TITK MORJflXG OREGOXIAX. TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1915.
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rORTLASD, ItCSDAV, JUNE 15, 1915.
I'. DII HE ACT I'OB PRINCIPLE?
The United States of America on
February 10, 1915, sent to Germany a
now famous diplomatic communica
tion wherein Germany was advised
that the United States "would be con
strained to hold the imperial govern
ment to a strict accountability" for
such acts of its. naval authorities as
might result In the destruction of
American vessels or the loss of Ameri
can lives, and that "If such a deplora
ble situation should arise" the Ameri
can Government would "take any steps
It might be necessary to take to safe
guard American lives and property."
The subscription to the note was
the flourshing signature of William
Jennings Bryan, Secretary of State.
After the destruction of the Lusi
tania, the United States sent another
famous communication to Germany,
protesting against the loss of American
lives and the violation of international
law. It had this ominous paragraph:
- Th Imperial government of Germany will
.sot expect the Government of the United
states to omit any word or any act necessary
to the performance of Its sacred duty of
maintaining the rights of the United States
and its citizens and of safeguarding their
free exercise and enjoyment.
.- Again a minatory note to Germany
was signed by the peace-loving Sec
retary of State, Mr. Bryan.
; But when, In the communication of
June 9 to Germany, the unalterable
: determination of the United States to
'procure Justice from Germany was
expressed, but the softening and con
ciliatory offer was made to act as
mediator to "bring about a partial
accommodation of interests between
the warring nations," Secretary Bryan
refused to sign, and resigned.
'' Was it principle or pettiness that
led Bryan to withhold his signature to
the June 9 note, which had far less
provocation or menace or belligerency
than either of the previous notes?
n BLIC OPINION OF BRYAN.
' The newspapers of the United
States are practically of one mind in
discussing the resignation of W. J.
Bryan as Secretary of State and in
supporting President Wilson's course
toward Germany. They agree that Mr.
Wilson's is the only course which the
United States could take with due re
gard to the rights of the American
people. Only when they come to dis
cuss the motives and effects of Mr.
Bryan's resignation and of his peace
propaganda is there any great diver
gence of opinion. As voiced by the
newspapers, public opinion Is by an
overwhelming majority behind the
President In pressing his demands on
Germany without any of the delays
proposed by Mr. Bryan.
.-- Although there is a general disposi
tion to accept Mr. Bryan's motives as
sincere, he is accused by some of hav
ing set his ego above his duty and
.of having chosen the time for his
exit from the Cabinet with a view to
theatrical effect. His action is in
many quarters held to have injured the
National cause in the controversy with
Germany, by revealing a division of
council where there should be unan
imity. In contrast with this opinion
is the view that he has done a service
by ' removing the source of division
and by leaving the Cabinet united in
support of the President's policy. This
elimination of the one known advo
cate of peace at any price is held to
have strengthened our position and
to have improved the prospects of
peace by informing Germany that
there will be no faltering on our
part.
Almost without exception Mr.
Bryan's inauguration of a peace-at-
ny-prlce propaganda is condemned.
It promotes division where- there
should be union. It reveals the
United States as a disunited Nation
-In face of a possible enemy. To that
extent it weakens the President when
the whole strength of" the Nation
should be gathered behind him. If
its motive be to promote ambition for
the Democratic Presidential nomina
tion, it will miserably fail, for by
'-'raising such an issue at such a time
Mr. Bryan is digging his own politi
cal grave. That sums up the Judg
ment of the press on Mr. Bryan.
Mr. Bryan, by his daily statements
to the newspapers, is doing his ut
most to arouss opposition to the Presi
dent's policy, to divide public opinion
and. to create the impression in Ger
many that there is such a division.
Jle will not succeed. On such an issue
.there is no doubt where the vast
majority of the American people
-stand. He will only confirm the
.'opinion which has been three times
expressed at the polls, that his judg
ement is unsound and that he is not a
afe guide, and will turn hosts of his
admirers to the same opinion.
- Mr. Bryan would have done well
"Xo pattern his conduct after that of
statesmen in other countries who
dissented from the action of their
government in somewhat similar
crises. We heard of no disunion in
Britain, France, Belgium, countries
J"-where speech and the press were as
-free as in this country. Lord Morley
Zand John Burns resigned and re
Tnained silent. Not a dissenting voice
was raised in France and Belgium.
.Though opposed to war. the Socialists
jetood by their government in Ger
many and Austria. In the United
States alone a Cabinet minister, after
- resigning because he dissented from
liis colleagues' decision, began a
propaganda against their polios'. We
have heretofore condemned Mr.
Bryan for treating foreign policy as
matter of party controversy. He now
goes further and makes it matter of
factional controversy within his own
party. This Nation should have but
one foreign policy, pursued consist
ently by both parties.
Mr. Bryan's admirers credit him
Trith sacrificing his office to con
sistency, but his present course la in
consistent with his attitude in the very
recent past. He did not write, but
he signed, the note of February 10,
holding Germany to strict accounta
bility for the acts of her submarines.
He did not write, but he signed, the
note of May 13, informing Germany
that the United States would not
"omit any word or any act" to en
force our demand. He resigned rather
than sign a note most conciliatory in
tone, reiterating our former demands.
Where is the consistency of such con
duct? Having swallowed two camels,
he strained at a gnat.-
It seems useless to appeal to Mr.
Bryan's patriotism at this juncture.
He thinks he is guided by patriotism,
though few others so regard it. It
is useless also to appeal to his party
loyalty, for he has often shown him
self devoid of that quality. The most
effective appeal is to his self-esteem.
From that standpoint he should surely
see that he has sacrificed consistency
and is now surrendering all claim to
the good opinion of his countrymen,
which has been his most prized pos
session, and all hope of further hon
ors, after he has striven for honors
for twenty years without ceasing.
, ROSE BLOCH BAUER.
Twenty years ago; or more, when
Rose Bloch had just returned from
her European studies, she went to Eu
gene to sing to the University stu
dents in Villard Hall. Her grand
young voice, which never grew old,
filled the great spaces of the hall and
set the students applauding raptur
ously. She sang, for one thing, "I
Know That My Redeemer Liveth,"
from the Messiah, and it is hardly be
lievable that anybody ever heard it
sung more beautifully. After she was
gone one of the venerable professors,
gravely shaking his head at faculty
meeting, opined that music as lovely
as Rose Bloch made should not be
permitted at the university because it
"took the students' minds olf their
studies."
No doubt it did. It must have been
a sad grind who could keep his mind
on Latin and mathematics for some
days after hearing such singing. All
her life Rose Bloch, who. tecame Rose
Bloch Bauer later on, was making
lovely music, making it with bound
less power and energy for the delight
of the public and her friends and for
all good causes.
Her immense Joy in life found ex
pression in her music. Her vitality
seemed exhaustless. Just as she gave
herself freely to her art, so the deep
springs of existence poured of their
treasures into her oul without limit.
Her vocal powers, which were re
markable, were no more remarkable
than her capacity for .friendship and
service. Always doing something for
others, always giving, she went
through life radiating joy and happi
ness. Now she is gone, cut off in
the bloom of her splendid usefulness.
That lovely voice in its rich fullness
will be heard no more on earth. All
those sweet and kindly activities have
ceased.
Mrs. Bauer loved to sing better
than anything else, but almost as
dearly she loved to do a good deed.
Her pupils tell many a touching story
of the help she gave them when it
was most needed, of her thoughtful
care for their interests, of the lavish
way in which she spent herself to
aid thorn in their struggles for suc
cess. Like all musicians of her exquis
ite quality, she had the artistic tem
perament, but in her its frailties were
mellowed into new charms. She lived
as beautifully as she sang. For long
years she has been the first of our so
pranos. We shall miss her sadly. Time
will bring somebody to take her place
in the world of music, but who shall
fill the void she has left in our hearts?
ABATING A NUISANCK.
Many friends of the University at
Eugene will look forward hopefully
to the first faculty meeting next Sep
tember. Professor Barnett's resolu
tion to put a stop to intercollegiate
athletics will come up at that meet
ing and there seems to be ground to
believe that it will be adopted. If
the intercollegiate games are not done
away with entirely they will probably
be greatly restricted.
Athletic games with other colleges
were introduced at Eugene about
twenty years ago, when the numbpr
of students was small and conditions
were primitive. For some time they
were doubtless beneficial. They made
the University known to the" people
of the state, by name at least, and
they were so controlled by the faculty
that they did not much interfere with
study. But conditions have now al
tered greatly. The University no
longer needs the advertising, good or
bad, that comes from athletics. It
is a powerful and growing institution
supported by the people for Intellec
tual purposes. Young people are sent
there to study, not to win renown
upon the athletic field, and the nui
sance of Intercollegiate athletics has
no excuse for continued existence.
For there is no doubt that inter
collegiate athletics have become a
nuisance. In the Interest of the stu
dents it takes precedence over the
proper work of the University. The
long and arduous training, the un
wholesome, excitement attending the
games, the . temptation to trickery,
the undesirable influences surround
ing the gate receipts, the exhausting
trips to various parts of the state, all
these things are incompatible with
sound intellectual work. ,
There is a " fiction sedulously fos
tered by some faculty memfters that
athletics do not interfere with study,
but this upon its face is absurd. A
young man who exhausts his energies
upon the athletic field can not at the
same time spend them upon his les
sons. Examination marks, which
seem to demonstrate the cor'rary, are
open to the lively suspicion which
surrounds all patent improbabilities.
The related fiction that Intercollegiate
athletics build up the health of the
students must also be abandoned.
There are plenty of statistics to show
that the highly-trained athlete is
not as a- rule a long-lived man. His
heart is apt to be defective and his
huge muscles are oX no particular use
to him in business or the professions.
Health does not depend upon the
enormity of one's brawn.
But even if the intercollegiate
games and the attendant training
were ever so beneficial the great body
of the students are. necessarily ex
cluded from them. The only part
which the ordinary student can take
in the games is to sit on the bleachers
and shout. This is doubtless valuable
exercise as far as it goes, but. it is
the- general verdict of educators that
it does not go far enough. What the
colleges need is a form of athletics
which will engage the interest and
enlist the activity of all the students.
This can not be attained by the ex
clusive training of a few "teams."
Two or three years ago the Agri
cultural College tried the experiment
of prohibiting intercollegiate games,
but it was soon abandoned. Perhaps
the difficulties of the policy were
found to be Insuperable as long as
other colleges did not co-operate in
the plan. The State University, we
notice, will ask the . universities of
Idaho and Washington to join in the
prohibition. If they consent we see
no reason why the new movement for
higher intellectual standards should
not succeed. Difficulties which dis
courage one college acting alone may
become comparatively slight when
several others take similar action.
And yet the prohibition of inter
collegiate athletics is feasible for any
'nstitution that will put its hand reso
lutely to the plow. The example ot
Reed College is sufficient to encour
age Eugene even if the neighboring
institutions should decline for the
present to co-operate in the forward
movement. In a short time they will
probably feel obliged to do so. The
evils of intercollegiate athletics are too
numerous and striking to be tolerated
anywhere a great while longer. If
Professor Barnett's resolution should
pass the faculty in September we
must expect some grumbling from
(hose students whose muscles outrun
their brains and a few of the less
desirable may migrate to other uni
versities. But when- -a student pre
fers athletics to learning his absence
is, upon the whole, preferable to his
presence at a self-respecting college.
OLYMPIC PENINSCI.A OPENED.
Rail communication with the ex
terior has been a dream of the Olym
pic Peninsula in Washington for fully
a generation. The aream has not yet
come true, but the next best thing
has at last been accomplished the
construction of a passable highway
which makes the wonders of that
great region accessible by other means
than steamer travel. Today the
Olympia Chamber of Commerce will
celebrate the formal - opening of the
Olympic Highway by sending a dele
gation of forty members in automo
biles from the state capital to Port
Townsend and Port Angeles.
Heretofore the Olympic peninsula
has had about the same status as an
island. It could be reached by steam
ers and in no other way. Two ob
stacles have confronted railway proj
ects the high cost of construction
and the roundabout route that must
be followed to reach the commercial
centers of the state. Port Townsend-,
for example, is but forty miles north
of Seattle by water, yet to close a rail
connection it is necessary to build
southward around the head of Puget
Sound. In other words, a rail route
from Seattle to Port Townsend would
be close to 200 miles long, as against
the water route of forty miles.
The highway now opened has been
made possible by the state road levy
of Washington. Much of the new
road is similar in a way to the Colum
bia Highway. It skirts the shores
for many miles of Hood's Canal, a
narrow neck of Puget Sound, crossing
tumbling streams and towered over at
intervals by high mountains. While Its
opening is enthusiastically acclaimed
in the Puget Sound cities, it will prob
ably in time become of interest to
Portland automobile tourists who en
joy long trips into atvonderful country
abounding in fish and game and attrac
tive scenery. The Olympic Peninsula
now seems a remote country to Port
land, but in fact by highway it is only
forty or fifty miles farther to Port
Townsend and Port Angeles from
Portland than it is from Seattle.
But the construction of the high
way, we fancy, will do much more
than provide pleasure trips for the
autoist. It ought to build up the
small settlements along the route
into thriving local centers of trade
and industry and ultimately com
pel the attention of investors in
railways. What talk and promotion
have failed to accomplish, effort along
practical lines will bring to pass and
a district rich in resources and pos
sibilities will come Into its own.
NO MILITARISM IN THIS.
The interest shown in the meetings
of the National Security League
evinces an awakening at last to the
need of National defense. The war
has warned us of the necessity that
each nation should be ready to resist
sudden attack, and the difficulty with
Germany has impressed on our minds
the fact that world-wide commerce
and close international intercourse
have destroyed the isolation on which
we have hitherto relied too much.
Our situation is such that only the
most rampant imperialism could em
broil us in an aggressive war, for such
a war would require the transporta
tion of a great army across the sea
for a long distance. In so saying, we
assume the absurdity of aggTessive
designs against those neighbors whom
we could reach by land. There is
no probability that we should invade
Canada, and. If we should send an
army into Mexico, it would be no .ag
gressive design. Our purpose would
be solely to pacify the country, to as
sist it in organizing a government and
then to go. We should follow the
precedent we set in Cuba.
We need, then, to provide an Army
and Navy sufficient to repel invasion
by such a foreign army as it would
he possible to transport across the
sea. We need not train our entire
male population for military service,
though such training would make
men better and more efficient citi
zens. We are not in the position of
Switzerland, which is entirely sur
rounded by great, quarrelsome, mili
tary powers and which must therefore
call her entire male population to
arms for her own defense. Nor are
we in the position of Australia or New
Zealand, whose entire male popula
tion would constitute an army none
too large to repel Invasion. If we
were to arm on the same scale as
those countries, we should have an ac
tive and reserve Army and Navy of
10,000,000 men, fully armed and
equipped. There is no human prob
ability that we should ever need more
than one-tenth as many men to take
the field.
If we were so to organize our Army
and Navy that we should at all times
have in active service and In reserve
for both land and sea 1.000.000 men,
we should be reasonably well pro
tected. That would be only 1 per
cent of our population, or one in ten
of our men of military ago. We should
not need to keep in actual service
during peace more than one-fifth of
that number. By reducing the term
of enlistment in the -trmy to one year,
we could provide ourselves with near
ly three times as miny trained sol
diers as we now have at little more ex
pense. We should need ample artillery,
rifles, ammunition, transport and hos
pital corps for the entire trained
force. We should need to provide
facilities for manufacture of all war
material at home and arrange mat
ters so that the armament manufac
turers would not continually scheme
for war in order to get contracts.
Having thus provided for our own
protection, and having put a silencer
on the armament men, we could go
peacefully and confidently on our
way, fearing harm from no nation
and planning harm to none. When
the nations, satiated with fighting,
joined us in establishing a world court,
we could place our forces at the "dis
posal of that court. When any can
tankerous nation desired to start a
ruction, they would size up the Ameri
can Army and Navy, then think again
and keep quiet.
As a peace policy, this plan is re
spectfully recommended to W. J.
Bryan, the self-appointed apostle of
peace.'
Another favorite argument against
woman suffrage has been rudely ex
tinguished. We have been told that
women should not vote because they
could not fight. Now comes Dr. Sar
gent, of Harvard, armed with the sci
ence of biology, and announces that
women are as well fitted as men for
the hardships of war. It worries us
a little to think what the antis will
do for arguments if their despoilment
continues at this rate.
President Wilson cannot be the ora
tor at the 700th anniversary of the
signing of Magna Charter on account
of pressing affairs. It is a pity. As
the foremost expounder of "The New
Freedom," he would naturally speak
inspiringly upon the old. Magna
Charta is the fountain whence flows
the clear stream of American liberty.
The seven centuries of its life have
only increased its power and prom
ise. Luring away of American ordnance
experts by offers of high pay from
belligerents may cause us trouble
similar to that which Great Britain
now experiences. The men who make
guns and ammunition should be en
listed in the Nation's service for a
fixed term and should not be free to
quit. They are as necessary to suc
cess in war as the men who do the
fighting, though their job is less risky.
From time immemorial an egg
has been an egg. Big or little made
no difference. The price was all the
same. But It is so no longer. A dozen
big eggs Is henceforth to bring 6 cents
and a .half more than a dozen little
ones. Superficially this looks fair,
but think of the ill feeling it will
cause among the hens where class
distinctions have heretofore been un
known. Phonograph music made by the new
needles should be miraculously soft
and sweet, for they are ose thorns.
We have all been in the habit of la
menting that there was keine rose
orne darnen, but now we shall be
glad, for while the flower gives color
and fragrance the thorns will give
music. Is there any created thing
without its use?
The thrifty young workingman is
apt to marry a girl who is a good
housekeeper. J. P. Morgan's son has
followed the same rule, which is a
safe one in all walks of life. Mor
gan's bride is a good cook, but it does
not follow that she will do much
cooking. Still, if the traditional
rainy day should ever come she is
prepared for it.
The good women of Eugene who
financed the operation on a little 8-year-old
girl, whereby she soon will
walk and run and play like others,
have the conscious knowledge of put
ting Joy into a world inclined to be
come morbid.
More stir than the facts warrant
has been made over the British battle
ships lost in the Dardanelles. They
-were old vessels, released from the
homo fleet by five new dreadnoughts
which took their places. Their loss
has no appreciable effect on Eng
land's naval strength.
The Parole Board made a good rule
in'insLsting its beneficiary must first
have a job awaiting his release. It is
a pity a way cannot be provided to
make people let him alone afterward
and give him his chance.
The hypnotic spell having been re
moved, even Secretary Daniels begins
to see room for improvement in the
Navy. Under careful training, Jose
phus may yet become a fairly useful
man.
These robbers w-ho hold u-p inter
ruoan trains might have the decency
to let the platform men keep their
own money.
Dr. Bobo's revolution in Haytl is
making progress. The Nord Alexis,
otherwise the navy, is burning am
munition. Canada is a convenient halfway
house for reservists of all belligerent
nations returning' front the United
States.
Resurrection of the controversy
over the Virginia debt is enough to
make General Billy Mahone turn over.
Up at Vancouver, on the border,
they shoot at suspicious characters
and investigate afterward.
The 5000 strikebreakers to be put
on at Chicago may mean broken
heads rather than settlement.
An expectant world, barring the
Continent, awaits Bryan's plan to end
the war.
Splitting wood is not as heroic as
golfing, but it develops muscle and
sweat.
Nobody will be allowed to forget a
school election to be held Saturday.
To Kitchener, London:
the war begin? .
When will
West Virginia has u. fine bill of
"old hoss."
As everything is over, the rains
cease.
Fine opening for the jitney in Chi
cago. Work of Pacificists Elsenbrre.
PORTLAND. June 14. (To the Edi
tor.) The Prince of Peace came not
to call the righteous but sinners to
repentance. Since the people of the
United States will have no war that
is not forced upon them, would it be
indelicate to suggest that our modern
pacificists direct his efforts toward
converting the aggressor? It would
doubtless be easy to finance a mission
ary Journey that offered respite from
the activities of the great examples of
zeal without wisdom. A. T.
BRYANT RESIGNATION FROM CABINET
Keirspapers of Nation Express Opinion on Voluntary Retirement of Secre
tary of State Few I phold His Act.
Indianapolis News.
Mr. Bryan is "going to the people" in
the hope and with the expectation of
discrediting the foreign policy of the
American Government in the eyes of
the American people. Such a policy as
is outlined in his statement would have
been repudiated by the Nation and have
brought on us the contempt of the
world.
Something must be said of the grave
olTense involved in making any state
ment at all under such circumstances.
The act Is unpardonable and will, we
believe, be so regarded. Mr. Bryan could
not know what effect his statement
would have in Berlin and he deliber
ately took the chance of wrecking an
Administration policy having to do
with foreign affairs and touching the
very highest interests of the Nation.
The course was one that he had no
right to take.
Indianapolis Star.
It was all right for Mr. Bryan to re
sign; but it is inexpressibly foolish and
wicked for him to raise insurrection
against the Government, as he is doing,
in this supreme crisis of our foreign
policy.
Now we see this supremely selfish
man uncovering his intellectual and
moral nakedness to the whole world.
At a time when every true patriot is
rallying to the call of a united nation
in the cause of universal and eternal
justice and humanity, Mr. Bryan pre
fers to give aid and comfort to a power
with which we are on very critical
terms, a power that is likely to be
gravely misled by his show of division
and disunion.
Chicago Evening Post.
He has by his resignation put the
label of "war" right across the face of
the President's note to Germany; and
on its reverse side he has printed for
the edification of Berlin the unfair and
untrue words. "The countr" is not
unitedly behind the President." The
Fatherland, the German organ in Amer
ica, makes this exact c'aim today.
It is only on the theory that Berlin
may take Mr. Bryan's resignation as a
sign of President Wilson's inflexibility
of purpose that we can hope to see it
operate as an influence for peace. And
this is but a tenuous hope.
More than ever before should our
people rally to their responsible leader,
the President of the United States. It
is their part today to disprove the false
inferences which" Mr. Bryan's act must
create in Berlin.
New York World.
Mr. Bryan's resignation at this time
and in these circumstances is a sorry
service to his country. Mr. Bryan has
done the one thing in his power most
likely to bring about war between the
United States and Germany.
Americans understand Mr. Bryan's
passionate and often quixotic devotion
to his ideals; but this is not how his
resignation will impress the German
government. Germany does not know
him as America knows him.
It will see in his resignation a di
vided Government and its equivalent,
a divided people, which,is the one thing
for which German diplomacy has been
striving in the United States since the
beginning of the war.
Boston Herald.
Mr. Bryan's resignation derives its
extraordinary dramatic quality mak
ing it an event without precedent in
our history from lae peculiar interna
tional crisis in which it Inevitably be
comes a part. We have not yet the
text of the President's note, but Ger
many already possesses something more
illuminating than the document itself,
in the information that it is so extreme
in its terms that the American Secre
tary of State tlv? so-called Premier
has been obliged to break with the
President over its issuance. America's
case thus goes to Berlin with a broken
front- Its jury is "hung." Mr. Bryan
from all present appearances has
thus pretty nearly "queered" the Amer
ican contention.
New York Tribune.
In forcing an issue with Mr. Bryan
and compelling the latter to offer his
resignation as Secretary of State Pres
ident Wilson bas performed a hish
public service. He has sacrificed per
sonal comfort to patriotic duty.
Mr. Bryan never should have been
Secretary of State in any Cabinet. His
great delusion is that the world has
got rid forever of the powder cart.
With the whole world aflame with
war, such an obsession on the part of
the head of a Department of Foreign
Affairs is a peril to the nation which
employs him. A man of Mr. Bryan's
type is a misfit in any Cabinet in such
a crisis.
His failure should serve as a warn
ing to Presidents tempted in the future
to dispose of the Secretaryship of State
merely as a party consolation prize. It
la far too great and vital an office to
be given away in payment of a politi
cal debt. The next Secretary of State
should not be a politician. He should
be first, last and all the time a diplo
mat. Boston Transcript.
Like all the momentous events in his
meteoric career, the resignation of Mr.
Bryan is accomplished with that fond
ness for the dramatic which is one of
his well-known traits. Never since
lie became Secretary of State lias there
been a moment when his resignation
would have caused the sensation which
it has the world over. Because he
could not compel his Government to
steer a course of peace at any price
in its relations with Germany, Mr.
Bryan demonstrates that he is glad to
pay that price by surrendering the
portfolio of foreign affairs, that he
may, if possible, check his people in
what he apparently fears may prove
a headlong dash toward war, and con
tinue in private life the doctrines
which he has preached and practiced
throughout his Cabinet career with all
the profit and publicity he could com
mand, but at a cost to the country's
welfare whose total we shall not soon
be able to estimate.
Brooklyn Eagle.
If there be any parallel for such a
desertion in the face of fire it will take
a searchlight to rind it. Much greater
is the likelihood that it establishes a
precedent. And too remote to be wor
thy of discussion is the likelihood that
the example thus set ever will be emu
lated. It is safe from competition. It
is all the safer because desertion comes
at a time when all the tremendous in
terests at stake dictated that the coun
try should seem to be without a dis
senting voice. In this instance the
hand raised against it is that of its
Premier. It has been betrayed by
its second In command.
Germany can make no greater mis
take than to make much of what has
happened. It ha3 rendered doubly
sure the assurance that by the Gov
ernment of the United States the rights
of the people of the United States will
be protected everywhere, including; the
high seas. Berlin can make up ita
mind as to that. It is final.
New York Sun.
In almost any other circumstances
the country would have rejoiced to
hear that Mr. Bryan had given up a
place for which his fantastic unfitness
has long been but too apparent. He has
chosen to make his leaving as unpleas
ant as his staying. He deserts the
President at a moment of grave inter
national complication. He deliberate
ly does all that lies in his power to
create a prejudice against the note to
be sent to Germany today, a note
whose contents are still unknown to
the public. His remarkably tender
sense of duty makes him forget that
he owes a duty to the United States.
Though Mr. Bryan's resignation
strengthens the Cabinet, it will be long
before Americans forgive the man who
sulked and ran away when honor and
patriotism should have kept him at
bis post.
Boston Advertiser.
The announcement of the withdraw
al of William Jennings Bryan from the
Cabinet will, we feel sure, be received
with profound satisfaction by most
Americans. Bryan was in the Cabi
net as a master of polities, not as the
actual Secretary of State. He had
been absent from his office so much,
he evidently had so little to do with
the real work of American diplomacy,
that the public has had no confidence
in him and for some time it has been
plain that he was really a misfit. His
going from the Cabinet can do no
harm and may help much.
New York Evening Sun.
We take full note of Mr. Bryan's
professions that he holds in view the
same aims as the President in the
present issue with Germany, only dif
fering from him as to methods of ac
complishment. The first obvious crit
icism upon this is that the methods of
Mr. Bryan, in view of the facts of cur
rent history, come as neaV to sub
limated nonsense as the mind of man
can distinguish. But this is a secondary
matter. The higher condemnation of
Mr. Bryan's course rests upon the
ground of its overweening .egotism and
exaltation of his own will above the
oath of office which he took as Secre
tary of State. Can there be any doubt
that in giving Germany the impression
of a divided Government he is violat
ing the spirit of his pledge? Can there
be any doubt that in starting strife
and controversy among our people,
even cn a small scale, he is playing
into the hands of the Government's
and the Nation's enemies?
New York Mail.
This conflict of opinion within the
Cabinet that has separated two men
who have walked hand in hand so long
may be merely the result of personal
temperament or it may be the visible
expression of a difference in outlook
and ideals destined to become an issue
that will test the souls of our people.
It may be the final test during this
period of world war of the pacifistic
theory.
New York American.
The Nation may well hope that the
break-up of the Wilson Cabinet may
be the only serious result of the stub
born determination of the President to
force upon Germany unreasonable and
impossible conditions of warfare. But
if the note approved by the Cabinet
yesterday is indeed of such a charac
ter as to justify Mr. Bryan's revolt,
it is to be feared that the United States
is opening a new and undesirable
chapter in its history.
New York Times.
Mr. Bryan has done well in resign
ing. It is perhaps the wisest act of
his political career. Differing irrecon
cilably with the President in respect
to the form and substance of the reply
to German's note. Mr. Bryan finds him
self also in irreconcilable difference
with the vast majority of his country
men. It was out of the question that
he should continue to be Secretary of
State.
Had Mr. Bryan been permitted to
write the note of May 13 and the note
now awaiting transmission to Berlin
the country would have been in a per
ilous position, in peril of certain and
immediate ridicule and not less certain
danger of far greater evils. Sincerely
believing that the course lie advocated
would insure peace, its adoption would
have been a pretty direct invitation to
war. The acts of which we complain
would have been persisted in under a
secure sense of immunity from any
calling to acccount, until the Amer
ican people would have stormed at the
doors of the Administration, demand
ing instant and firm measures for the
preservation of the Nations' honor,
dignity and safety.
Tacoma Ledger.
Mr. Bryan is campaigning again.
He's a "natural-born" campaigner and
he quickly starts a movement against
the President.
Dr. Bryan says In substance that his
remedies are far safer than those pre
scribed by Dr. Wilson. Dr. Bryan is
going to do all He can to discredit Dr.
Wilson's prescriptiois and to create
such a demand for Dr. Bryan's that Dr.
Wilson will just have to use them.
We don't know how the President
feels about this, but we imagine the
wish he expressed as to Bryan several
years ago has recurred that Bryan be
knocked into a cocked hat.
Springfielo Republican.
The events in the great and unhappy
war drama have seemed to sidetrack
for the time Mr. Bryan';! doctrines, but
they have not become unimportant in
the large perspective. He will be long
est remembered because of broad foun
dations which lie has helped to lay and
to which the world will grow. He has
stood by his convictions at the expense
of his place in President Wilson's Cab
inet and the thinking people of the
United States will respect him for it
He has been consistent with himself.
New York Commercial.
Much history will have been made
within the next 12 months and the Sec
retary of State of the United States
of America will be a figure of interna
tional prominence while this war lasts.
If Mr. Bryan loved the limelight more
than peace he would have stayed in
office. In the emerirencv which is
now dreaded by all he would be a
source of weakness; and his retire
ment will assure the country that Pres
ident Wilson will take a strong and
dignified stand in dealing with foreign
relations; but all will admire Mr.
Bryan for his steadfastness towards
his Ideals, no matter how quixotic they
may be.
New York Gloie.
Germany through Mr. Bryan's precip
itate act is encouraged to yield not an
inch with respect to the issues in dis
pute. A situation that is grave is
thus made more grave. Mr. Bryan
gets out because he says that to remain
in the Cabinet would be unfair to the
cause that Is nearest to his heart
namely, the prevention of war. But in
stead of promoting a peaceful settle
ment Mr. Bryan practically throws his
influence in the other balance. It will
be more difficult now to secure the
concessions which Mr. Bryan is on
record as demanding In the name of
internotlonal law and the rights of
humanity.
Philadelphia Ledger.
Whether his resignation means a
complete break with the Administra
tion, whether he proposes to rally
those who agree with his views re
garding the issue with Germany in an
open fight for public approval, remains
to be seen. If Mr. Bryan is well ad
vised he will hesitate long before he
commits himself to such a course. On
that issue the Nation as a whole will
support the President to the very end,
whatever it may be.
Los Angeles Times.
Mr. Bryan says he could no longer
follow the President in his treatment
of the German question: that their
differences as to the policies to be pur
sued had become so acute that the only
thing left for him was to resign; that
he was iafluenced by the belief that
he could better subserve the interests
of peace as a private citizen. Balder
dash! Nothing in it- Mr. Bryan was
peeved because he could not shape the
National policy; because the President
took the direction of our forefen rela
tions in his own hands, having lost
confidence in his Secretary of State
That is why the Secretary resigned.
Twenty-Five Years Ago
From The Oregonlan. June 1.. 3 S'.IO.
Berlin. The semi-of f ieial announce
ment that Chancellor von Caprivi will
accompany Emperor William on - his
visit to the Czar in August converts
the meeting from an exchange of im
perial courtesy into a diplomatic, event.
Prior to the visit the Italian Premier.
Crispi, will come here for a conference
with Von Caprivi after seeing the Aus
trian Premier Kalnoky. These moves
have a distinct relation of the renew
als of negotiations of a settlement of
the Bulgarian question.
The City View Spring meeting has
come and gone and must be regarded,
as a success in every particular. The
decisions of the judges appear to have
been given throughout in accordance
with the best light they had and if any
mistakes have occurred they must be
referred to the head and not the heart
ot that tribunal.
At the directors' meeting of the City
Board of Charities yesterday a vote of
thanks was extended to the Eureka
fishermen in acknowledgement of their
recent liberal donations of salmon for
the benefit of the poor of the city.
Lewis Wilson, of Clatsop County,
loaded up an old rifle with an immense
charge of powder and tried to get a
companion to fire it, thinking he would
enjoy the fun. Failing in this Wilson
pulled the trigger and immediately felt
sorry, for the old gun went to pieces
and the largest part of the charge of
powder was blown backward into his
face and eyes. He was horribly burned
and much of the powder will remain in
his face permanently. The skin has
peeled off his nose, one eye was nearly
blinded and young Wilson's beauty is
gone forever.
The election tomorrow was the prin
cipal topic of conversation on the
streets yesterday and the various can
didates on both tickets were circulat
ing about the city shaking hands with
their supporters and admiring the
babies. It would seem that the Dem
ocratic ticket is not holding together.
Ross Merrick suggested yesterday that
those who have not declined should be
fed on sturgeon until after election, so
as to stiffen their backbones. Brady
has declined to run for the Recorder
ship, but the most astonishing and un
expected declination is that of J. J.
Murphy, who was the Democra-tic can
didate for City Marshal.
There is evidently an organized ganir
of purse-snatchers in the city and it is
almost time some of them were landed,
in jail.
Hxlf a Century Ago
From The Oregonlan, June 15. 1SG5.
There is no telegraph news this
morning. During the forenoon of yes
terday the line was working to Cali
fornia, but at 1 or 2 o'clock it parted
somewhere beyond Shasta. Hence we
have no Eastern report. The city was
full of rumors yesterday which arc al
together unfounded.
The receipts of treasure from the
mining districts by Wells, Fargo & Co.
so far the present season have been
materially larger than for any corre
sponding period since the discovery of
what the California press usually de
nominate the "Northern mines" and the
shipments are constantly increasing.
The steamer of Tuesday look nearly a
quarter of a million In treasure and
that brought by Messenger VVarrrn
last night amounted to $7S.00O, being
the largest express shipment of the
season.
Editorial. The name of Surrattsville
is obliterated from the public records.
The postofficc that bore that name is
to be called Robevsville. Every me
mento of the traitors who were con
cerned in the late assassination is to
be forever destroyed.
Mr. Woodard completed his ou ttit of
chemicals, plate, instruments, etc., on
Monday and yesterday started for the
upper country, leaving for an extended
trip to procure such fine views as the
system of photography Is capable of
producing from the natural hills, moun
tains, valley, streams and retreats of
civilized and savage life.
Editorial. All the accounts so far
received from the mines of the Coeur
d'Alenes are very f latterinR. We copy
this morning an article from the Lew
iston Radiator, which is confirmatory
of previous reports. Wc have been
shown letters from the upper country
which furnish additional information.
We regard it as quite certs in that
mines really exist in the locality indi
cated. FRIKSD'S TRIHr i U TO IRS. HAlElt
Portland Suffers Deep I.csh in Her
I ntlmrlT i'assincr.
Portland mourns the untimely death
of Rose Bloch Bauer. Of tried and
true friends she had a legion. They
feel a deep, distinct sense of personal
loss. A joyous presence has been re
moved, leaving their lives colder and
darker.
Among the multitude of men, wom
en and children who knew her only
by having heard her voice in raptur
ous song, why is there today a uni
versal feeling of community Iofs? In
a broad sense this sifted woman
filled a conspicuous place in publio
life. At gatherings, small or larjrc.
cheerful or solemn, where the spirit
of the assemblage was to be quickened
and its blood stirred, she rlajed an
important part, for she had rare
power over tho emotions of an audi
ence. Combined in her were gracious
manner, uncommon skill In her art, a
lover of humankind and passionate
devotion to children. Toward Port
land she was absolutely unselfish.
Every good cause appealed to her,
and from her large store of talent she
gave freely. Into her charming voice
she put alo her heart. It was in one
and the same spirit that she sang to
aged women in their comfortable re
treats, to the interesting youngsters
at the Children's Home, to the Second
Oregon starting for the Philippines, to
the concourse at the dedication of the
Oregon building at the Panama-Pacific
Exposition and to the vast crowds
that assembled here on notable Na
tional holidays. She loved Portland
and Portland loved her. And Portland
was proud of her. Since young girl
hood she lived here, and after she had
won success without adventitious aid,
she chose Portland rather than the
larger professional career that grand
opera held out to her. For more than
20 years she was pre-eminent In the
musical life of Portland and ever at
the front in woman's part in civic life.
It is therefore but natural that her
taking off should be regarded as a
community loss, for the present, at
least. Irreparable.
A wealth of sympathy goes out to
those who are bound to her by blood.
They knew her worth and the count
less acts of kindness that marked her
life. To paraphrase Colonel Inger
soll's tribute to his dead brother: She
added to the sum of human joy, and
were every one for whom she did sonic
loving service to bring a blossom to
her grave, she would sleep tonight be
neath a wilderness of flowers.
Rose Bloch Bauer will not soon he
forgotten. Doubtless another singer
will take her place in the musical
world, but at public gatherings where
song is a part of the exercises, the
beaming face and sweet voice of her
who is gone will be affectionately re
called. Duritisr this generation the
memory of her will be one of Port
land's treasures.
N. J. LEVIN SON.
SM