March 16, 1917, 
AMBASSADOR JAMES W. GERARD, our official repre- 
sentative to the German government, has returned safely 
and everyone breathes more easily. There has been no 
little apprehension concerning his safety and there have 
peen ample reasons for such fears, but he has reached 
Washington and has by this time made his formal report 
to the President. He has declined to speak, justly enough, 
and the report made to the President will be in the nature 
of a state paper and not available for publication at pres- 
ent. There is no question, however, about the facts that 
are leaking out. It is evident that Germany, despite the 
severance of our relations with her, was under honorable 
obligations to give our embassy there every courtesy pos- 
sible. Either by studied neglect or the “errors of under- 
lings,” as it was explained, the ambassador was very much 
embarrassed by being cut off by wire from the outside world 
and denied the governmental mail service. Germany had 
the power and the opportunity, but it would appear that 
the personal treatment to be accorded the representative 
of a nation could have been more courteous. Germany 
is evidently in a belligerent mood and America must 
recognize it. 
PresipeNtT W1son Has TakEN the position that this 
country should pay the Colombian nation the sum they 
request. Certain senators have tried to insinuate that 
America is being “sandbagged” out of a large sum of 
money that will be paid ignominiously as hush money. 
The situation is the reverse of that. There is no doubt 
that Colombian politicians were artful, stubborn and in- 
triguing and that Hay and Roosevelt were able to cir- 
cumvent their machinations so we were able to receive 
a cession of territory from the revolting country of Pan- 
ama. Panama was at that time an integral and a valuable 
part of the Colombian nation and the secession abetted: by 
our country in the interests of liberty and justice, and 
our own desires for Panama Canal was a distinct loss. 
in the spirit of fairness our country should pay them for 
the loss sustained and credit the amount up for damages 
to the Canal Bill. It is just, it is economical. It is rea- 
sonable and, incidentally, it is expedient. But America 
would never agree to pay the amount merely because it 
was expedient. The money should be paid and the unfor- 
tunate negotiations with our sister republic ended. 
Ian Hay Beatu, of Kitchener’s Army has been 
making addresses in our State on “The Human Side of 
Trench Warfare,’ and has been succeeding admirably, 
At the Opera House in Boston, and at Ames hall in Salem 
on Monday evening, he presented his cause in a vivid and 
telling manner, devoid of effort in speaking, straight for- 
ward and simple, enthusiastic without bitterness ancl 
patriotic, but just. One notable quality in his addresses 
has been commented upon: the studied carefulness with 
which every unneutral expression was avoided before an 
American audience and the absolute absence of adjectives 
or the spirit of vindicativeness toward the enemy. To 
avoid that must have required good forethought and 
judgment. Every time the Germans were mentioned they 
were “our friends the enemy.”” The words were uncolored 
by any touch of irony. Mr. Beath, by his good sense, 
keen power and humor and restraint has represented his 
cause well. 
Tur Presipent Is Surprise at the attitude taken 
by the railroad men. He may well be. He served the 
men well and now at the most critical moment in his 
career they have risen to embarrass his work. It would 
seem that they might stay their hands for just awhile out 
of gratitude for the man who wrested the Adamson law 
from an unwilling Congress. 
NORTH SHORE BREEZE 
9 
THe GERMANS Havre ALREADY SUNK, now, an Amer- 
ican merchantman that was flying the American flag and 
sailing the seas on an innocent and rightful errand. The 
boat was fired upon and later bombs were placed within 
the hold and exploded. The crew escaped in their own 
boats and were unaided by the enemy. ‘his exploit, how- 
ever, is not the overt act that is expected. No one knows 
any more than Wilson what the overt act will be, but we 
will recognize it when it comes. The real clash is likely 
to ensue when an American armed merchantman is pur- 
sued and opens fire upon a German or Austrian sub- 
marine. Already Germany has served notice that she 
- will sink on sight and American merchantmen in self-de- 
fence will be forced to fire at sight. The future turn of 
events cannot at this time be foreseen. There can, how- 
ever, be no question about the temper and attitude of the 
German nation and the change of events is to be regret- 
ted; but if war does come we will be Americans all and 
rally to the task of protecting our national honor and 
rights. 
Just As THE WHOLE NATION is expecting to hear 
from the open sea by wireless at any moment news 
of Germany’s commission of the overt act which will mean 
war, the nation is facing again the possibility of a strike 
by the brotherhoods of railroad men. Without consider- 
ing the merits of the case in any way it would appear that 
the railroad men were under the bonds of honor and 
patriotism to keep the peace during the national crisis 
that exists. It is to be hoped that the counsel which they 
have been receiving will be heeded and that the sober 
second thought will lead them to delay pressing their case 
until the national crisis is past, and then the question can 
be considered justly and honorably on its merits and re- 
lief given. It would appear now that it is a matter of 
patriotic loyalty for the men of the brotherhoods to hold 
on with patience and forbearance, bearing whatever griev- 
ances they wish adjusted until the national crisis is past. 
Governmental ownership of railroads is not a wise meas- 
ure, but inconsiderate activities at this time would agitate 
the question. 
Ar THE ENnruustastic Mass MEETING held in Bos- 
ton on Monday evening an excellent moving picture of 
Norman Prince of Beverly Farms came upon the screen 
and that daring, heroic, American martyr for France’s 
great cause was cheered and cheered by the audience. 
America unites in honoring the brave young man. Honor 
is due and honor was won. Honor has been given and 
the spirit of Prince is still abroad. 
PRESIDENT WiLson HAs DETERMINED to call Con- 
gress and it will convene the middle of April. It seemed 
an inevitable call. No one can blame President Wilson 
for wishing to be rid of the embarrassment that the recal- 
citrant members of both houses have caused him, but it 
would appear that the seriousness of the world conditions 
round about warranted the call. Congress should be in 
session. 
Betcium In A Way Has Become a ward of our na- 
tion and war or no war the responsibilities assumed will 
be continued with efficiency and determination. The 
remnant of the Belgian nation must be preserved. 
THe VERMONT GRETNA GREEN will soon be no more 
for it is evident that the Vermont legislature is determined 
to end the matrimonial enterprise of one of its towns. 
Tue BrotHernoep Witt Warr until the Supreme 
Court has handed down its decision; and surely these men 
may be depended upon to be fair. 
