The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-23

openly said hare this winter that tho great steamers
built for subsidies not thoroughly Constructed 1t
well known. tor instance, that the ships built hero
tho Australian and China lines far more In re-
PAIRS than the English built steamers which run in
competition with them and be econom-
ically American merchants Who wish to own
ships would rather have them built here where they
could supsrintcnd them, but while the absurd law
stands which prohibits them from buying ships abroad
the American builders enjoy monopoly and shirk
their work
Washington has been flooded this winter with docu-
ments urging large subsidies 10 numerous steamer
lines. ana tho agents Of subsidy hunters have been
here lobbying for several months There has been
feeling favorable to liberal subsidies out
ola desire to foster commerce, but not unless law
passed first giving registry TO all ships owned by
Amer,cans III you will help irec ships will
help you to judicious subsidies" been said here
TO the subsidy mongers, but these once draw on
They are NOS merchants or ship owners, but specu-
iators.
II is shown In the consular reports that the pos
session of the carrying trado is important not only
for It's profit though That is often vital TO the pros
perty OF a venture, but tina. IL In great measure
controls tho trade itself. Germans or Englshmen
abroad not only employ ships Of their own nation,
but they have special advantages In their ports
with such ships. aud because we are prohibited
from owning ships goods kept out
OF foreign markets. Thus the loss OF tho carrying
trade, great a. that is, amounting to many millions
every year, Ia but the incidental loss
Tho proposition TO allow q register to every ship
wholly owned by American citizens is opposed by lees
than TO- 900 men in whole population. Its princ
pal opponents are Mr. John Roach and
two other builders OF iron ships who enjoy o
monopoly under tho present law and who, in spite of
bcggars for subsidies. That is 10 say, they demand
not only exclusive right TO build ships for this
country, but millions Of subsidy money beside. II
is pretty certain that they will get subsidies
until they agree that an American shall have tho
right TO buy ships wherever he pleascs, and they
oppose this necessary reform too long Will DO
ried against their opposition
THE NEUTRALITY ACT AND HOW IT IS CON-
ETRUED BY THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OF
GREAT BRITAIN ON THE SUBJECT.
II is possible that the Secretary OF State may ask
Congress 10 framo and adopt some legislation ad-
ditioual add explanatory OF tho Neutrality act OF
1918, and the commttecs TO whom the work
OF framing such q bill would be assigned
would be, in that case, referred TO the British
Neutrality known tho "Foreign Enlistment
act, adopted In August. 1870 This net, which
forth the duties Of Great Britain toward other ma.
ions In very plain terms, prohibs under penalty Of
nne and imprsonnons, the doing OF various acts
such as enlisting In the service OF foreign prince
power. or building fitting despatching ships for
"any foreign state at war with any foreign
state at peace with her Majesty" This
phrase or limitation formally repeated
In every section, and prohibitory clause In tho act
and the various acts mentioned forbidden only in
the specific case that they are performed Tor or
against any foreign state at war with any foreign
state at peace with Her Majesty. Thus, as 10 SHIPS
the prohibits In successive sections tho building
delivery, equipmontor despatch OF . vessel or her
armament, or tho causing these to be done
having knowledge reasonable to believe that
tho 10 for the use Of any foreign State At war
with = friendly State A separate section provides
that person building or equipping aforesaid, be-
fore the commencement OF sucn war, shall not
DO liable to the penalties, but after war
had begun the government shall have control OF his
vessel unobstructed Authority place guards and
watch over hcr. TO provide Tor the OF ships or
expeditions 0ued out by sobell!ous unlawful or.
carnations not national reco,nizcd SUCH these
separately prohibited In section eleven OF the act
u ID very cloar that tho prohibitions In this act ap.
ply only, Il constantly assers, In the where
"any foreign Slate 10 at war with any foreign state
at peace with Her Majesty aud that there nothing
In tho not 10 prevent Russia, now. buying ships
IDENTIFY held that the duties OF ncutras begin only
whom war actually begins. nation cannot be
neutral except as between 'contending Powers and
II tho government should undertake to Interfere with
citizens selling ships, ornaments any other pro-
duct 70 foreign Power during peace, even II war
we're threatonin just complaint would lie against H.
because, after all, no war may break out
II 10 the general conclusion here OF able men that Il
Ia not possible. IS II tho duty of tho government
undertake 10 iorote future events ami compel its
citizens to act upon Its predictions. II is to enforce
neutrality at the proper time at all hazards and
every cost, but Is not to compel lis citizens to
assume the vexatious and burdensome duties OF neu.
trails until war actually exists There Is not tho
least doubt that this represents the policy OF
min!straton. Tho President will not attempt
to Interfere with the right OF people to
build, equip and sell ships TO England, Russia
any other Power whilo peace continues. Tho
administration cannot orctel whether war will here
after break out between Great Britain and Russia,
ana until IL does this country Is not "neuiral ma.
ton" as between these two Powers, and can have
OF tho obligations Of neutral which can com.
mcnco only when brcsks out or is declared and
officially made known.