Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 111, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 May 1915 — “SEEING” AMERICA FIRST. [ARTICLE]

“SEEING” AMERICA FIRST.

The editorial in Monday’s Republican elicited considerable discussion and the writer has been commended by a number who realized that in some respects the expressed convictions were at variance with those promulgated in the large newspapers of the country. A few have said they did not agree with all the ideas expressed, but generally the article has passed among thinking men as well balanced and calculated to help subdue the wild clamor made in some parts of the country for radical action. We believe that in the maan, persons who read The Republicans editorial, agree— . That Americans were sufficiently warned against taking passage on the Lusitania, That if they knew the vessel carried contraband of war they made a grave mistake in going on the vessel, That if they were deceived about the character of the cargo England and the Cunard company are responsible for the deception, That under any circumstances England* should have furnished protection for the Lusitania, using submarines or battleships or hydro-aero-planes to protect it after the war zone was reached, •

And that war is something that can not foe fooled with and that warnings of the nations, involved must be heeded. The Republican 'has found mighty few persons who can see any good excuse the unfortunate passengers had to take the Lusitania when they were so clearly warned. The entire discussion, however, leads us to the suggestion that all of us are Americans, citizens of the same country, and confident m our certainty to do the right thing, the the thing we as citizens will approve. We believe that they will hold the United States from taking any radical step and like loyal Americans, hope for peace for this country and pray the hastening of the day when peace may be restored in Europe. 'We believe that all are first Americans and that they would stand shoulder to shoulder against any common enemy, but we believe, too, that their one desire now is that this nation remain out of the European conflict and that we “see” Amenca and America’s duty first and hold fast to the principles of humanity that will keep us aloof from the horrible consequences of entering the European conflict.