PRESIDENT WILSON’S LAST GERMAN NOTE
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.”