THE TRIBUTE TO SPORTSMEN

It was a noteworthy thing, as recorded in the press dispatches yesterday, that the interned German liners displayed American flags in commemoration of the birthday of Lincoln. It would be the depth of prejudice to hint that the display of those flags betokened anything but the sincere admiration of the commanders of the liners. Those men, alien and powerless in this country while a great war threatens the land of their birth, may have come in thirty months to feel some measure of regard for that great American who typifies the ideals and the democratic power of his people.

Even now, when this nation and Germany are in a position so unhappy and so perilous, the tribute of men of action to a man of action should not pass unmarked. We pride ourselves that we are a nation of sportsmen. It was the sportsmanlike thing that these commanders did America has no quarrel with amicable guests beneath the shelter of her flag.