Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 19??-1918, 1917-02-28
PRESS COMMENT ON
SINKING Of LAC0N|A

New York Tribune-tAt last the
administration faces an overt act
on Germany's part. which Il can
hardly explain away. MIR, Wilson has
said many times that he would not
tolerate any more such murders, He
has pledged himself again and again
TO protect our people In their legiti-
mate and peaceful pursuits ON the
seas" Now the occasion has come
which compels him to make his
words good, II those words mean
anything. the administration is bound
in honor to ask congress 10 declare
war. Nothing short OF u declaration
OF war will sufiice.
New York World--.lt IL u disgrace
to congress. II Is disgrace to the
American people, Il Is disgrace 10
the eternal principles OF the repub-
lie. that there could have been an
hours wrangling and haggling over
the question whether the United
States should maintain Its honor or
surrender abjectly to German ruth
lessness, There has been enough OF
national humiliation. \ congress
that Is not unqualifiedly and reserv-
edly American in this crisis. has
make itself the kaiser's ally.
New York Herald-All doubts
about the necessity OF the govern
ment's taking immediate steps for
the absolute protection OF merchant
vessels have been removed by the
sinking OF the British liner Laconia,
New York Times--Casuistry cannot
disguise. nor ingenuity palliate the
crime OF the German submarine
commander who sank the l.aconia.
He murdered American citizens,
Every circumstance OF atrocity Is
present In the case OF the l.aconia.
We are now called upon TO defend
the liberties OF the nation.
Chicago Tribune-The nation ls at
the turning point OF the road. The
president has asked for a painted
lath to WELD In a field OF steel. II
congress turns away from the OBJ
vious need OF the nation for full and
swift preparation. and. refusing the
warnings OF experience. continues 10
shirk. and postpone, We shall pay for
II in blood and humiliation.
Chicago Herald The eyes OF the
world are turned on congress Pres
ident Wilson has taken his unmis-
taxable stand. But no one can speak
with assurance OF a congress that Is
still talking OF fillbuster 1t Is
this state OF mind which makes Ger
many willing to undertake an out
rage such as the sinking OF the La
conia--the long feared overt act. y
For congress to fail at this crisis; to
endure a fllibuster In order to es-
cape making a decision would be n
shameful exhibition OF disloyalty and
unforgivable. To refuse to support
the president would be little short OF
a calamity.
st. Louis Globe-Democrat The
sinking OF the Laconia Is striking
and convincing proof that the Ger
nan government Is putting nnre-
stricted submarine warfare into OPP
Grafton. II the president were sur
rounded by strong official advisers
whom the people could trust. there
would be less perturbation. but he
thinks and acts alone and the past
IL no indication OF infallible wisdom
st. Louis Republic--Preslden. Will
son should be free. Congress- should
give him power. We are. In short
in a situation such that the exe"ll-
tive branch Of the government, mus;
be strengthened. "A board OF man
ayers may sail a ship In fair wealth
or, but II they are wise they will de-
fer to the captain when storm
threatens.
Kansas City Journal-They tthe
Germans) are liable to mistake dis
cussion for weakness and lack Of
loyalty. Nothing could be further
from the truth.
Kansas City Star--In this crisis
there ls no time for hesitation. Con
gress ought to 30 the limit In back
ing the president In energetic steps
for safeguarding American rights,
Rocky Mountain News tDenver) ---
Congress should give the president
every lota OF power for which h'
stakes up to the limits provided b,
the constitution. But It is our hope
that the president will also grant tt
congress It's fair place In the tasf
that the sinking Of the British line
/ Laconia brings appreclably neare
that he will call the new congress In
To session that II may, with new
blood and new ideas, overset the ole