American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-02-08
THE SITUATION.

Diplomatic relations between Germany and the
United States have been severed. Passage has been
engaged for Ambassador Won Bernstorff and about
two hundred other subjects of Germany, and safe
conduct secured for their return to their native land
Guards have been thrown around German consulates
everywhere to protect the properties and those with
in against violence. American Ambassador Gerard
is preparing to leave for home He has been accord
ed courtesy and consideration equal to that bestowed
upon the German ambassador to this country.
Diplomatic relations between Austria and the
United States have not been severed although it is
considered only matter of time until they are.
Congress has taken the necessary steps to prepare
this government for any emergency that may arise,
adding large sums to the budgets for military and
naval purposes, and empowering the president to
take manufacturing plants or transportation
facilities that may be deemed necessary advanta-
geOuS. bill to authorize the construction of 100
additional submarines has been introduced.
War has not been declared and both governments
hope that it will not be- The measures proposed
simply make provisions for the government to meet
conditions as they may arise.
In the blockaded surrounding the British
Isles there has been renewed activity in submarine
warfare, and heavy toll has been laid on shipping,
both ally and neutral. More tonnage is being sunk
than at any period of the war. At the rate of loss
sustained the first week in February the toll for the
month will approximate 100000 tons.
There has little occurred during the week to in
crease friction. Warnings have been sounded
throughout the land against intempered speech. In
leading papers of the United States have given
preston to the thought tersely and aptly stated
by the San Francisco Examiner that "the American
who keeps his head cool and his speech temperate in
this crisis is the best patriot"
There is no occasion for excitement or harsh feel
ings, locally. In the event that war should be de-
clared it will be Independent action between the
United States and Germany, and will not make the
United States ally of the allied nations except in
sofar as the interests of the United States direct
ly involved The only issue between the United
States and Germany is the right of neutrals to en-
gage in commerce and the protection of the lives Of
American citizens so engaged These issues may be
settled at any tme and entirely apart from any set
tement of questions with the allied powers
Camness and moderation should be exercised by
all The situation is acute, but it not be better
ed by harsh statements, nor by repeating wild ru-
Even if war comes would not know it
here if newspapers were excluded from the mails
Much all classes of citizens here wl regret war,
there is nothing they can do to prevent it. They
do much, however, to preserve good feelings be-
tween sympathizers with the nations now engaged
in war, and moderation is the only thing required of
them to do so. "Ihe American who keeps his head
cool and his speech temperate in this crisis is the best
patriot