French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1916-1919, 1917-02-08
Headersonville, Thursday Feb, 8, 1917

offices and set his face toward tn
Fatherland.
The public has long realized that
break with Germany was inevitable
and when the note giving warnins
! that the Berlin government had re.
moved restrictions on submarine war,
fare appeared in press dispatches a
few days ago, all hope of continuing
friendly relations with the Imperial
government was dispelled. But no
other alternative was left to the Uni
ted States, without q surrender of
honor and self-respect. A few of
President Wilson's advisors counselIed
against assuming that Germany's sub
marine notice, in itself, meant inva-
sion of neutral rights and urged that
diplomatic relations be continued un
til some overt action of a submarine
compelled the severance. The Presi-
dent himself suggested the sending of
another note of warning to Germany,
but this idea was looked upon with
disfavor and the position of this Re-
public made plain by the action taken
in seyering diplomatic relations.
Unquestienably, this break means
that very serious situation faces this
country. It may not mean actual
war. but nine chances in ten similar
conditions have hitherto resulted in
hostilities. That this country will
soon be in actual war with Germany
there is little doubt. The severance
Of diplomatic relations generally
marks the beginning of serious conse-
quences. The recent past shows no
instance ola diplomatic break be-
tween two first class powers that has
not been followed by hostilities. 1t is
not probable, therefore, that strained
relations between the United States
and Germany will continue for any
great lapse of time without provoking
more serious consequences than would
result from the mere severance of re-
lations. However, under the laws OF
nations. the rights of Germany in the
United States and of the United States
in Germany will not be seriously af-
fected unless hostilities are actually
begun. No treaties are terminated Or
suspended by the severance of rela-
lions, but remain in full force and eff
lect unless either the United States or
Germany shall decide to denounce
them, which, under international laws
and usages, calls for a years notice.
If the break means war the fault
does not lie at the door of President
Wilson, who has been patient and
long-suffering He has endeavored, in
every possible manner, to avoid q
break with the Central Powers. He
has come the President may confident
and his party on account of the con-
ciliatory spirit shown in his dealings
with Germany Now. that the break
ha scome. the President may confident
" rely upon the courage and patriot
ism of the American people to sustain
him in the position he has taken. He
will have a united peop1
further action in the interest OF nu'
mainly and to maintain the honor and
dignity of the United States.
The action that other neutral coun-
tries may take is problematic.A
major portion of them will probably
announce their sympathy with the
United States and thus aid in hasten
ing the conclusion of the war. That re-
cent developments will be followed by
grave consequences there is little
doubt. It may mean the beginning of the
end of the war; or it may mean years
blood and carnage No human mind
can tell.