This very depression strengthens the nation's resolution to a degree that they for the moment forget.

The blockade and the armies in the field will wear Germany down--not absolutely conquer her, but wear her down--probably in another year.
In the meantime our prestige (if that be the right word), in British judgment, is gone.

As they regard it, we have permitted the Germans to kill our citizens, to carry on a world-wide underhand propaganda from our country (as well as in it), for which they have made no apology and no reparation but only vague assurances for the future now that their submarine fleet has been almost destroyed.
They think that we are credulous to the point of simplicity to accept any assurances that Bernstorff may give--in a word, that the peace-at-any-price sentiment so dominates American opinion and the American Government that we will submit to any indignity or insult--that we will learn the Germans' real character when it is too late to save our honour or dignity.

There is no doubt of the definiteness or depth of this opinion.
And I am afraid that this feeling will show itself in our future dealings with this government.

The public opinion of the nation as well as the Government accepts their blockade as justified as well as necessary.