over lOC other citizens OF
this land of the brave 60
The military officials Of Germany
have dishonored their country by their
unwarranted acts and prafs be TO
England II she does (Which is doubt
ed place extra guns on the decks OF
her merchantmen and try to sink every
pirate crew she can sight. Well may
the editorial friend OF the German
submarine quake for the safety Of his
fragile ally whose rights he so re-
markedly and enthusiastically uphoIds.
The next step OF this aforesaid un-
biased editorial column will proba bly
Dc 10 protest against the mounting Of
guns on tall buildings in English
cities TO fight the Zeppelin air raids
on civilians. pleading, no doubt the
fragility OF the air craft. That the Of
nctsl government OF Germany refused
TO recognize international law IL shown
by its violation OF Belgian neutrality,
its treatment Of the misera bic women
and children Of that nation. and its
ferocious destruction OF noncombatants
at sea. Nothing need be said OF the
spy system in this country and the re-
quested Withdrawal OF Won Papen and
the Austrian Ambassador
II Is true the German government
gave promises that these unlawful acts
would not be repeated. but did not the
Ancona and the Persia sink? Is inter
national law to be considered only
when ii serves the purpose Of aiding
the Teutonic nations? Is a nation that
can uphold its military and naval gov
ernments in such conduct to be trusted
TO keep its word? II cannot be pos
slole that the people Of Germany know
the whole truth about the proceedings
of the war. All due respect to those
OF them whose industry. power OF or
gantzstion, scientific research, and mu-
steal culture placed Germany in a DO
sition TO lead the world but for the
iron band Of military powers which
bind that unhappy country TO this un-
ceastng conflict there can be but the
feeling OF distrust and contempt an
every right minded people
OCTANIA.