famous document
known as the "Zimmermann Note" which came into the hands of the American
state department and was revealed February 28. It was a confidential
communication from Dr. Alfred Zimmermann, German Foreign Minister,
addressed to the German Minister in Mexico and proposed an alliance of
Germany, Mexico and Japan against the United States. Its text follows:

"On the 1st of February we intend to begin submarine warfare
unrestricted. In spite of this it is our intention to endeavor to
keep neutral the United States of America. If this attempt is not
successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with
Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace. We
shall give general financial support, and it is understood that
Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas and
Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement. You are
instructed to inform the president of Mexico of the above in the
greatest confidence as soon as it is certain there will be an
outbreak of war with the United States, and suggest that the
president of Mexico on his own initiative, should communicate with
Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time
offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to the
attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of
ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make
peace in a few months."

The American steamers City of Memphis, Vigilancia and Illinois had been
sunk and fifteen lives lost in pursuance of the German submarine policy
to torpedo without warning and without any regard to the safety of crews
or passengers, all ships found within the barred zones. The President
could no longer postpone drawing the sword. Being convinced that the
inevitable hour had struck, he proved himself the man of the hour and
acted with energy. A special session of congress was called for April 2.
The day is bound to stand out in history for in the afternoon the
President delivered his famous message asking that war be declared
against Germany. He said that armed neutrality had been found wanting
and in the end would only draw the country into war without its having
the status of a belligerent. One of the striking paragraphs of the
message follows:

"With a profound sense of the solemn and even tragical character of
the step I am takin