The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-10-27

democracy from beneath the iron
heel of the German dream of world
dominion. May God help us to help
him i'm his task
Some say we have no cause for en-
tering this war The commander-in-
chief Of the army and navy, the
overwhelming vote of both branches
of congress, the presidents cabinet.
thought differently. 1t is a signifi-
cant fact that only five men in the
house south of Mason and Dixon line
voted against the proposition of de-
claring that Germany was making
war against us. There were only six
senator's in the tot | membership Of
that body who voted to the contrary.
and one of these at this moment is
being tried by his colleagues for Sc
ditiOus utterances.
1t is the duty of the government to
protect its citizens in the enjoyment
of their right. liberty. and the pur-
suit of their happiness. 1t is the pur-
pose for which our government was
formed. 1t is the aim of all govern
ments. If 1 am not to be protected
in my rights, should not be called
upon to pay taxes and support the
government. We are fighting this
war as guarantee to our 'humblest
citizen that wherever the American
flag floats. there he has a guarantee
to look after his interest and to see
that his rights are protected, and,
as well, respected.
The sea has always been recog
nized as an international highway,
free to all who had ,he means to
travel. In 1912, more than a hun
dred years ago. England challenged
our right to the seas. We answered
her by whipping her. In 1915. the
Algerian pirates challenged the right
and Decatur bombarded Tripoli. Ger
many challenges that right today
when we are the most powerful ma
ton in the world, and our response
to her will be just the same kind OF
licking, except a good deal worse,
than those we have given to other
nations who have challenged us on
this proposition.
international law provides that in
the capture of belligerent vessels,
much les neutrals, due observance
must be shown with -egard to the
lie OF the crew. The law provides
seizure and search, and then safety
for those on board. The first glimpse
this country had of Germany's ruth
lessness, of her doctrine of might
over right, came when the great pas
senger ship, the Lusitania with 1000
souls on board, more than half of
whom perished in watery graves, 1877
OF whom were Americans, was struck
by German submarine. The pres.
ident, through Secretary Bryan, is
sued his famous ultimatum to Ger
many that recurrence of such a
catastrophe, would cause the United
States to hold that Government to
a strict accountability. Germany
promised to be good, and admitted
her error, and in December 1915
gave US the solemn promise that liners
would mot be sunk without warnine
and without the safety of the lives
of non-combatants. But in the mex,
60 days four or five more ships wer,
sunk and again we protested, but o.
the 31st of January, 1917, Germany
notified us that she would prevent al
navigation including vessels of botn
bcLigerents and neutrals in the area
around England, France and Italy.
comprising 100000 square miles OF
the ocean.
She told us we might send So
many ships a week from certain port.
to certain ports. We told her she
might step TO Hades, that we had {
right to travel the ocean, whenever
wherever, and in whatever dress
pleased us.
The submarine is new implement
or murder. 1t is physically impos-
sible for her to operate in accordance
with the laws Of nature. 1t cannot
provide for the safety of those OIL
board. 1t must send them to the bot.
tom Of the sea, whether thev be
guilty or innocent, whether the snil
on which they sail carries contra.
band or non-contraband of war. 1.
cannot wait for seizure and search
II rnust strike its deadly blow as d
thief in the night. 1t is the ocean.
ae, e.e,fx