The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-03-09

et RW<ttfa0h. tbNrf
small group of New York bankers
aud = larger group Of shipping men.
The grand jury inquiry VIII he con-
timed tomorrow. Papers seized At
the home OF Sekunna and ChakraherN
will be produced. Certain Of the let
tors connect officials high IN the kaiS-
er's councils with the attempt 10 pro
woke an East Indian revolt from Ameri-
can territory.
But what was II that echoed from
across the water?
NO sooner had tho world Coni1agra
ton been l<indled---a confiagration in
tended to complete hN force the de-
struction OF Germany tprepared hv
the political isolation of Germany
than the vob of an organized press
assiduously cndeavored to rouse pub
lie opinion In the United states
against us.
Sea Law Abolished by England.
president Wilson's government
pIacidly looked on as established sea
Law was gradually abolished by Eng
land.
But that is not all. The same
government which had accepted,
without offering any resistance.
British measures which making the
whole trade between America and us,
~ u tf''ANtFi shilttiito anu Ohi itthii n
neighbors the real victim of British
tyranny Of the seas-the same gov
eminent issued protest after protest
as soon as we began to repay Eng
lang with like for like
president Wilson'S government
acted thus although 1t was well
aware OF the fact that England, with
her brutal disregard, purposed moth
ing else than slowly 10 undermine
our forces. which she had not sue
ceeded in breaking by the force Of
arms. by war OF starvation against
women and children.
Denies Germany Right to Iiye.'s
President Wilson claims for hui
mainly the freedom to live. To the
German people alone he denies the
right to that freedom.
AT the same time the eetire union
was Transformed into one huge fac
tory of arms and ammunition, Not
only were the existing plans en-
lareed, but others which in times of
peace produced goods designed for
peaceful purposes were transformed
in order TO produce war material for
Germanys enemies
The entire industry of people
which was completely untouched by
the horrors of the distant European
nous workshop of death.
one last appeal for fair dealing
was made to President Wilson The
answer TO II was the rupture OF
diplomatic relations and further than
that. even an attempt on his part to
arouse all neutral powers against us
Moreover today the president de-
clares that Americas direct partiCipa-
ton In the struggle is possible
The sacrifices which we can bring
TO peace with the United states
reach their limit when the mainten-
ance OF our right TO live and tho
victorious conduct Of a war for our
existence--a war forced upon us--are
No vital American Interest forces
the president to take action toward
war.
The Mexican Alliance.
The offer of an alliance to Mexlcs
was Planned on our part TO be made
only after the American declaration
OF war against u.s.
And while the government cr the
United States confirms this Cnncep-ion
of neutrality, 1t claims from US that
we assume responsibility for tho saf
~ OF the life OF evety one of its citi-
zens who In spite OF urgent warning
invades the sea war zone.
Fair dealing for the whole world
except for Germany. That Is the main
feature of President Wilson's policy
from beginning 10 end.
Thus the day came when after the
jeering refusal OF our peace offer the
determination to begin UNRESTRICTED 4
submarine warfare was carried out
Even today We still wish TO avoid I
war with the United States v
IF America shares this wish then
Mexico's knowledge OF our offer shall
he limited 10 what President Wilson's ,
government itself published about 1t
Which way the dice shall be cast de !
Ponds upon the president
He alone before history has to bear |
the responsibility of his own country
which so far still enjoys the blessings I
OF peace and which ought to thank .
heaven as much az possible for t}is ,
were now TO be involved in honors Of
the sanguinary world-war without an.- /
coEnent necessity.
"As President Wilson now holds In :
his bands the lives OF American citl- F.
gems who disregard our warning
against entering the danger zone on
the sea. so he also holds in his hand
the lives Of many thousands uron W hoia
further extension OF the war woulI
bring destruction. sorrow and death ,
NO matter what decision he will
take--whether he chooses war or peace +
he shall not make us deviate rne /
hairhreadth from our road which we
entered upon on Fahruary 4"