The text of President Wilson's Note to Germany on sub-
marine warfare was published in the papers of last Saturday. (1) Germany is informed that her methods are incompatible with the "freedom of the seas." (2) It is "practically ins- poasible " to destroy commerce by submarines without infringing the rules of justice and humanity. (3) Americans have an indisputable right to travel on the high seas without danger to their lives. (4) It is assumed that the German submarine commanders acted without orders, that their ants will be disavowed, and that reparation will be made. (5) The United States will not "omit any word or act" necessary to preserve the rights of American citizens. It will be noted that the American Government have neatly turned against Germany her own demand for the "freedom of the seas." The assumption that the submarine commanders acted with. out orders is, of course, a polite fiction. The advance in firmness which the Note makes upon previous American Notes is contained in the threat that the United States will "not omit any word or act" to maintain American rights.
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