The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-11
OUR COURSE WITH GERMANY.

declared even after an overt act has been
committed, but 10 be allowed to use what
ever measures he deems necessary for the
protection of American seamen and trav-
elers,'' is not only vindication of Ameri-
can intentions, but shows finesse that has
never been associated with our diplomacy,
usually as harsh and crude as Millions
berries.
In one sentence he has toppled over the
elaborate abb which Germany was build
ing as monument to outraged virtue, vic
tim of an unholy sympathy with the Allies.
1t is checkmate to Germany's remarkable
game of disclain1ing responsibility.
This country does not want war with
Germany-what it wants is to protect
American rights and lives. War, instead
of bringing back single life, would mean
the sacrifice of more; and even granting
American sympathy with the cause of the
Allies, for us to declare war would simply
cut off munitions shipments to them with
out any compromising reinforcements. But
it is not question of pro-Ally or prot eu-
ton but of proAmerican.
As anxious for peace as ever, President
Wilson'S latest declaration does not repre-
sent the slightest change in policy. Sever
ance of diplomatic relations was the utmost
contemplated by the Sussex note of April
Is, 1916, reiterated in the ultirnatum of
May s, 1916. Means that may be neces-
sary for the protection of our seamen and
our people in the prosecution of their peace
full and legitimate errands on the high seas
was the next step outlined, by the presi-
dents speech to congress of February 3,
severing relations, if Germany persisted
What are those preventive, protective
measures?
If American ships tie up, or ply in other
than forbidden waters, and if Americans
are enjoined against taking passage to the
prescribed zone, life and property will of
course be safe; but such poltroonery is I'M
thinkable. Even the temporary inactivity
of the ST. Louis and the St. Paul is the sub
ject Of growing exasperation-despit the
evident purpose back of it. Such an ac-
quiescence in Germany's illegal methods
would indeed be in violation of neutrality
and would involve us with the Entente.
Conveys, the government has denied,
though denial has not been categorical or
final Conveying has its drawbacks, such
as delayed sailing dates, speed dependent
upon the slowest ship, and the difficulty of
! protecting a large fleet from a submarine
which may strike at one part of the line
while the patrol vessel is guarding another
part, and make its escape before any guns
can be brought to bear
One shot, even from small calibre gun,
will destroy submarine. Guns can be
brought to bear quicker from the menaced
vessel than from any other Are, there
lore, merchant vessels to be more extern
sively armed for defensive purposes?
Heretofore our government has consid-
cred one gun mounted aft as defensive
armament, but our government has not de-
ciared this the limit of defensive armament,
nor is there anything in international law
to sanction such a definition. Defensive
armament has as its purpose the protection
OF ship against destruction, not capture,
and 1t is IN the way the guns are used, not
IN their number or location, that distin-
! gulshes between defense and offense If
for instance, ship with one gun mounted
ait went out of its way to attack an enemy
ship, either public or private, it would be
an act of offense. But that same vessel, il
it bristled with guns, even of the larger
callbre, would only be defensively armed il
1t held straight upon its course and made nc
demonstration against vessels that did not
seek its destruction.
Mounting gun aft was sufficient when
attacking vessels could be sighted in time
to allow of flight but 1t is no protection
| against submarine that lies in the path o.
a vessel and whose intentions can be ascer-
tanned only when it is too late to maneuver
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