THE UNITED STATES DRIFTS TOWARD WAR.—­The breaking off of diplomatic relations is not a declaration of war.  Nevertheless the events immediately succeeding the withdrawal of Count von Bernstorff made a declaration of war increasingly probable.  The most important of these were the publication of the Zimmerman note, the fact that several American merchant ships were actually sunk by German submarines, and the discovery that members of the German embassy and other German diplomatic representatives had been concerned in plotting on United States soil against the Allies, thus endangering our peaceful relations with them.  Not only so, but there was evidence that plots had been laid to destroy American lives and property in this country and to stir up internal disorders, such as strikes and riots.

THE ZIMMERMAN NOTE.—­On the last day of February, the Secretary of State published a note that had come into his possession which was addressed by Dr. Zimmerman, the German foreign minister, to the German minister in Mexico.  The note stated that Germany would soon begin a ruthless submarine warfare and proposed, if the United States should declare war on Germany, that Mexico should enter into an alliance with Germany.  Germany was to furnish money and Mexico was to reconquer New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.  It was also hinted that Mexico should suggest to Japan that the latter country should come into the agreement.  The interesting thing about the note is that it was dated January 19, twelve days before Germany announced to us her plan for ruthless submarine warfare, and during a time when our relations with Germany, though under a great strain, were still peaceable.

ARMED NEUTRALITY.—­About the time the Zimmerman note was published, President Wilson asked Congress to authorize the arming of American merchant ships for their own defense.  A small minority in Congress by their obstructive tactics prevented the passage of the desired resolution before Congress expired on March 4.  On March 12 the President announced that this country had determined to place an armed guard on all United States merchant vessels, which under international law might defend themselves from attack, although Germany denied this right.  There is no evidence, however, that there was any encounter between these armed ships and German vessels prior to the outbreak of the war.

THE PRESIDENT’S WAR MESSAGE.—­When Russia deposed the Czar and established a democratic government, in March, 1917, the last reason was removed which might have held us back from a declaration of war.  Many believed that it would have been illogical for us to fight for democracy side by side with one of the greatest of autocracies.  President Wilson called Congress in special session and on April 2 delivered his famous war message, asking Congress to declare that a state of war existed between the United States and Germany.

In the message he told of the various acts of Germany which had led up to the verge of war, recited the steps which our government had taken to bring Germany to realize the inevitable results of her crimes against civilization, and concluded by asking Congress to declare war.  The President stated that the aims of the United States in the war are: