The Canon City record with which is consolidated the Canon City cannon., 1917-04-05
Senators Hitchcock and Lodge Arouse a
Storm of Patriotism by Their Speeches in
Favor of Resolution; Senate to Remain in
Continuous Session Till 1t Passes

extraordinary announcement OF the
imperial German government that on
and after the first day OF February
IL was its purpose to put aside all
restraints OF law or of humanity and
sci that sought to approach either the
ports Of Great Britain and ireland or
the western coasts OF Europe or any
of the ports controlled by the enc
mics OF Germany within the Mediter-
ranean. That has seemed to be the
object of German submarine warfare
earlier in the war. but sir oe April cf
last year THE imperial government had
somewhat restrained the commanders
OF its underscas craft in conformity
passenger boats should not be sunk.
and that due warning should be given
10 all other vessels which its subma-
rines might seek TO destroy. when no
resistance was offered or escape at
tempted. and care taken that their
crews were given at least a fair
chance 10 save their lives in their
open boats. The precautions were
ineagre and haphazard enough. as
was proved in distressing Instance af-
ter instance In the progress OF the
cruel and unmaniy business. but n
certain degree of restraint was OBJ
served.
The new policy has sNayDlA.aArVHArs-
straini aside. Vessels OF every kind
whatever their nag. their character.
their cargoes. their destination. their
errand. have been ruthlessiy sent to
the bottom without thot of help or
mercy for those on board. the vessels
of friendly neutrals along with those
OF belligcrents. Even hospital ships
and ships carrying relief TO the soreIy
bereayed and stricken people OF Bel
gium. tho the latter were provided
with safe conduct thru the prescribed
areas b. the German government it.
self. and were distinguished by I'M
mistakable marks OF identity. have
been sunk with the same reckless
lack OF compassion or principle.
| WAS for a little while unable to
believe that such things would in fact
be done by any government that had
hitherto subscribed to the human
practices Of civilized nations. Inter
national law had its origin In the at
tempt to set up some Law which would
he respected and observed upon the
seas. where no nation had right of do
minion and where lay the free high
ways OF the world. BY painful stage
after stage has that law been built
up with meaEre enough results in
deed. after all was accomplished that
could be accomplished. but always
with clear view at least Of what the
heart and conscience of mankind de
manded.
This minimum of right the German
government has swept aside under the
plea of retaliation and necessity. and
because IL had no weapon which II
could use at sea except these. which
II Is impossible TO employ as II is en-
ploying them without throwing TO the
winds all scruples of humanity or of
respect for the understandings that
were supposed to underlio the inter
course OF the world.
am not now thinking of the loss
of property involved. immense and
serious as this is. but only OF the wan
ton and wholesale destruction OF the
lives OF non-combatants, men. women
and children. engaged in pursuits
which have always. even in the dark
est periods Of modern history. been
deemed innocent and legitimate. Prop
erty can be paid for; the lives OF
peaceful and Innocent people cannot
be.
The present German submarine
warfare against commerce ie 4 war
fare against mankind II 10 a war
against all nations. American ships
have been sunk. American lives taken
In ways which has stirred US very
deeply to learn Of. but the ahipa and
people Of other neutral and friendly
nations have been sunk and over
vhalmoA IN The W0tOfa n the oanA