A CANDID CRITIC.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXXI, 19 February 1916, Page 5

A CANDID CRITIC.

"BRAVE WORDS BUT IRRESOLUTE ACTION/

NEGOTIATIONS WITH GERMANY

FRICTION NOT REMOVED

POSITION BECOMING MORE DIFFi. . CULT. NEW YORK, Feb. 18. At the Republican State Convention Mr Elihu Root denounced the Wilson Administration for failing to protest at the killing of Americans either in Mexico or upon the ocean. He said that American diplomacy had entirely lost its authority, and the "United States had become known for brave words but irresolute action. When they failed to tell the truth about Belgium they lost the opportunity of taking the leadership of the world's moral sense. LONDON, Feb. 18. The Daily Chronicle's New York correspondent says that Count Bernstorff has been outmatched by President Wilson. It is now announced that America will not accept the Lusitania settlement until she is assured that the Teutons' pro- : gramme of assassination, of non-belliger- ! ent merchantmen without warning will not nullify the Arabic promises. Appareffly, Mr Lansing's announcement, in<>de after the Cabinet meeting as a indication that the Administration would accept the new policy, is repudiated by President Wilson, who holds—firstly, the respect of neutrals' rights; secondj ly, the safety of' American citizens; i thirdly, a strict regard for international law. Instead of the friction being almost entirely removed the President regards the position as becoming more difficult. Mr Lansing told Count Bernstorff the latest proposals acceptable so far as the Lusitania was concerned, but demanded assurances that' Germany would not carry on the sinking of armed merchautmen to the extent of sinking passeng3r • carrying linera, even if they were armed for defence.