The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1917-02-06
ON VERGE OF WAR

ON v ERGE OF WAX
The action OF Germany in violating
its solemn pledges to the United
States and inaugurating a policy of
unstricted submarine warfare, direct
ed as much against neutral nations
as the nations with which 1t is at
war, and which resulted in President
Wilson's severing diplomatic rela-
tons with Germany, has not been
followed by an explanation that will
appeal to people as being sensible or
that can, in any way. strengthen Ger
many's position In the great war or
hasten peace.
One reason assigned for Germany's
adopting the desperate measure OF
antagonizing the United States is
that If her submarine warfare is not
successful that she will be furnished
with pretext for yielding In the war
and suing for peace on the ground
that she cannot fight the whole
world.
Another reason suggested Is that
Germany has been experiencing great
difficulty in keeping her allies, Aus
tria and Bulgaria. In line, and that
the former has been weakening to
such an extent that II has given un-
mistakable signs OF being willing to
seek peace at almost any price; that
10 bolster up it's weakening allies,
Germany has promised Austria and
Bulgaria certain victory through her
U-boats as the price OF their contln-
ued cooperation, and that TO main
tain the solidarity OF the central al
1iance, Germany was willing TO take
the desperate chance of breaking
with the United States.
The latter suggestion Is the more
plausible OF the two. but both are
lacking as to being satisfactory.
Perhaps Germany misinterpreted
the strongly Expressed words of Pres
ident Wilson, on many occasions, for
keeping this country ont Of war, al
representing A cowardly character,
both i'm the president, and as reflect
Ing n cowardicc in the people OF this
country. n that was the interpreta-
3 ton. what a faliacioua one IL Is! BY
this time Germany has found out diff.
Eerentlv.
President Wilson mas spoken, and
mis- words to the congress reflect the
unanimous opinion OF the people OF
abe United States. Back Of President
Wilson the people Of the United
states line IN sOiidiy 1here is not
n Dissenting voice
The breaking 0f diplomatic reln-
tions with Germany does not. of ne
-oesslty mean sctiai warfare II ~
significant, however. that at no time
IN the history Of tho worlds history
mas there been cessation OF such
relations by two arst class powers,
hnt that war has followed.
II is entirely up 10 Germany wheth
ser or not the 9nited States shall b.
an active participant AGAINST Il In the
present war. The United States
does not want war. bat. AZ aptly stat
Ell nv President Wilson, We seek
merely to stand true. alike ia thought
and action. to the ,mmemorial prin
cipies Of our peOpie-seek merely Ia
vindicate our right TO liberty and JUS
fice and an unmTested life"
The United states will not be tn,
agFressor. II var comes Il must be
bY Germany striking the FIRST blow
God grant that the blow be moi
struck, but if II be. the people of IN,
United States will stand shoulder tr
shoulder IN tho csuiict. anu by per
EOnal service and their resources viii
contend with mighty force for tn
rights. the integrity and the honor o
their country