The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-04-16

from congress to congress. and second that il they
do the rule which has heretofore been regarded as
justifying so-called unlimited debate in the senate
is unreasonable and void. l imagine you did no,
intend to take issue with the line of argu-
ment on that subject either. With all but about
twelve members Of the senate I signed the So
called round-ro in dicating that if an oppor-
tunity were given me would vote In favor Of plac
ing guns on our merchant ships so that they might
defend themselves against the unlawful attacks of
German submarines. l imagine that 1t Is tho gen :
cral disposition which this conduct discloscs not
to submit to seeing ships driven from the ocean
by the threat Of ruthless destruction which has
not so much OF your disapproval as is expressed in
the resolutions. If So must subject myself to
further criticism. for intend without any hesita-
ton whatever. to vote in favor of the pending dec
laration to the effect that Germany has made war
upon us. ! cannot escape the conclusion that some
Of the signers of the document have been moved by
their sympathy with the cause OF Germany and de-
to see her triumph in the war, and others by
their detestaton Of England and of their hope that
she may fall. ! can scarcely believe that any of
them, If indeed any Of them. have resolutcly and
successfully put aside all their symrathcs and
predictions to reach just conclusion to the
course this country ought to take in its own in
tercst and for its own safety That is the only
thought that influences ought to influence my
judgment to the course country ought to
take.
Now that YOU have complained Of the attitude
which have assumed, and that which II is my pur-
pose to keep will you have the kindness to tell me
threatened to sink every ship flying the American
flag that comes within the prescribed zone. No
contends that she has any right to do under
any acknowledged right Of international law. No
one disputes the right Of ships to travel those
seas and our people also to travel them in perfect
safety. Our ships frightened by the threat. refuse
to leave harbors What course would you adj
wise? If VIC and other neutral nations yielded to
the threat thus made we should be contributing
enormously to the success Of the Central Powers
by aiding Germany in her effort to keep supplies
ont Of Great Britain and France" Are you perfectly
satisfied that is desirable thing for this country
that Germany shall triumph in this war? We have.
justly unjustly. incurred her intense hostility
and the deep seated cnmity Of her governing class.
who believe and not without reason, that they
would have won the war in six months had it not
been that the Allies supplies themselves with money
and munitions from shores. They bitter
of munitions Of war, Notwithstanding perfect
right to engage in this trade far as international
law is concerned: indeed in that respect we but
follow the settled polio! OF Germany herself Tn
fortunately as 1 pointed out in speech delivered
i'll the senate year she has Of complaint
with respect to the course have pursued much
moro justfiab,e in character. But whether the re-
sentiment she bears us has been earned has not
been earned it is there. She has reason for
feeling kindly toward us out of any incident in this
war except in respect to our forbearance, and she
triumphant sh" would develop still further her
marvellous military organization. She would keep
on building her navy until it surpassed that Of
England as IT now does our We would be
forced by tho unacceptable logic of events if she
triumphcd. to engage in Il with her in military
and in military organization. What the
result would be when the inevitable clash
man can say. In any case ! cannot why
should help Germany to win this by sub
missiycly yielding to her demand that our ships
keep off the seas DO YOU: do no, speak of the
honor Of our nation. because that is a term which
is much abused and may signify much little. but
do YOU think it is quite consistent with the dignity
Of this nation to yield obedience to any such in
dct"nsihc demand"
There is another aspect Of the matter to which
You may not have given any particular considcr:-
ton. Sixty per cent of the copper mined in Butte
is exported, even in peace times. If our foreign
trade is destroyed the mines in Butte must shut
down. That means starvation. ! am distressed
that the babies Of Germany and even of England
should suffer tor want of food. My first duty
however, is to see that my people do not staryc
But th"S" arc matters that need no longer dis
rusS We will declare either tomorrow or the next
day that Germany has made war upon this country
and that VIC must acccp, the challenge out of q
regard for our own safety and own interests.
he W lpliu tp,r,