Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-14
Germany Seeks Il Rupture

THIS governments prompt refusal 10 lutcl
INTO negotiations with Germany. AS was
propo ed through the Swiss minister Al Wash.
,ngton was expected by the nations intel!:-
ScDce and demanded by the nations con.
science. No other course. while neutral
ships and neutral lives yet are being de-
stroyed. possibly could have been pursued.
nor. VIC feel confident. was any other course
considered.
H. as The Times Dispatch said last sunday.
Germany lily desires to avoid war no con
terence is needed. but 4 mere observance OH
her part of the ordinary principles o,
humanity and law. Secretary Lansing
voices the same thought when in his C.
spouse 10 Or. Etters note, he declares the
United States does not feel that il can enter
any discussion with the German government
concerning tie policy OF submarine warfare
against neutrals which ii J.. pursuing.
unless and until the Germa" government re-
news its assurances OF the ath or May and
acts upon the assurances
We wish we could detect smother iGpi.c.-
ton. but Germ"ny's whole policy since d;pIo-
matte relations were severed seems designed
rather TO bring on than 20 avert the outbreak
OF hostiili"s. The treatment OF the Amcri-
can amba ssador--h,S virtual detention for
three days litter he had ashed Tor bis pd S.
ports aud tho attempt 10 ccerce hn into
signing protocol rcvvns the rrusSian-
American treaty .! 1925: the threat to hold
Americans As hostages for the release OF Ger
man ships. war-hunnd in on" ports: the actual
detention or the meu OF the larrow1elc:
'.eu this !asl disnsonuous effort 10 transfer
The evidences of guilt from bloody hands 10
clean. III carr. the same suggestion, We
may tnd indications Of !i:.n 10 delay ,he
anal rupture but none oi honest will
aud purpose to prevent it.
In this grave situation. i is the eAigent
md compelling duty OF this a,ion 10 prepare
for the worst. That duty rests on the gov
eminent not only. but on the people. We
should take account OF our resources. has.
aand collectively and individually. our stores
II cash. credit and commodities and place
ourselves in readiness to play patriots part
II Patriot S ca use.
The day draws near Even NOW American
'hins. unarmcd and unprotected steam
inc into those seas wherein Germany has
2rcu 10 mark out zone of Go,h. Al any
momem, there may fash through he air
nows OF = decd which will sound this peoples
call IL arms. That already such deed has
not sounded such call has been due. il he
comes evident. rather 10 chance than 10 Ger
purpose observe neutral rights or
pare American liyeE.
Our ships which hereafter leave our ports
should he armed for dofeuse and supplied with
Instructions which viii enable their COM
nanders 20 make their armament protec-
iion. rather than additional danger If
vessels arc 10 wait until submarine has
discharged : torpedo. their gun. v il! avail
rather less than nothing. They mist ne
lhorized To begin firing wien the behavior
ii IL: undersea boat shows il meditates an
attack.
We must have universal military service
:. without the great influence. buttressed i'm
popular confidence. which the President
wicds ihe passage Of universal service bill
is impossible. Mr. Wilson should ask Congress
C make such measure the law Of The land
Now that The Administrative r,osrd has
Stsrtod campaign for clearcr city. il may
be expected, III due time. 10 enlist the ser
vice OF the Street. Cleaning Depa rtment