The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-23

WASHINGTON, ID. c., March Is
Wi.a the announcement of the ruthless
destruction of three unarmed American
merchant ships 10y submarines, II was
unofiicially admitted here tonight that
virtually a state of war exists between
the United states and Germany
Technically the United States remains
in a position of armed neutrality Wheth-
er this shall he changed before April 10,
the date fixed for a special session Of
Congress, the war making branch of the
Government, President Wilson has not
decided.
IT'S AN ACT OF WAR
Editorial comment Oh the sinking of
three American ships followS:
NEW YORK HERALD-Ju-t to make
il certain that the full import of her de-
clared policy toward the United States
may not be missed or misunderstood,
Germany now greets us with not one
lover act alone, but three. The ruth
less destruction OF the City of Memphis,
the Illinois and ,he Nigilancia- all mer-
ican-owned merchantmen, manned by
American citizens and flying the Amer
lean tag-means war on the United
States; war without the formality of dec
laration, il is true, but war in fact.
NEW YORK TIMES-By the repeat
ed acts OF Germany a state Of war exists
between that country and the United
States. No declaration has preceded il.
The acts Of Germany are not to be look
ed upon merely As a provocation 20 war,
they are war itself. IL lacks only legal
recognition to establish it, existence.
NEW YORK SUN-The incidents Of
the last six weeks have been Germany's
answer to President Wilson's generous
in>redulity. Yesterday brought news Of
the sinking of three more American ships
IN violation Of American rights, in con-
tempt Of international law and in def
ance Of every principal Of humanity. l.
the President still doubtfui of Germany
siDcs rity in its submarine war against
the United ~tafes7
NFW YORK When Con
gres- eets 70 should be its fret duty o.
make a declaration Of war against Ger
many. Surh action will merely re~og
nize a condition already long existent.
NEW YORK WORLD The facts
must be accepted a. they are. Without
DECLARATION of war. Germany u making
war on the United ~ta'es. One hostile
act follows close on the heels Of another
When Congre-s meets, il must deal With
the situation frankly and efIr lively A.
Germsny's policy ard overt acts require
THE HOUR HAS STRUCK
CINCINNATI INQUIRER Let NJ not
d,a-eive Ourselves further. TIE efforts Of
the United States - preserve peace and
g. brig peace % bleeding Europe have
been scOrned. scouted ard spurned. A
state Of var hs- been created. Either
the United states must retalIste in terms
Of shot and steel or 10 driven from the
highways Of commerce and deprived oi
an honorable seat IT the table II nations.
IL - no longer matter Of vbst ve
would like or dislike A condition hs-
supplanted sl ti,eories The dignity aid
honor Of tie nstien bsve b~en s--siled
and The fesce and I-r'n anency n our in
stitut "f- threatened rhe time has come
for every man With rr'i blood in his veins
not alone o. declare hi- patriotism, bot
70 live 70 every day. We are all Amer
leans together, sharing q common berit-
age. There csn 10 no division II thi.
nation - D. live and grow in righteous
ness and power.