New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-29
Opportunity

a
abroad. From the moment when Ger
many announced her submarine purposes
70 the present hour the dread of German
complications, sklfully exploited by the
German Ambassador in Washington, has
been the controlling emotion Of those who
direct American foreign policy.
To-day the consequences are no longer
mistakable. The last German menace has
driven Mr.. Wilson into an act which,
however honestly intended to serve nation
Al interest. has placed US in an intolerabie
position so far as the Allied nations are
concerned and in a humilisting position
IN our own eyes. Abroad and at home we
appear chained to the German chariot and
made the servants of German will, through
fear lest Germany attack American citi-
zens on the high seas.
And in this situation so well Informed
a newspaper as "The World" presumably
acquainted with the views of the Admin
istration. warns its readers and the coun-
try that the peril of break with Ger
many is unmistakable and imminent. Not
withstanding all that has been sacrificed
Of honor, Of self-respect, of right Ger
many Is still not satisfied and now con-
templates new campaign Of terribleness.
Such being the case, viii not Mr.. viii
son now take counsel Of his courage rather
than his fear? If no concession, no yield
ing up Of honor or self-respect will long
ward off German attack, is il worth while
to continue to ALLEVIATE all the peoples Of
The Allied nations, TO destroy American
prestige, influence. dignity in all the ma
tions not allied with Germany, in the vain
quest of German immunity?
Sooner or later Mr.. Wilson viii be asked
TO do something that will be beyond his
ability; some sacrifice will be demanded
that he will find himself unable TO make,
however terrible the German threats.
Then We shall be dragged into break
with Germany, after we have exhausted
the friendliness and even the forbearance
Of those nations who are now suffering
as a result Of Mr.. Wilson's enlistment in
a German peace campaign, an enlistment
involuntary and unintentionsl, if you
please, but not less an enlistment.
We shall never permanently avoid COM
plications or even a break with Germany
IL Germany undertakes TO rule us through
our fear and capitalize our weakness to
her ends. But we shall end by being at
odds with Germany and friendless in the
world at the same moment if Mr.. Wilson
continues to deal with Germany as he has
dealt hitherto. There is only one end to
the road he is travelling and that end is
already in sight.
Never will it be possible for Mr.. Wilson
20 have better object lesson than the col
lapse Of his peace campaign has supplied.
All the explanations so far made have not
explained. He has done this country an
unutterabc and incalculable injury among
the Allied nations-and has he gained
thereby ono small modification Of Ger
many's policy? To judge from the au-
lhoritatiye words Of our neighbor The
World" he has not.
Fear Of Germany has led Us on strange
and devious pathways. 1t has put Us in
the saddest posture this nation has stood
in during the long years Of its existence.
u has brought US the ever-growing peril Of
difficulties with the Allied nations. And if
hey discover that fear is the controlling
influence in Washington, have they not re-
sources 70 inspire fear far beyond those of
the Germans?
All Americans without regard to party
are willing 10 support Mr.. Wilson in de-
fence of national right and honor; they
have always been willing to do this. But
in what position will Mr.. Wilson stand IN
tho eyes Of his own countrymen IL, after
he has sacrificed honor. neither safety nor
peace is preserved?
We have become the catspaw Of Ger
many. In the Allied world this view is
generally held; whether justly or not IS
beside the present question, although TO
The Tribune the justice of the view seems
bevond cavil. What Germany desires
-. r. obould do We do out OF fear,