The Detroit times., 1917-02-13
Desiring Peace We Stand
By President Wilson, and
Too, We Stand by Bryan!

upon what basis she may proceed with
out offending this country and bringing
about hostilities.
This has the first appearance OF
somewhat preposterous position on Ger
uany's part, and upon this first appear
snce the LIMOGES Of the United States are
basing an opinion that il is either play
Tor time on the part Of Berlin, or a
trumped-up arrangement Of the coun-
try's pacihsts, led by William Jennings
Bryan.
With the country at the point OF war.
n Is but natural to suppose that any OPP
portunity TO avert war without the sac
riRce OF our rights would be welcome,
but the manner in which the rumor oil
oyertures from Berlin has been received
By the lingo crowd indicates that we have
IN this country. in addition TO our round
b-condemned peace-at-any-prlce adVo-
Gates, our war-at-any-price advocates.
AS between the two there ought not
30 be much doubt as to which constitutes
the greater menace.
Germany asks the United States 10
suggest how she may proceed with
ruthless submarine campaign against
her enemies and not give offense 10 the
United States.
II has to be readily admitted that 1t
e not the part Of this country to night
Cermany's battles and that it would APP
proach an unneutral act If we should 60
TO the trouble of drawing up the plans
and specifications of an attack 10 De
made by one enemy country against an
other.
Our position as a neutral has 70 be
that any plan Of attack Is satisfactory
to Us. providing we are satisfied as to its
legality.
But why shouldn't q request from
Germany for further consideration OF
her U-boat campaign and the possibili-
lies of grave consequences affecting the
relations between the two governments,
Be welcomed, II for no other reason than
the opportunity presented for Us to re
peat our position, provide against any
possible misunderstanding. demonstrate
that we mean business and by our very
nrmness convince Germany that il we
are found Mt war with her, the blame
win rest upon her own head
Letters and kilograms are pouring in
upon Washington with tone that is de-
cidedly unwarlike.
There is a disposition on the part Of
the lingo press to discount these letters,
II not to disregard them entirely, in the
belief that Bryan, as remarked, is re-
sponsible for them and for the peace SEN
timents which they contain.
Won Bernstorff is charged with being
q part of this dreadful peace conspiracy,
the object of which, we are told, is TO
divide the country and split the support
of the president.
Bryan is somewhat notorious" in the
Eyes Of those whom he offends at this
time, for this same tendency to bring
about divisions, but upon every occasion
the sheep have always been found on one
side and the goats on the other, appar-
emily sensing at once their respective
places.
II might be recalled at this time, that
the last bit Of dividing by Bryan was
that of the Democratic party. when he
routed the goats and succeeded in bring
ing pressure to bear from the people
back home to enable him to secure the
nomination Of the first Democratic presi-
dent TO have served two terms, consecu-
lively since Andrew Jackson.
And it might be recalled at this time
that the president whose course was sup
ported at the polls last November has
remarked thai "Mr. Bryan and | seek
the same ends; we differ only in the
means of reaching that end'
Thus we have the end desired by Bry-
IN already ratified by the biggest popu-
lar vote ever given president of the
United States, and we find him criticised
and snarled at only because there are
those who disagree with him as to the
means of reaching it.
The end that Bryan seeks Is peace,
and his efforts are commendable no mat
Ter by what means he seeks 10 bring