Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1917-02-08

what happened! AS Idr Dach DIS
March 27, 1915, citizen of this coun-
try lost his life by the sinking of the
Falaba. Then came the awful disas-
ter of the Lusitania, 124 people of this
country losing their lives. More were
lost on the Nebraskan and other
ships afterward, which brings the to-
tai up to over two hundred. The
William P. Frye was the first Ameri-
can ship sunk-all these leading to
controversies and promises not to
commit such acts again. Then came
the announcement by Germany of her
remuneration of her promises. This
meant the sinking of more ships be-
longing to this country and the loss
of more lives.
Not only on the high seas but In
this country has there been trouble.
German and Austrian diplomats in
the United States have been either
Imprisoned or sent home for alleged
crimes against this government.
Under the circumstances what 9TH
er course could this government take
but to sever relations, let come what
may? The issue is clear. The con-
science Of every American should be
clear. This country does not want
war; many Of those in Germany and
Austria are weary of war. At the
present time the militarists have the
upper hand in those governments. and
other governments must fight II they
would exist. The Goethes and Schil-
lers have been brushed aside and the
Bernhardis and others are seeking
destruction by the sword. It Ia for
the historian of the future to write a
true account; placing the blame where
| it belongs. However, these matters
do not concern America so much as
her rights. This nation cannot re-
c-eive dictation from a foreign power.
Are ship owners to paint stripes on
their boats because they are ordered
to do SO? No, that's impossible!
To Americans it looks as IL the
last step taken by Germany was o
most serious one. What will be the
outcome? She cannot expect to win
by adding enemies, as the war goes
on. The people Of this country hoped
to continue with Germany as a friend
America has looked upon her poets
and philosophers as among the lead.
ers Of the world, and to come to war
to the average citizen, seems like dire
desperation.
Most Americans feel the present
state Of affairs Is entirely beyond the
control Of the government. If the
militarists of Germany prefer war to
peace, then it must come. This
country stands united. One is pleased
to read the opinions Of the German
and Austrian press of this country
they are with the government. All
Americans are, and every naturalized
| citizen is an American. Many in
Germany are opposed to the present
move on the great checkerboard of
world events. Pity it is they are not
all Of the same opinion. America has
no selfish ends. To stand true, to live
/ for liberty, and to enjoy unmolested
| peace are the aims of the American
people. Nations should have equal
| rights and it is these rights this ma.
ton must defend. 1t Is to be hoped
the imperial government will pause
in its present plans and look upon
these shores with more of a demo.
cratic spirit, and, as the president
has said, not violate those treaties
and bonds of friendship which have
united the two peoples for more than
a century.
Cheers for the Stars and Stripes.