Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1892-01-30
Ho,u War Is Declared.

1t is probable that not more than one man
in fifty among American newspaper read
ers knows just what the mode of procedure
is on the part of his government when it
desires to declare war and begin hostilities
against foreign nation. In fact, many of
the articles printed in daily newspapers
commenting on the prospect of war with
Chill led the uninformed reader to infer
that a declaration of war was matter
wholly within the power of the president.
1t requires the consent of both houses of
congress. The mode of procedure is this:
A bill must originate with the committee on
foreign relations, be reported to the senate
and house, pass each body and be sent to
and signed by the president. The bill viii
give tho president authority to issue proc
lamation declaring war with Chill, and to
use the land and naval forces of the United
States to enforce the demands of this gov
eminent. Then would follow the presi-
dents proclamation declaring war against
Chill.
Notice will be sent to the minister of the
United States in Chilli, Patrick Egan, who
will inform the Chilian foreign minister
that he has been recalled, and that he has
received no instructions as TO the appoint
ment of successor; he will then ask for
his passports, and will end by renewing
the assurances of his distinguished consid-
eration.'
The Gillian minister will do the same
thing here; or it is possible that while we
send to the Chilian minister his passports
before he asks for them, the Gillian foreign
Office may do the same thing to Mr.. Egan.
In either case the legations OF both coun-
tries will be closed; doubtless the Gillian
minister in Washington will request the
British minister there to act for him, and
probably MIR. Egan will be represented by
the Spanish minister to Chill.
With the declaration of war the trouble
and cOuOlicafiOuS inpiflaut IN n Disturbance
of commercial relations begin. A reasona-
bic time will be allowed to all non-combat-
ant enemies to leave the respective coun-
tries; all partnerships between Americans
and Chilians will be dissolved ipse facto by
the mere declaration of war; and business
between the two countries will come to
standstill. The consuls will return their
exequaturs, will close their consulates and
return home; IN fact, every means Of direct
communication between the two countries
viii be closed.
On top tof this commercial disturbance
will come the hostilities, in whatever form
they may take Immediately all merchant
vessels of either nation will be liable to
capture by war vessels of the other nation,
their officers, crews and passengers will be
liable to detention as prisoners of war and
their cargoes to confscation. This, how
ever disagreea6le, is expected In time of
war, and is one If the risks Of travelling or
SuAHpllP EOOIS ne
of neutrals, however, their rights and their
duties, is the chief complicating element in
the carrying on of modern war. The rules
laid down by the treaty of Paris of 1856,
to which most civilized nations have given
their assent, either formally or by implica-
ton, are as follows:
l. Privateering IS and remains abolished.
3 The neutral flag covers enemy's goods,
except contraband of war.
g. Neutral goods, with the exception of
contraband Of war, are not liable to capture
under an enemy's flag.
4 Blockades, TO be binding, must be eff
fective.
The rules of the Geneva tribunal of 1872
naturally bind the United States. They in
terpret the treaty of Paris IN manner
which viii be sustained by neutral nations;
and they are as follows:
"a neutral government is bound: l. To
use due diligence TO prevent the fitting out,