Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1917-03-02


TO break off diplomatic relations
with Germany for reasons stated in
his message, and has announced to
congress his purpose. in case of any
overt act, to ask authority to use any
means necessary to protect our sea
men and people.
We are thus face to face with a
grave possibility of being drawn into
the European war. The President,
senators and congressman must carry
out the will of their constituents, but
unless the rank and file of the people
make known their wishes by direct
communication, these officials must
Judge public opinion by the express
sions of the metropolitan press,
which may or may not correctly re-
fleet the sentiments OF the nation.
To decide whether war is neces-
sary or not we must consider the
situation. The belligerent nations
ON both sides think themselves in a
death struggle, and both sides feel
justified in resorting to acts which
we regard as contrary to interna-
tional law as heretofore interpreted.
While we dispute their right to con-
duct the war as they have, and ear
nestly protest against the violation of
our rights and the sacrifice of our
own interests, we must not forget
that the injuries which we suffer
from both sides are incident to their
effort to injure each other and are in
no case intended against us. We can
better afford, therefore, to be patient
and forbearing than we could if in
juries came from avowed enemies,
and were intended.
The president, in his noble appeal
| to the belligerents, has asked that
they forget the bitterness engendered
by the killing of more than six mil
lions of human being and the ex-
penditure of more than fifty billions
| in money, and come together in an
honorable peace. If we can expect
| such an exhibition of virtue by them
are we not in duty bound to measure
| up to the standard which we have set
for them?
There are several alternatives
| from which to choose. First, we
can postpone until the war is over,
the settlement of any dispute which
can not now be settled by peaceful
means. Second, we can keep Ameri-
can citizens off belligerent ships.
| Third, we can refuse clearance to
ships of the United States and other
neutral countries carrying contra
| band and passengers on the same
| ship. Fourth, we can withdraw pro-
| lection from American citizens who
are willing to jeOpardize the nation s
peace by travelling as seamen with
| contraband on American or neutral
vessels. Fifth, we can, if necessary,
keep all American ships out of the
| danger zone, for the present, just as
the mayor of city keeps citizens in
| their homes when a mob is in pos
| session of the street Sixth, congress.
which has exclusive power to declare
war. can submit the declaration to a
| referendum vote, making exception
| in case of actual invasion.
Other alternatives are likely TO be
suggested. We can not depend up
on precedent to meet an unprece-
denied situation. The most impor-
tant thing is that the officials at
Washington shall know that the peo-
| pie at home protest against entering
| the war on either side, with its
frightful expenditure of blood and
| treasure; that they are not willing
to send Am erican soldiers across the
sea to march under the banner of
| any European monarch or to die on
European soil in settlement of Euro
pean quarrels; and that they are not
willing to surrender the opportunity
to render supreme service to the
world as friend of all and peace
maker when peace is possible.
Wire Immediately to the Presi-
dent, your senators, and your con-
gressnen. A few cents now may
save many dollars in taxation and
possibly son.-W. j. Bryan.