THE STATE OF A NATION

Before you the extraordinary
Announcement of the Imperial
The purpose to put aside all restraints of law or humanity
Submarines to sink every vessel
That sought to approach corruption
Either by us or controlled by the enemies  

The Imperial had somewhat restrained
Its undersea craft in conformity with its promise
The passenger boats should not be sunk and
That due warning would be given to all other vessels
Which its submarines might seek to destroy,
When no resistance was offered or escape attempted,  

Care taken that their crews have fair chance
To save their lives in their open boats.
As was proved in distressing instance after instance
The precautions taken were meager and haphazard enough,
In the progress of the cruel and unmanly business,
But a certain degree of restraint was observed.  

The new policy has swept every restriction aside.
Vessels of every kind, Have been ruthlessly sent to the bottom
Without warning and thought of help or mercy for those on board,
The vessels of friendly neutrals and those of belligerents.
Even hospital ships carrying relief to the sorely bereaved and stricken
The latter were provided with safe conduct
The proscribed were distinguished by unmistakable marks of identity,
some sunk with the reckless lack of compassion or of principle.

published 1 year ago

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