The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-10-12
Attributes German Activity
on This Side Atlantic to
"Spineless Attitude"
LEADERS "WHISTLING"
TO KEEP UP COURAGE
They Fear That President May Be
Made Stronger in Manner in Which
He Handles Another Delicate
Situation
By HUGH w. ROBERTS


Washington, October 1.-tSpecial)
Regarding the successful maneuvers
of U-5s off the western Atlantic coast,
the republican party offers the idea
that warfare so close home renders
mere grave a delicate situation"
The republican party was speaking
in political sense. That organiza-
ton, through its chieftains adds;
There is no question but that such
terrible condition is traceabie to the
vacillating and 'spineless' policy so
assiduously pursued by the Wilson adj
ministration."
In this connection 1t is interesting
to note the fear displayed by staff cor
respondents of the republican press,
who daily publish dispatches from the
west reciting the trend towards
Hughes alleged to be under way in
that section. These writer's very cam
didly admit--and no doubt reflect the
opinion of republican Ieaders-that
both sides would probably proper
that nothingh happen at this time to
German American vote"
WILL HAVE EFFECT
There is no question but that the
activity of German submersibles off the
American coast win have an effect on
the political situation. The nature
OF the effect is dependent almost en-
tirely on the scope OF such activity.
Whatever result obtains-and there
seems to be no doubt respecting this
polnt-the chance of democratic sue
cess cannot be blemished. on the
other hand, there is every reason to
believe that democracy will profit.
In this connection. it is well to re-
member that the German American
vote, so strong in the states of the
middle west. Ohio. Wisconsin. Michi-
gan, Illinois and Missouri. is. in the
first place. normally republican vote.
and in the second place. vote. on
account OF wilson's previous record.
| more than ordinarily inclined to oppose
democracy. Irrespective of whatever
| might happen. therefore, respecting the
German American vote. Wilson cannot
lose. And, as it invariably happens,
he might materially gain.
1t is apparent, as result of the
foregoing. that republicans would pre-
fer that nothing. happen to disturb
the situation.
DEMOCRATS PROFIT
At the present time--as a result or
the submarine activity up to date
Woodrow coFes up smiling He
has stated that far as known. Ger
many has condA 4 itself properly.
and that the UnN states-in the
vernacular-has no X to register.
This is the opinion hose unbiased
Americans who known at Germany.
beyond the 3-mile limik an 40 any
thing Germany desires w lin the re-
strictions laid down by then ,vernment
of the United States.
And with what wonderful appeal
those citizens of German birth and
fondness! They have seen the ships
of the allies for months and months
bear from American shores to France
food with which to sustain their enc
mics, and munitions of war with which
| to slaughter their countrymen. The
Kaiser. no quicker than they, realized
that some drastic action must be taken
to prevent such shipments. Obviously,
the submarine was the th-engine
which suggested itself. The submarine
came, and destroyed. The German
American was rejoiced This govern
ment took the "hands-off'' position.
The pro-ally knows that that position
| is the correct position. The pro- Ger
man. anticipating the opposite course,
must be converted to the idea that the
President is fair and absolutely neutral.
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