Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-02-26
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1917.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE "MADE IN GERMANY"
PEACE-AT-ANY-PRICE AGITATION
IN AMERICA.

T each recurring crisis in our relations with Ger
"A many during the past two years, an agitation for
peace-at-any-price, nation wide in It's scope mas ue
veloped almost over night
The first manifestation followed President Wilson'S
note to Germany saying that the United States would
hold the German Government to strict accountability II
it torpedoed merchant ships without warning.
When the Lustana was torpedoed and upwards OF
hundred Americans murdered in calculated defiance
Of President wilson's threat the agitation for peace
at-any-price was instantly renewed; again when the
Sussex was torpedoed and Americans killed.
again when the conspiracy 10 blow up American mun-
ton plants tracked to the doors Of the Ger
man and Austrian embassies.
There is no doubt that every instance this agita-
ton was inspired directly Berlin for the purpose
of neutralizng the growing sentiment OF hostility
toward Germany on the part OF the great mass of
Americans
For years prior TO the Germany had played this
same game in England, France, Belgium, Russia
Not the least OF the many vicious phases of German
foreign policy which the has uncovered Is the sys-
tomatc effort which she has made through diplomatic
representatives and agents to influence the pub
lie sentiment Of the peoples Of other countries in her
favor.
Just now we are having another demonstration in
this country Of made in Germany" peace-at-any
propaganda
Considering the fact that Germanys recently
nounced policy OF ruthless submarine warfare was in
effect "a declaration OF against the United States
TIE PEACE tapy-price agitation now going on comes
pretty close to being treason.
The purmoe OF those who inspired this movement is
to create sup a division in public sentiment that the
President viii handicapped in his efforts to protect
American lives and property from Germany frightful-
ness.
1t is hoped to build up in Congress hostile senti-
ment against the President that when the time
for him 20 ask Congress authorize him TO act
against Germany in defense Of rights the authors
zaton either will be refused granted grudgngly
that he will hesitate act. fearing that at cr-
cal moment he will not DO supported.
We do not mean to say that everyone connected with
this peace-atany-priee movement is in German pay.
under German influence.
It would be less dangerous than it is if they all
were.
Unfortunately the organs. Piuohots BgeIows and
some others who lending their influence 10 this
German-inspired agitation are sincere
They are so infatuated with the pacihst idea tha
they have lost sl OF proportion are incapa
BILE of approaching that the future safety OF this
ton depends upon the unanimity and energy wit
which the President is supported in whatever actor
Germany forces him to take.
There does not seem to be any way Just at this time
TO interfere officially the Vaccinations of the Ger
man agents and who have been deuded into helI
ing them poison American public sentiment
But those OF us who believe that it is our duty {
stand by the President that the issue between on
country and Germany has been clearly defined, shoui
refuse TO attend peace-at-any-price meetings or {
sign peace-at-any-price petitions.
We should realize that there is surer way for
nation dragged into than to advertise to othe
nations its weakness and cowardice.
The decision TO whether there is to be war be
tween this nation and Germany rests with Germany
II passed from when President Wilson recalIe
Gerard from Germany and gave Bernstorn his pass
less we assume that Germany has determined L
49, 10 in'o me war; isn't It reasonable 10 figure tina
Germany is less likely to take the ,,to, ten :, en-
AnowS tnat tnere is no division among the America,
people IN their determination to supnoTt ,ho 80
to the limit? 'N ms rlesi1eh
Congress not only should share, but the presdeu
should be eager to have it share the resDon :,
whatever may be the final outcome Of the Gerrsn ~
Austrian trouble. In fact think the President va
feel much stronger and the public much better go
fed if Congress be in session when the extreme stem
taken.