A good many people here and in America are asking
how will President Wilson meet the "unfriendly act" from Germany if it takes place, in view of the want of military power of the United States. Those who talk thus forget what a tremendous engine the United States has in a formal declaration of war or in a non-intercourse Aot, even if not followed up by belligerent action. Suppose President Wilson were to call Congress together and in effect propose to them that America should outlaw Germany on account of her dis- regard of the essential principles of international law, as exemplified in her submarine policy. If Germany were thus placed under the ban of the United States and described as " an outlaw " in a preamble to an Act of Congress, the moral effect would be tremendous even if America never fired a shot. The Kaiser, Admiral von Tirpitz, and the Chancellor would no doubt profess to be quite indifferent to America's action, and would talk about "scraps of paper," but for all that they would very soon feel the weight of America's condemnation, physically as well as morally.
