Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 February 1917 — PEOPLE STAND UNITED BEHIND WILSON [ARTICLE]

PEOPLE STAND UNITED BEHIND WILSON

No Word or Deed to Deserve Reproach Asks Executive of American People—Nation United. ’ - While the United 'States stands before the world court of public opinion in the anxious waiting period which will determine peace or war with Germany, President Wilson is determined that there shall be no word or deed to merit a reproach, even from Germany herself. . ‘Nothing is to be done that is not fully justified by the laws of nations or humanity, nothing is to be done for expediency, nothing is to be done which is not legal or just. With a hope for peace and a readiness to meet war if must be, the president has made it clear to officials that‘the course of the United States, difficult as it is, must be entirely beyond criticism. To that end, German rights and property in the United States are to have full protection of law, and the president wishes every American citizen to forbear from any thought or act which might lead this country nearer to war.

Hope that at the last moment Germany might modify her declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare was almost dissipated Monday by news dispatches from Berlin which gave the word that the high German officials that there would be no turning back. With that hope American officials now only await actual demonstration of how the new decree will affect American rights. The news of the killing of an American seaman in the shelling of thq. boats of the British steamer Eavestone is not now rgarded as the feared overt act. It will be further investigated -before it will be assigned to its propr place as a factor in the situation. Meanwhile, Austria’s case is still undetermined. While it is known that the dual monarchy has officially adhered to Germany's declaration as it now stands before the state department, her announced intentions are somewhat different from Germany’s but it is doubtful if there can be a real distinction. Rupture of relations with Austria seems-no less certain than it did, but the situation must go through definite processes before i. decision is announced. Although engrossed in the task of preparing the country for any eventuality, President Wilson has not lost sight of trier participation of theneutrals must have in the terms of peace —term® which he fondly hopes will insure the world against further conflagration. There are intimations of thoughts of a conference of neutrals may ask when the time comes. It is known that this suggestion is being pressed by at least one of the neutral European nations which has*been among the chief sufferers from the war, and it is believed President WilsPn has regarded it with favor. . ______ The newspapers of the country, without exception, are sanctioning the policies of President Wilson in the handling cf the tense situation. Every German paper printed in this country likewise stands behind the president in the present grave crisis. The way the American people have come forward offering aid in every possible way in this darkest since the present conflict across the seas started, is reassuring arid President Wilson realizes that he has the united American people behind him in whatever move he deems it advisable to "MSIER " : ‘