Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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?. ' f m*+*4 i mauzt. A s.;^ E?r V. .* j an Hie aodf Ttam ahm* m to thy Ooastry'a, Tbf son nd MM' the true socthron, ?Hl J OmaoUdated Aug. 9,189L SUMTER, 8. 0., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1916. VoLXLII. No. 4. Wilson Stands For Nation's Rights. sLys That Country Wants Peace, But Will T Preserve It at Any Cost Sfcve The ? Loss of Honor. li?lUnt in Letter to Senator Stooe Makes Clear Position <aa Sabmarlnne Warfare Policy Announced b> Germany 4-Sayt That America Should he Prepared for any Contin? gency, bot Expresses Hope thiit Germany Will Abide by previous Promises. Washington. Feb. 24.?President Wlleen. at the end of two days of agi? tation in congreee for action warning Americans oft armed merchant ves? sel*, wrote a letter tonight to Senator Stone, chairman of the senate foreign relations committee, stating that he could not consent to the abridgment of the rights el American citizens In any respect. "The honor and self-reeffeet of the nation ie involved." he said. "Wo covet peace and shall preserve it at any cost but the loee of honor." The president expressed hope, that explanation of the declared Intention of the central powere to sink aimed fact chant shlpe without warning would put a different aspect on a sit? uation which now seemed to present Insuperable obetaclea "We have :.ad no reaepn to question their good faith or their fidelity to their promisee In the past.'' he added, "and I for one feel confident that we shall have none in the future." The letter wee In answer to one written late this afternoon by Senator ?ton* outlining the situation existing eg *J|g< oapitol. where since yesterday ajeatejag persist ent demand has been asaeVft for eejs>> actio? which might teeneeVow morning to Speaker Clark? Kspcossntetrec Kitchln, majority header, and Representative Flood, chairman of the houao foreign affaire committee, who late today aeked for an engagement In order to explain the position In which the house finds teas If and asked tht president for a Statement of the administration's -ami fiSM mm V The letter follows: *j*#y Dear Senator: 'f\^l very warmly appreciate your? ttmi and frank letter of today and feel that It calls for an equally frank ?*You are right In assuming that I shall da everything in my power to keep the United States out of war. I think the country will feel no un? easiness about my course In that re? spect. Through many anxious months I have striven for that object, amidst drfnucltlee more manifold than, can have been apparent upon the surface; and so far I have succeeded. I do not doubt that I shall continue to succeed. The course which the central Euro? pean powers have announced their In? tention of following In the future with regard to undorsea warfare seems for the moment to threaten Insuperable obetaclea. but Its apparent meaning le eo manifestly inconsistent with ex? plicit assurances recently given by those powers with regards to their treatment of merchant vessels on the high seas that I must believe that ex phviations will presently ensue which wit put a different aspect upon it. We hase no reason to question their good faith or their fidelity to their prom? ises In the past, and, X for one, feel confident that we shall have none In the future. "Out In any event our duty Is clear. No nation, no group of nations, has the right while war is In progress to alter or disregard the principles which all nations have agreed upon In miti? gation of the hoirors and sufferings of I war. and If the clear rights of Amen - I ran cltisens should ever uphapplly be 1 abridged or denied by any such ac- I tlon, we should. It seems to me, have In honor no choice as to what our own coune should be. "For my own part, I can not con eent to any abridgment of the rights of America citizens in any respect The honor and self-respect of the na? tion le Involved. We covot peace and shall preserve it at any cost t>ut the loss r>t honor. To forbid our people to exercise their Ights for fear we might be called upon to vindicate them j would be a deep humiliation. Indeed. It would be an Implicit, all but ex-' pllclt. acquiescence In the violation of the rights of mankind everywhere and 1 of whatever nation or allegiance. It i I_'__s_i_ - would Do p. deliberate abdication of our hitherto proud position ae spokes? man, even amidst the turmoil of war, for the law and the right. It would make everything this government has attempted and everything that it has achieved during this terrible struggle of nations meaningless and futile. "i't Is Important to reflect that if In this Instance we allowed expediency to take the place of principle the door would inevitably be opened to still further concessions. Once accept a single abatement of right and many other humiliations would certainly follow, and the whole fine fabric of International law might crumble un? der our hands piece by piece. What ws are contending for In this matter is of the very essence of the things that have made America a sovereign nation. She can not yield them with? out conceding her own lmpotency as a nation and making virtual surren? der of her Independent position among the nations of the world. "I am speaking, my dear senator, In deep solemnity, without heat, with a olear consciousness of the high re? sponsibilities of my office and as your sincere and devoted friend. If we should?unhappjly differ, we shall dif? fer as friends, hut where issues so mo speak dur minds without reservation. "Faithfully yours, "Woodrow Wilson." The president wrote his letter dur? ing the afternoon, shutting himself up in his study while congressional leaders vainly attempted to get him on the telephone to toll him of de? velopments at the capltol and arrange for the call of the house leaders. He continued to write after telephone aonferences with cabinet officers and other close advisers. His decision was to end all speculation as to what the position of the government was and to let congress and the country know that the administration believed the United States could do nothing but stand, behind the right of its citizens to the freedom of the seas. At the state department today It was stated that in Its international aspects the situation has not changed In the slightest degree for three or four days. Officials said nothing had been heard from Germany in re? sponse to the request of the United State? for assurances that previous pledges given In the Lusltania and Arab c negotiation's would net be nul? lified by the new campaign against armed ships. Confidential adv.ces from Berlin, however, have indicated that Ger many would reply that all assurances I previously given would be observed but that they applied only to unarmed vessels, and would propose discussion of what defensive armament proper? ly may be. How far such a proposal would go towards altering tho situa? tion is said to depend largely upon additional information as to how armed British merchantmen are said i to have warred on German subma? rines, which is on the way to Wash? ington by mall. Administration officials reiterated (today the declaration that the United States never had departed since tho beginning of the submurine contro- f versy from Us firm stand for the ob? servance of international law, and they point out that throughout his? tory the right of a merchantman to carry limited armament solely for de? fense never has been questioned. Today's developments in congress showed the administration leaders holdin< their lines against any such action as tho president opposes. A canvass of the senate disclosed senti? ment in favor of President Wilson'* position dominating. In the house tln> administration position was less cor- i tain but tho leaders were confident that a vote would show ar over? whelming majority for upholding the president. Senator Stone's letter to the presi? dent follows: AVERTS COAST HUE TROUBLE FEDERAL MEDIATION AGENT EF? FECTS SETTLEMENT. Basis in Compromise?Company ! Abandons Proposed Audit System,1 and Men Withdraw Opposition to Any Such Plan. - Wilmington, N. C, Feb. 24.?;Anj amicable settlement of the differences* between the Atlantic Coast Line railA road and its train conductors because' I of the adoption by the road of the ! White audit system has been reached, lit was announced today by Judge I Chambers of the federal board of imW, diation and conciliation, who was sent jhcre to investigate the trouble. j Under the terms of the agreement/. Judge Chambers said, the ralltoadj; company agreed to abolish the Whit??l audit system on March 15, but re-? served the right to inaugurate at an/ time after that dat? a system of-train! auditing upon any plan it may elect, provided the auditors are employes olf, the company and are in no way con nocted with an outside individual oc corporation. The conductors agreed to withdraw the declaration that they! would not submit to any auditing sys? tem that had not been mutually agreed upon and accepted by their adjust-^ rnent committee. . 1 >? 'Dear Mr. President: "Since Senator Kern, Mr. Flood and I talked with you on Monday evening, I am more troubled than I have, been, for many a day. I have not felt au? thorized to repeat our conversation but I have attempted. In response to numerous inquiries from my' col? leagues, to state to them, within the* conlldonce that they should observcv my general understanding of your at ititude. I have stated my understand-' ing of your attitude to be substan? tially as follows: "That while you would deeply, gret the rejection by Great Brit [of Mr. Lansing's proposal for the dis? armament of merchant vessels of the allies with the understanding [upon a merchant ship if she halted when summoned, not attempting to escape, and that the German war (ships would only exercise the admit? ted right of visitation and search and would not destroy the captured ship except in circumstances that reason? ably assured the safety of passengers jand . crew, you were of the opinion that if Great Britain and her fellies rejected the proposition and insisted upon arming her merchant ships she Would bo within right under inter? national law. Also that you would feel disposed to allow armed vessels to be oleared from our ports; also that you are not favorably disposed to the idea of this government taking any definite steps toward preventing Amer? ican citizens from embarking upon armed merchant vesels. Furthermore that, you would consider it your duty, If a German warship should fire upon an armed merchant vessel of the enemy upon which American citizens were passengers to hold Germany to strict account. "Numerous members of the senate and the house have called to discuss this subject with me. 1 have felt that fthe members of the two houses who are to deal with this grave question were entitled to know the situation we are confronting as I understand it to be. I think I should say to you that the members of both houses foel deeply concerned and disturbed by what they read and hear. I have heard of some talk to the effect that some are saying that after all it may be possible that the programme of preparedness, socalled, has some rela? tion to such a situation as we are now called upon to meet. I have counseled all who have talked with me to keep cool; that this whole business is still the subject of diplomacy and that you are striving to the utmost to bring about some peaceable adjustment and that In tho meantime congress should be careful not to 'ball up* a diplomatic situation by any kind of hasty and ill considered action. However, the situa? tion in congress is such as to excite a sense of deep concern in the minds of careful and thoughtful men. I have felt that It Is due to you to say that much. "I think you understand my per? sonal attitude with respect to this sub? ject. As much and as deeply as I would hato to radically dlsaKree with you, I find It dUllcult for my sense of duty and responsibility to consent to plunge this nation into tho vortex of thlfl world war becauso of the unrea? sonable obstinacy of any of the powers upon the ono hand, or, on tho other hand, of foolhardlness, amount? ing to a sort of moral treason against the republic of our pcoplo recklessly risking their lives on armed heiliger NK THERE MAY YET COME GOOD RESULTS. Declares Time for Newspaper Publicity for Ford's Efforts Has Al? ready Passed?Must Change Meth? ods. New York, Feb, 24.?Eight moro degates who went to Europe as mem >rs of Hehry Ford's peace expedi [Dn arrived here today on the Hol id-American liner Nluew Amster irn. Mr. Ford went down the bay in a cutter and met the ship at [uarantlne. Gaston Plantlff, his bus Mss representative, after Mr. Ford nself had left the party to return to Iherica, stated today that the expe ion has thus far cost his employer 00,000 and that his peace efforts arc Bo be continued through delegates who 'remained in Europe. L Dr. Jenkin Lloyd Jones of Chicago, pone of the returning delegates said Uthat while members of the party p*aarnitted the crudities and incohe? rences" of the experiment because "the company was hastily gathered and therefore poorly organized," yet "t?, very definite impression was mado in at least four of the neutral coun? tries, a wide discussion of the prin Jdples of peace being promoted, .pacifist workers everywhere stimulat and "cheer and hopefulness car >d to the men in the trenches." After discussing the reception {given the party by press and public, [Ihr. Jones concluded: "Returning members are of the ^opinion that the future work of Mr. Jfard and his associates in Europe had %&>t be concentrated at The Hague in operation with the anti-war coun whlch already has very Important ?terntuional connections and an em lent working force, together with the 'omen's International Committee for pormaent Peace and kindred organ rations. . "To bring about this cooperation lib in the Judgment of this delega necessltate a radical reorganiza jer^nubKc Now the harder task of quiet confi? dence, wiso deliberation and high di? plomacy has come. The remaining members of the party, Mrs. Joseph Fels, Dr. C. F. Aked and John Barry, who were electod delegates to the neu? tral conference, are attending iho conference at Stockholm." TAKE WRONG METHOD. [Fdrd Peace Advocates Said to be Act? ing Unwisely. The Hague, Fob. 8 (Correspond - fence of the Associated Press).?A ?statement issued on behalf of the ^Netherlands anti-war council declares, [alluding to the peace efforts of the Ford expedition from the United States, that "we are not convinced that the persons who now havo the load In the Ford conference will act with that knowledge of the actual condi? tions that is required of any one who desires to oxercise any influence in the present circumstances." The statement asserts that the council is of the opinion that It "must withhold our active cooperation" in [the Ford plans and sets forth that "at present there is no sign" that any neutral government is prepared, as [advocated by the Fo-d party, to call a peace conference of neutrals. PROTEST TO BRITAIN. Washington, Feb. 25.?The State department today protested to Groat Britain against the removal of thirty eight Germans from the American steamer China near Shanghai by a British cruiser. It is understood that Immediate release of the prisoners is demanded. ent ships. I can not escape the con? viction that such a step would be so monstrous as to be Indefensible. "I want to be with you and to stand by you, and I mean to do so up to the last limit; and Iwant to talk with you and Secretary Ixtnslng with the. utmost frankness?to confer with iyou and have your judgment and counsel?and I want to be kept ad? vised as to the course of events as it seems to me I am entitled to be. In the meantime, 1 am striving to pre? vent anything being done by any sen? ator or member calculated to embar? rass your diplomatic negotiations. Up to the last you should be left free to act diplomatically as you think for the host to settle the question in? volved. I need hardly say that my Wish Is to help not to hinder you. "With the highest regard and most sympathetic consideration I have the honor, Mr. President, to be, "Very sincerely yours, (Signed) "William J. Stone." UPHOLD CHIEF EXECUTIVE. SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSMEN STAND BEHIND WILSON. Tillman Tliinks President Has More Sense Than All The Little Ones Combined?Lever for Less Interfer? ence. 1 Washington, Feb. 25.?From inter? views given The State's correspond? ent here tonight by several members of the South Carolina delegation in congress when asked for an ex? pression of opinion on the armed mer? chantmen controversy, there would appear to be almost practical unanim? ity among those who gave their views for supporting the president. Senator Tillman said: "I certainly will support the president. He has more sense than all the other little fellows combined. I think ha has pa? triotism enough to satisfy any one; furthermore, I don't see why they don't let him alone." Senator E. D. Smith said: "I will support the president until he has ex? hausted every known resource at his command to prevent war, and until every remedy has been fully ex? hausted. Until that time shall arVlve I do not think It wise for congress to Interfere." Representative Nlcholls said: At this time I have not altogether made up my mind and for the present I would prefer to have nothing to say on the subject." Congressman Lever said:' 'I think the less interference by congress with the president at this most critical period in these diplomatic negotia? tions, the more likelihood there Is of the president being able to preserve the peace. When the president has ex? hausted every diplomatic effort and nothing can save the country from war except the passage of some sueh resolution as is proposed in that event It will be time for the congress to act." . . . ? \. Congressman Whaley said: '.'This Is such an important matter that I do not care tonight to give an opinion offhand. Tomorrow -after I have foad WimVto go* ? ow;:iftief ^*Mt?r; I-vWRM glad to express my views concerning the situation."' CHARGES AGAINST CLAXTON. Removal of Commissioner of Educa? tion Expected to he Demanded. Washington, Feb. 26.?Charges that P. P. Claxton, federal commis? sioner of education has formed an al? liance with the exploiters of child la? bor may be made to the senate by 'Senator Kenyon and his removal de? manded. It Is Charged that Commis? sioner Claxton accepted the report of the National Association of Manufac? turers on industrial education and had thousands of copies distributed at government expense. MANNING IN WASHINGTON. Governor Calls on South Carolina Delegation. Washington, Feb. 24.?Gov. R. L Manning was in Washington today on his way back to Columbia from New York, where he had been looking af? ter the adjustment of details connect? ed with the South Carolina sinking fund. This, it is understood, was ac? complished with quite satisfactory re? sults. The governor stopped in Washington with his son, W. Sinkler Manning", of the staff of the New York Times. During the day he visit 'ed the capitol and called socially on all members of the State delegation, leaving tonight for home. REFUSE LANSING'S SUGGESTION. Reply From Franco Received and Others Expected Shortly. Washington, Feb. 26.?The first re? ply of the entente powers to Secre? tary Lansing's suggestion that mer? chantmen be disarmed was received at the state department today. Lansing refused to reveal the contents of the note, but it is understood to be from France and refuses to discuss the mat? ter in view of the fact that France has never armed her merchantmen. British and Italian replies arc expect? ed to be sent jointly and to refuse Lansing's suggestion. STUDY BOLL WEEVIL. Governor to Traverse Pcstridden sec? tions. Columbia, Feb. 26.?Gov. Manning will leave in a few days for a trip through the boll weevil district of the South to study conditions at first hand. He will be away for about ten days. FOR WILSON IN CRISIS. GOV. MANNING DISCUSSES AT? TITUDE OF CONGRESS. Says Tlircatcned Defection of Demo? cratic Leaders is "Amazing and In? credible/' Columbia, Feb. 26.?Richard U Manning, governor of South Carolina replied as follows to an inquiry last night from the New York World as to his opinion regarding the insurgency of certain Democratic congressmen against the president's policy in re? spect of foreign relations: "The president's ' *r to Senator Stone is a strong Jfement and a correct position. ress should not embarrass him in ? Ang with foreign relations. It is sing and incredi ble that Democ ?7 should lose sight of their duty a /nocrats, as Ameri? cans and as p is, by taking action that would d' ^ lit the leader of the nation, who , e has the inside in? formation t' enables him to deal properly v, ;hese matters. Such proposed action would be treachery. "It would be action without full in? formation and would encourage for? eign powers to refuse to accede to our just and honorable demands. Lot congress understand that the people of America arc not cowards, that they want peace, but peace only with honor, that they stand by the presi? dent in hia position for national honor. "I trust for the sake of America that congress will <eave it to the pres? ident to deal with foreign relations and will not brin*; discredit and die honor on our country by persisting in their proposal." I COUNTY UNDER NEW PLAN. One Supervisor and Seven Commis? sioners to Look After Affaire in Orangeburg. Orangeburg, Feb. 25.?Orangeburg county government has been changed by the legislature and hereafter there will be one supervisor and seven com misloners to look after the county affairs,.. The present system is for . three supervisors and no commission* ers. The new form will go into oper? ation about next December. The new law provides for the supervisor to bo elected by the people and he has to run every two years. The seven com? missioners are appointed by the gover? nor upon recommendation of the Orangeburg county delegation to the general assembly. Gov. Manning has already appointed tire following as the commissioners: W. E. Atkinson, Orangeburg; Thomas L. Connor, Fer? guson; A. A. Dantzler, Elloree; Im K. Ether edge, North; Geo. H. Whlsen hunt, Cope; Thomas L. Gleaton, Springfield; D. L. Rhoads, Branchville. Every section of Orangeburg county has been represented in these commis? sioners. RUSSIANS CAPTURE KERMAND SHA. Important Persian Stronghold Taken From Turks. Petrograd, Feb. 26.?The capture of the Persian city of Kermandsha from Turks by the Russians has been officially announced by the war office. :The city was taken by storm and a great number of prisoners captured. Kermandsha is two hundred miles from Kut-el-Amara where the Brit? ish army is beleagured. British Steamers Submarined. London, Feb. 26.?The British steamers Denaby and Tummel have been submarined. The crews were saved. WATCHING GERMAN FLEET. Dash Into North Sea Exriected by British Naval Officers. London, Feb. 26.?An extraordinary sharp lookout is being kept by the British navy in anticipation of a dash to sea by the German fleet. The Kais? er was at Wilhelmshaven Wednesday and went from there to Kiel. The : The German licet has always shown activity following the visit of the em? peror. There is great disappointment here over the fall of Douaumont, but mill* tary experts state that it will have no effect on the ultimate outcome of the war. They declare that the enor? mous German losses will prevent them making another rush for Paris. C. C. WYCHE A CANDIDATE. SjKirtanburg Lawyer Out for Lieuten? ant Governor. Spartanburg. February 24.?C. C. Wyche, of the local bar, has announc? ed his candidacy for lieutenant gov? ernor of South Carolina, M . Wyche hi s always been a support? of form? er ^Jov. Blease.