The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-02-03

1916 in what has become known as
the sussex pledge, as follows:
The German government, guided
by this idea, notifies the government
OF the United States that the Ger
man naval forces have received the
following orders:
In accordance with the general
principles of visit and search and de.
struction of merchant vessels recog-
nized by international law, such ves-
sells, both within and without the zone
declared as naval war zone, shall
not be sunk without warning and
without saving human lives, unless
these ships attempt to escape or offer
resistance"
This was followed by the qualifi-
cation the United States declined TO
recognize. The pledge has been bind
ing on Germany up to today when
her new orders were issued denying
the right of visit and search to vcs-
sells within wide area.
This follows closely an extension of
the field of British naval operations
announced from the American en-
bassy in London on Saturday in which
an area running out from Jutland and
enclosing part of the North sea was
declared dangerous because of bol-
ligerent operations.
Preparations for a wide sea war
have been for some time indicated In
many scattered dispatches but no
suoh extreme warfare was expected
by officials here. Reports have fra
quently come from South American
ports OF German ships preparing for
a dash to sea. Likewise German
naval report have intimated proba5 5i-
lity OF another big naval battle like
the Jutland battle last spring, while
a recent conference Of allied naval
authorities forecast much closer en-
tente cooperation on the seas.
When Associated Press dispatches
telling Of the German note began ar.
irving at the White House today. Pres
ident Wilson was in his office talk
ing with friend. Secretary Tumulty
hurried to him with the news.
The president could not believe It
until assured that the Information was
contained in a formal note already
before the state department..
Cabinet members likewise received
the news with expressions of amaze
mept. On every hand in official cir
cles the first opinion formed without
detailed consideration was that diplo-
matte relations with Germany would
be broken II the terms Of the de-
cree are carried out.
The. German announcement, as
communicated to Mr.. Lansing through
And sador. Eernssorn follows:
..Nr. Secretary Of State:
your excellency was good enough
to transmit to the imperial govern
ment copy Of the message which
the president Of the United States Of
America addressed to the senate OIL
the 22nd inst. The imperial govern
ment has given it the earnest consid-
eraton which the presidents state.
ments deserve. inspired as they are
by deep sentiment Of responsibility.
1t Is highly gratifying to the imperial
government to ascertain that the main
tendencies Of this important statement
correspond largely to the desires and
principles professed by Germany.
These principles especially include
self government and equality of rights
for all nations. Germany would be
sincerely glad if in recognition Of this
principle countries like Ireland and
India. which do not enjoy the bene-
fits Of political independence. should
now obtain their freedom. The Ger
man people also repudiate all alliances
which serve to force the countries into
competition for might and to en-
volve them in net of selfish in
trigues. On the other hand, Germany
will gladly cooperate in all efforts to
prevent future wars. The freedom of
the seas, being a preliminary condi-
ton of the free existence of nations
and the peaceful intercourse between
them, as we'll as the open door for
the commerce of all nations, has al
ways formed part Of the leading prin-
ciples of Germanys political pro-
gramme. All the more the imperial
government regrets that the attitude
of her enemies who are so entirely
opposed to peace makes it impossible
for the world at present to bring
about the realization of these lofty