The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1917-02-09
OUR BREAK WITH GERMANY


would eventually result over the lat
ter's submarine warfare-some with
a hope that it might be ayerted, 9th
ers clamoring for and anxious for it
to occur-the country was somewhat
startled last Friday when President
Wilson appeared before joint as
semblage of both branches OF Con-
gress and informed them that he had
severed diplomatic relations with
Germany. On receipt of Germany's
last note informing this government
that she had decided TO resume her
unrestricted submarine warfare, which
meant a practical announcement OF
pledges heretofore given, and warn
ing all neutral vessels that if they
entered sea war zone liked by her
they would do so at their own peril,
it was thought the President would
wait for some overt act affecting
American rights and lives on the. sea
before carrying out his former, warm
ing in the Sussex case, Evidently
the President was satisfied thSh,sum-
mary action was the only course now
left him, an action in which his whole
Cabinet and others prominent IN Ad-
ministrations Confidence concurred.
So, the American Ambassador to
Germany, Mr.. Gerard, was instructed
10 notify the German government OF
his decision and prepareito leave Ber-
lin, at the same time promptly tender
ing TO Count Won Barnstof, the Ger
man Ambassador at Washington, his
passports.
This does not necessarily imply
war 1t only means thai there viii
be no more friendly diplomatic ex-
changes between the United States
and Germany. In plain vocabulary
the two governments have stopped
speaking to each other" The admin-
istration, as the representative of the
American people in international al
fairs, cannot stand Tor Germany's aub-
marine warfare methods and has
notified her that further parlying
oyer this affair is at an end War has
not been declared against Germany
by this country, and will not be de-
clared unless Germany commits some
hostile act against the sea rights and
lives of American citizens, and then
only Congress has authority. to de-
clare war. An act of the kind mem
TONED on the part of Germany would
be equivalent to declaration of war
against the United States, and in the
present tense feeling of the country,
If that should occur, the probability
is that Congfrsss would act, and act
promptly.l1i1n shis critical situation
there is modelling what may happen,
or when Or how soon-possibly be-
fore this article goes to press. rs
The Presidents announcement was
received with tense interest and DEM
onstrations of approval by the Sena-
tors and representatives, members
OF the Supreme Court who were. 9ll
present, the applause being led by the
Chief Justice, and visitors in the gal
leries. Senator'S and REPRESENTATIVES,
without regard to party, were practic-
ally unanimous in expressing them
selves ready1to stand by the Presi-
dents action whatever. the result;
and the same feeling has been mani
tested all over the country and "a
spirit OF great patriotism aroused.
Trouble with some OF the bellig-
Grants has been anticipated or feared
since the inception of the European
war, and critical situations have been
f0rced on the Administration, sew
erai times in our relations with the
warning nations, These have had
3 the effect of causing an earnest agi-
tation for larger preparedness on the
part of our military and naval de.
lenses, and something has been done
in that direction, Notwithstanding al
active opposition. Those in authori.
ty and most familiar with our foreign
relations have been taking every pre-.
caution within their power to aver
trouble. to guard against emergehcie:
and protect our seaboards and ship
ping ports against sudden assault
This watchfulness is now tensifiet
and the question Of thorough pre-
paredness on sea and land will be
taken up by Congress with fresh
incentive and more effective action.
In the. meantime it is hoped that
actual war on eur part may be avert
ed.
The immigration bill, with liter
airy test, which President Wilson has
I.