The note to Germany from the Department of State of the United States,
under date of July 21, 1915, and signed “Lansing,” is gratifying to the
American people by reason of its firm tone, its manly assertion of our
national dignity, and our purpose to protect American citizens, as well
as the rights of humanity, upon the seas. It is not belligerent in
expression, but on the contrary most moderate and courteous. It leaves
the way open for a friendly adjustment, but appears to be a finality so
far as correspondence is concerned. Germany can meet our demands by
refraining from the acts of which our government complains, and our
claims for redress and indemnity for past acts can be left for future
adjustment.
Fortunately, there is not now in the cabinet a Secretary of State to
nullify the moral and practical effect of the note by secret assurances
that it is “intended only for home consumption.”
“PEACE BY COMPULSION”
In the August issue of this magazine there was a reference in this
department to a communication from the Hon. James Brown Scott on “Peace
by Compulsion.” The communication to which reference was made was,
through some mistake in the make-up, omitted from the pages of the
August number. The substance of it will be found in this number. Mr.
Scott sets forth some of the weaknesses and inconsistencies of the plan
proposed by the Philadelphia League of Peace meeting.