OCR Text |
Show BRYAN APPEALS TO GERMAN-AMERICANS URGES THEM TO EXERT THEIR INFLUENCE TO PREVENT WAR WITH THIS COUNTRY. Declares Administration Has Observed Observ-ed Strict Neutrality and That Germany Ger-many Should Grant Our Demands Regarding Submarine Warfare. Washington. In ah appeal rSsued on June 11 to German-Americans, to whom he referred as "fellow citizens in whose" patriotism I have entire confidence," con-fidence," former Secretary of State Bryan urged: That they aid in maintaining peace between the United States and the fatherland by using their influence with the German government against steps that might lead to war. That they forget, never to be recalled, re-called, any suspicion of lack of neutrality neu-trality or friendship toward the German Ger-man people on the part of the president presi-dent of the United States. That they should not attempt to connect negotiations between the United States and Germany with those between the United States and Great Britain because "the cases are different." That Germany should acquiesce in demands that have been made by the United States without condition, trusting trust-ing the "United States to deal justly with her in the consideration of any changes she may propose in the international, in-ternational, rules that govern the taking tak-ing of prizes" growing out of submarine subma-rine warfare. Mr. Bryan declared that President Wilson had been unjustly criticised by partisans of both sides in the European conflict. Expressed confidence that Germans would stand by their adopted country in case of war between the United States and Germany. Maintained that killing of innocent women and children, either by drowning drown-ing or starving, could not be justified. Suggested a change in the shipping laws to exclude passengers from ships carrying contraband or ammunition. |