hp al 
To AssuMkE THAT SeéRtous ComPpLICATIONS may not 
arise from the Lusitania incident is folly, but to turn 
pessimist and preach war or to intimate by act, word or 
deed that war is the inevitable result of the present nego- 
tiations is also folly and essentially unpatriotic. The situ- 
ation that exists beteen America and Germany has been 
acute and Germany’s original unsatisfactory reply and 
America’s wait for a reply to the second communication 
do not help matters in. America; but true patriotism and 
the best expression of friendliness must come from 
patience. This government has a serious contest on its 
hands and it is asserting a mighty principle that may deter- 
mine the history of the whole world. The problem of the 
freedom of the seas cannot be solved by the exchange of 
two letters between Germany and the Unitd States. The 
imperial government has made, however, despite the gen- 
erally unsatisfactory character of the response, some in- 
timations that promise well. Germany claims, however 
true the contention may be, that it is fighting for freedom 
and particularly for the freedom of the seas. It is in- 
credible that it would be so foolish as to fail to seize the 
opportunity that the Lusitania incident presents to assert 
anew that principle and quickly agree to the principle pro- 
claimed by the United States. Germany may not be a 
conquered country, but it has not won the victory yet 
and the Lusitania incident must be adjusted with the 
United States with the possibility ahead either of 
victory or of defeat. If Germany be defeated the conces- 
sions that it may make in the Lusitania incident will be 
nothing compared with incomparable advantages it wiil 
have gained in affirming the principles for which the 
United States is contending. In making the terms of 
peace Germany can fall back upon the principles thus as- 
serted and can depend upon the moral support of all 
neutral nations in its contentions. At the present hour it 
would seem that the best interests of both nations, Ger- 
many and United States, were to be gained by peace. 
The United States is not eager for a fight and Germany 
is not in a position to cee an armed contest with the 
young republic whose military preparedness. it has de- 
spised. Nothing can be gained either by Germany or the 
United States by a resort to arms. All things considered 
the situation is progressing and it is not as acute as it 
might be, despite Bryan. 
THe LAyInG at Rest of two Grand Army men with- 
in a week, one at Beverly Farms and one in Manchester, 
reminds us again that the ranks of the soldiers in blue 
are thinning rapidly 
THE SEASON Is BECOMING all that was hoped for in 
early spring. The signs did not fail. ‘The resident pop- 
ulation on the Shore already equals that of any recent 
years, 
Dors Nor 
municipal or personal, 
timely expenditures. 
RETRENCH MENT 
progress, 
spell economy. True 
is made by wise and 
“Every Day 1s Frac Day.”—President Wilson 
Tur Bryan INcrIpEN’, and it is only an incident, has 
been given too much attention by the American press and 
the American people. Bryan has been a national figure 
ever since his famous speech ending with the flourish 
concerning “the cross of gold.” And from that day to 
this he has been a mischief- maker in the councils of the 
party. His admission to the Cabinet was a political con- 
cession that Wilson graciously made, but it was a politi- 
cal blunder. By temperament and qualifications Bryaa 
is constituted to lead and not to follow. His forte is ‘not 
co-operation, but forging ahead alone. The affairs of 
the State department have been unmercifully criticised by 
Bryan's personal and political enemies, though most of 
the criticisms have been biased and unjust. Bryan has 
given his task his attention and he has returned his port- 
félio with credit. He has done his work well, but,— 
there was friction. Crediting Bryan with ability and 
loyalty to his office is one thing, but to concede that he 
was the best possible choice for the high office is another 
matter. Bryan was not fitted to co- operate with Wilson 
and the remaining members of the cabinet and the break 
was inevitable, and Bryan, keen student of affairs that he 
is, quickly seized an opportune moment to retire and 
with as much honor as he could. The note which he is- 
sued to the American people is a literary gem and its 
precepts and principles are high and above reproach and, 
criticism. If the second note of the American people ‘fo 
the Imperial German Government had been harsh and 
in the nature of an ultimatum Bryan’s note would have 
instantly caused the American people to rally around the 
flagpole of peace. 
ment to Germany does not in any way sustain Bryan in 
his contentions. It is difficulty to see why Bryan, who 
signed the first note, could not with all his peace prin- 
ciples have signed the second note. Bryan had an op- 
portunity to present his portfolio and he did and the 
question now is what is he going to do. Mr. Bryan is 
acting sincerely and with a purpose. No one doubts his 
sincerity, but who can see his purpose ? 
Tue Nort Sore motor opportunities will be mucn 
improved when a broad thoroughfare is provided througa 
Cambridge, Somerville, Salen and Gloucester on the 
through route from Bostor: 
from Boston to the North Shore towns except through 
these places. Salem is making provisions for the future 
and before many years Cambridge, Somerville and Glou- 
cester will construct roads. There ought to be a broad 
and convenient road direct from Boston to all of the 
towns on the Shore. 
It Woutp BE INTERESTING to know who is paying 
for the big three-sheet posters that have been printed and 
are being.posted about Boston demanding Congress to 
empower the President to stop the exportation of mun- 
itions of war. 
Wren A MAN Has tHe Time he hasn’t the money 
to do as he will and when he has the money he hasn't the 
time. 
But the second note of the Govern- 
There are admirable roads 
oe ee ee 
