Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1916-05-17

years. but also by the thought of the
great doom which threatens the entire
civilized world should the cruel and
sanguinary war be extended and pro
longed."
Germany DESTROYS of Peace.
"The German government, conscious
of Germany's strength, twice within
the last few months announced before
the world it's readiness to make peace
on basis safeguarding Germany's vi
tai interests, thus indicating that IL is
not Germany's fault if peace is still
withheld from the nations of Europe.
The German government feels all
the more justified in declaring that re-
sponsibility could not be borne be-
fore the forum of mankind and in his
tory If, after 81 months of the wars
duration. the submarine question IN
der discussion between the German
government and the government of the
United States were to take a turn seri-
Ously threatening maintenance of
peace between the two nations.
Anxious to Prevent Clash.
As far as lies with the German gov
eminent it wishes to prevent things
from taking such course. The Ger
man government, however. is prepared
to do its utmost to confine operations
Of the war for the rest of it's dura-
ton to the lighting forces of the bellig-
erents, thereby also insuring freedom
OF the seas, principle upon which the
German government believes, now as
before, that it is in agreement with
the government of the United States.
To Warn Ships and Save Lives.
The German government, guided by
this idea, notifies the government of
the United States that German naval
forces have received the following or.
der:
In accordance with the general
principles of visit and search and the
destruction of merchant vessels rec
ognized by international law, such yes
sells. both within and without the area
declared a naval war zone, shall not
be sunk without warning and without
saving human lives unless the ship
attempt TO escape or offer resistance.
But neutrals cannot expect that
Germany. forced to fight for existence.
shall for the sake of neutral interests
restrict the use of an effective weapon
il the enemy is permitted to continue
to apply at will methods of warfare
violating rules of international law.
Such a demand woHld be incompatible
with the character OF neutrality, and
the German government is convinced
that the government of the United
States does not think of making a de-
Land knowing that the government Of
the United States repeatedly de-
clares that it is determined 20
restore the principle of freedom
of the seas, from whatever quarter it
has been violated.
Asks for Demand on Britain.
Accordingly the German govern.
ment is confident that in consequence
OF the new orders issued to the naval
forces the government of the United
States will also now consider all i'm
pediments removed which may have
been in the way Of mutual co-opera-
ton toward restoration of the free
dom Of the seas during the war, as
suggested in the note of July %, 1915,
and IL does not doubt that the govern
ment of the United States will now de-
mand and insist that the British gov
eminent shall forthwith observe the
rules OF international law universally
recognized before the war, as laid
down in the notes presented by the
government of the United States to
the British government December 2S,
1914. and November 5. s1915.
SHOULD steps taken by the govern
nent Of the United States not attain
the object it desires, TO have the laws
Of humanity followed by all beIliger-
ent nations, the German government
would then be facing a new situation,
in which it must reserve to itself com
plete liberty Of decision.
The undersigned ayails himself of
this opportunity to renew to the Amer
lean ambassador assurances of high
est consideration.