LONG STORY OF OUTRAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4472, 13 February 1917, Page 3

LONG STORY OF OUTRAGE.

GERMANY’S PIECRUST PROMISE

The interchange of diplomatic Notes [between the United States and Ger- ■ many began on February 13, 1915, with a Note from Germany to Amerdca complaining of the Allies’ practice of arming merchantmen, and declaring that from March Ist the German submarines would sink at sight, and that neutrals would travel in them at their own risk. In pursuance of • this policy on May 7, 1915, the Lusitania was torpedoed. Of 1198 people who lost their lives 124 were American citizens, and an interchange of Notes took place which indicated that an actual rupture of diplomatic conditions would occur if any similar outrage was committed by Germany. The Persia, a P. and 0. liber, was torpedoed on December 30, 1915, in tlie Mediterranean by a -übmarhie of unknown nationality, but probably German. There were on hoard her 499 persons (315 of them being members of the crew), and of obese 333 perished. As the ship turned turtle and sank very rapidly, it was impossible to get out the boats. .Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was among the survivors, and an American official the Consul of Aden—was drowned. Inquiries by tho United r ta-tes as to whether a German submarine had perpetrated this outrage wa's answered by a bland negative. ' Austria had also assured , the United States that she had had no part in it. There was, however, no real doubt at- any time that the author, inspirer, and criminal was Germany. On 'February 16, 1916, the German Government forwarded a note to the United States in which it recognised its liability to pay for American -subjects killed in the attacks by its submarines, promised the payment of an indemnity, and expressed “profound regret.” It gave assurances of better, behaviour in the future, ancl declared its willingness to co-operate with the United States in securing “the freedom of the -seas.” The value of its assurances was speedily tested in tho case of the Sussex. The Sussex was a French steamer on tho Channel Service, and was torpedoed by a German submarine on March 25, 1916. The ship was not sunk, and the total loss of life is not certain, but twelve dead bodies were recovered the same day, and about 80 persons were killed or wounded. No troops were on board, but 25 Americans were in her, and several were injured. Portion of an undoubted German torpedo were discovered iu_ the Sussex’s hull, and examined arid identified by the United States officers.

PRESIDENT WILSON’S PROTEST

President Wilson had borne with remarkable meekness -the long series of outrages and affronts which began with the sinking of the William P. Frye in early 1915. On this occasion he at last showed anger. On April 14, 1916. his Cabinet approved a "Note demanding punishment of the submarineofficers who had sunk steamers without warning, and that same day he delivered a speech which had a warlike, ring. The Note was immediately presented ; it stated that “a careful, thorough, scientific, impartial examination by officers' of tlie United States Navy and Army has completely established the fact that the Sussex was torpedoed without warning or challenge’’ by a German torpedo. liie Note denounced German submarines as indiscriminately destroying “merchantmen of every kind, nationality, and designation, ’ declared such conduct inadmissible, pointed out that, Germany had given repeated and solemn assurances that passenger ships would not be sunk without regard for the safety of their passengers. It added that neutral ships en mute from one neutral port to another had been sunk, and the number of American victims of the outrages had risen to hundreds. The Note closed with this passage. . , “If it is still the intention of the Imperial Government to wage lui t.iei war mercilessly 7 and indiscriminately against merchantmen, without respect, for what the Government of the Urn--ted States must regard as the sacred and indisputable rules of the international law and tlie general recogniseci dictates of humanity, the United States Government will be enforced to the conclusion that there is only one course to take. If the Imperial Government should not now, without delay, proclaim and make effective renunciation of its present methods or submarine warfare against passenger and cargo ships, the United States Government can have no other choice than to break off completely diplomatic relations.” . The German repiy arrived in early, May. It informed the United States th at: “The German naval forces have received the following order : In accordance with thq general prmcip.es or visit and search, andi the destruction of merchantmen, recognised by international law, such vessels, both within and without the area declared a naval war zone, shall not be sunk without warning and without saving of human lives, unless the ships attempt to escape or offer resistance. . In-actual-fact, there has since this note been no change m German lino of conduct. A number of vessels have been sunk without warning, and with entire comtempt for the promise made to tho United States.

The Germans, interned on Somes Island played high jinks, on the Kaiser's birthday, when they held a form of military sports. ■ Cardboard was brought into requisition for the manufacture of helmets; and wooden grins were shouldered as the “goose-step” was performed to tlie amusement of' those on guard, excellent music being supplied by the interned “leetlo Yaiman Band.’,’ Mock court trials were held, the wealthier “residents” being fined in sums varying from two to three shillings for varying offences, the proceeds' being devoted to the cost of two cases of ginger beer that had been received for the purpose o'i drinking the Kaiser’s health.

HUNGER THE BEST SAUCE. Sauce is used to create an appetite. The right way is to look to the digestion. When that is good you are certain to relish your food. Chamberlain’s Tablets for the stomach and liver improve the digestion and create a healthy appetite.—Sold by E. D. Smith, Chemist, Gisborne.* Every soldier in the Czar’s mighty annies, so far as possible, is to receive a card shortly. These cards, each of which depicts one of our men in the distinctive uniform of his regiment, bears a greeting printed in both English and Russian. They are being distributed by the million. The message from “Tommy” to “Ivan,” which,is printed on each side,' runs as follows : “Forward, comrades ! Forwards, friends. Let us struggle on undaunted—struggle on till death in tlie name of Christ ancl Truth. From your friend, a soldier of the Division.” This is only one of the many things that are being done to make hjs British comrades, and what they are doing, better known to the Russian fighting man.

“Facts piles upon taot.” —Kaufmawu. Gratified men and women throughout tlie Dominion are constantly expressing the’ 7- appreciation cf the merits of Baxter’s Lung Preserver. This famous old preparation is still the most effective and satisfactory remedy for coughs, colds and sore throats. Strengthens the lungs and invigorates the whole system. Every dose benefits—good for young and old. Famous for over 50 years. Ask for “Baxter’s” aDd do not aocept inferior substitutes. Ss lOd buys a biw bottle at any store or pharmacy.** *