The "Ancona" was sunk with great loss of life, and the German Government immediately claimed that an Austrian "U" boat was responsible, their attitude being that any story was good enough for "those idiotic Yankees." [Illustration: The Austrians did it.] In the autumn of 1915, "The Friends of Peace" hung their white robes over plots of assassination, arson, piracy and the destruction of ships and munition plants. [Illustration: Recently on exhibition at Cooper Union.] Under our feet the Prussian spy system was working day and night. It was hard to take a step in Washington without sticking your foot on a spiked helmet. [Illustration: The New Intensive Kultur.] The people of the United States were beginning to think we had had enough of German aggression, and it was felt that a strong stand must be made for the national dignity and honor. [Illustration: "Watch your step!"] In November, 1915, Mr. Henry Ford had an idea "wished on him" by an Austrian lady who was lecturing in this country. She succeeded in making a spectacle of him, at which Uncle Sam was uncertain whether to laugh or weep. [Illustration: Whether to get angry or to laugh!] When the country, in December, 1915, was at the height of distraction, with plots against its peace and security being carried out in every direction, President Wilson came out with a message on Preparedness for War. [Illustration: A message on preparedness--at the psychological moment.] Immediately before Christmas the German Government once more sent us assurances of her high regard and friendship, meanwhile blowing up a few ships at sea and munition plants on land. [Illustration: A little May party interferes with the Christmas spirit.] Many young Americans were at the front, driving their ambulances into the line of fire. Even Christmas night found them abroad on their errands of mercy. [Illustration: The Ambulance Driver.] With one hand passing out checks to Von Papen to pay for dynamite, and the other carrying assurances to the White House of Germany's good faith and friendship, Count Von Bernstorff was fairly busy. [Illustration: "For ways that are dark."] Treasonable plots were becoming more and more unbearable. It was thought that the breaking point was very near. [Illustration: "It's got to be uprooted."] The U. S. Consul to Aden, travelling on the business of his government, was the victim of a "U" boat attack in the Mediterranean. This occurred very near the spot where we drove the Barbary pirates from the seas a hundred and ten years ago. [Illustration: The Persia Torpedoed.] The expedition in which the U. S. Marines distinguished themselves one hundred and ten years ago was brought to mind by the piracy of 1916. [Illustration: The Barbary Pirates--We cleaned them out 110 years ago and we may have to do it again.] With characteristic effrontery Germany and Austria disclaimed responsibility for the death of our consul to Aden, blaming it on the Turks.