Trench and camp. ([Admiral, Md.) 1917-1919, 1918-07-25

thousands OF miles OF ocean. 1t was
Europe's quarrel So many thought
Yet somehow the thought would not
down that only the accident of remote
ness made it that the battle names
were not those of American cities.
Soon the details of the methods of
modern warfare began to be reported.
The world soon heard tales OF deeds
that recalled the horrors OF the Huns
of Attila. At FIRST it gasped in unbe-
lief. But soon evidence, evidence that
would stand the test Of q court OF law,
was produced. In the process of time
It developed that these atrocities were
not committed in the heat of battle,
bat we're deliberately plotted and
planned that the name of Germany
might strike terror in the hearts OF her
enemies for thousand years to come.
The great heart of America was
touched. But wise counsel protested
that it were better to try first the way
of example. Great relief expeditions
were organized. What the Belgian re-
lief and the American Red Cross have
done will bring honor to the name of
this people so long as time shall en-
dure.
On a May morning in 1915 the Gu
nard Offices in New York City received
a cablegram in code telling of the loss
Of the Lusitania. AS the night wore
on and further cable messages told
their tales of the horrors of that 7th
of May, il was seen that the war was
coming 10 America. Many felt on that
morning that the course Of America
was plainly eharted.
But the President of the United
States still held that America must
tread the path Of neutral. He pro-
tested in vigorous language against
the invasion Of American rights. His |
protest ultimately brought forth a
pledge. Here is not merely the sub
stance but the exact language Of that
pledge:
with reference to our CONVEX
sation of this morning. beg to IN
form you that my instructions
concerning our answer to the last |
Lusifania note contains the foil
lowing passage, Liners will not
be sunk without warning and with
out safety to the lives Of non-com-
batants, provided that the liners
do not try to escape or offer resis-
tance.'"
The language is that of Ambassador
Bernstorf and the person addressed
is Secretary Lansing of the State De-
partment.
After this solemn pledge came the /
sinking of the Arabic and the Sussex,
with their toll of American lives.
Plots to cripple the industries of
America and to attack us from within
brought from the President Of the
United States the very striking state
ment that America had more to fear
from foes within than from foes with
out. It was difficult at first to grasp
the full significance Of that statement.
For we were living, some of US. in
fools paradise and could not conceive
that German propaganda had become |
so firmly established within our boun-
daries that it was striking at our very
vitals. Viewing the events of those
days in the light of what we know to-
day, we marvel at our forbe3ance.
A malicious propaganda had sought
to innplant in the minds Of our people
the idea that we had no right upon the
high seas. A malicious propaganda
had taught some Of our people to be-
Ieve that we had no right to trade IN
munitions Of war that were for the |
enemies Of Germany because Germany
could not buy from as.
It was reasoning that could only
have come from partisan. Americas |
attitude was wholly neutral Her mar
kets were az open to Germany as to |
England. Bot Germany could not take |
advantage Of their openness. Because |
Britain's High Seas Fleet had driven |
every German bottom from the ocean
highways, Germany would have had
NJ penali9e England. One of Eng
lands great prizes IN this war was the |
open line of communication with this |
country.
A malicious propaganda had taught |
some Of our people to believe that as
the submarine was not specifically
mentioned IN the international con-
ventions there were no rules Of war
governing the conduct of submarines.
From such reasoning it would follow
that the latest deviksh invention would
be permitted to perpetrate its deviltry
in defiance of decency and right be-
cause at the time of the writing of
the conventions no mans mind had
been devilish enough to plan the new
contrivance. The truth Is unchsnge-
able. The laws OF truth and Of right
eousness, truths twin sister, are as
Al = - e.