Admiral Sims and the British Admiralty have fears that unless such help come the full fruits of the war may never be gathered by the Allies--that some sort of a compromise peace may have to be made.
It is, therefore, true that the year and a half we waited after the _Lusitania_ will prove to be the most costly year and a half in our history; and for once at least my old prophecy was quite a good guess.

But that water has flowed over the dam and it is worth mentioning now only because you challenged me....
That part of Page's letter which refers to his retirement had a curious history.

It was practically a resignation and therefore called for an immediate reply, but Mr.Wilson did not even acknowledge its receipt.
For two months the Ambassador was left in the dark as to the attitude of Washington.

Finally, in the latter part of January, 1917, Page wrote urgently to Mr.Lansing, asking him to bring the matter to the President's attention.

On February 5, 1917, Mr.Lansing's reply was received.