ICTED SUBMARINE WARFARE--GERMAN INTRIGUES WITH
MEXICO--THE ZIMMERMANN NOTE--AMERICA SEIZES THE SWORD--WAR IS
DECLARED--PERSHING GOES ABROAD--FIRST TROOPS SAIL--WAR MEASURES--WAR
OPERATIONS

An enormous beacon light in history will attach to the year 1917. The
outstanding feature of course was the entry of the United States into
the great war--the deciding factor in the struggle. It marked the
departure of America from the traditional policy of political isolation
from Europe. History will record that it was not a voluntary, but a
forced, departure, due to the utter disregard by Germany of our rights
on the seas, at home and elsewhere.

The first thirty days of the year found the man at the head of our
government still hoping against hope, still struggling with all the odds
against him, still courageously engaged in efforts for peace. It was a
particularly trying time for President Wilson, as a large portion of his
own party and most of the nation was arrayed against him. The people in
general felt that the time for writing notes, for parleying had passed.

On December 12, 1916, Germany, in a formal note, had offered to enter
into peace negotiations, but did not specify any terms. The note
referred in boastful language to the victorious German armies. It was
rejected by the Allies as empty and insincere. The president on December
18, 1916, had addressed all the beligerents asking them to indicate
precisely the terms on which, they would make peace. Germany's reply to
this note was no more satisfactory than before. The Allies replied
demanding restorations, reparation and indemnities.

On the 22nd of January the president appeared before the senate in his
famous "peace without victory" address, in which he advocated a world
league for peace. His views were received sympathetically, though the
Allies pointed out that no peace based on the condition of things before
the war could be durable, and that as matters stood it would be a
virtual victory for Germany. It was the president's last effort to bring
peace to the world without resorting to armed force.

The most biased historian is bound to affirm that Woodrow Wilson
exhausted every effort not only to keep the United States honorably at
peace, but to bring about a pacific attitude and understanding among the
belligerents. When finally he saw that no argument save that of the
sword would avail, when finally the hour struck, he became the man of
the hour courageously