The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-08-01
SEATTLE, THURSDAY, AUG. /.
OUR DUTY As A NEUTRAL POWER

While there is no reason to doubt that
the Cuban patriots In this country are un-
usually active and leaving little undone
towards helping the insurgents who are
An NE midst of a military campaign. at
the same time II is not unlikely that many
Of the reports concerning their operations
are considerably exaggerated. with view
of encouraging their followers TO greater
effort in behalf OF freedom for their much
beloved and now sorely stricken island.
IL Ia said that this week there will be
under way one of the most formidable ex-
petitions that has as yet left this coun-
try. There is a swift war vessel, equipped
with modern guns. amply provided with
munitions of war and manned by fight
ing crew, among whom are said to be
several America army and naval officers.
Should this be true IL is not at all I'M
probable that the Spanish government
viii manifest considerable annoyance over
the matter and politely suggest that we
use n little more diligence In preserving
strieter neutrality. The president has al
ready issued "a proclamation OF warning
90 fillbusters and a number OF our war
vessels have been detailed for patrol duty.
Nevertheless, II an expedition of the mag
nitude reported can fit out and leave our
shores unsupported and unrcstrained, IL Is
but natural that the Spaniards should
think We have relaxed our vigilance and
are allowing neutrality law TO be violated.
There is no nation In the world that can
with as little grace permit neutrality laws
10 be violated as the United States. For
over ten years, in and out of season. this
government maintained that above all
things one nation should have her rights
respected by every other nation with
which she Is at peace. And during our
civil war the great object 20 be attained
by our state department was 10 convince
Great Britain with whom we were at
peace. that her lending aid and comfort TO
the ConfedeTacy was in violation OF a
fundamental principle of international
law. for which she should be held respon-
sihie and brought 20 account. The Geneva
congress approved our position and for
the violation OF the principle OF neutrality
Great Britain paid to this government the
sum OF SIS. so. 900.
out OF the negotiations between this
country and Great Britain over the Ala
hama claims came the treaty OF Washing
ton. the work Of a Joint high commission
called together 20 discuss the duties Of
nsutrais and formulate rules for the gov
eminent OF nations IN tho future. In this
Il L.. frs ~
trail government IS bound TO use due diit-
gence TO prevent the htting out. arming
or equlpping within its jurisdiction OF any
vessel which u has reasonable ground 10
believe Is intended 20 cruise or 70 carry en-
var against a power with which II Is at
pesee: and also 20 use like diligence 10
prevent the departure from It's Jurisdiction
ot any vessel intended 10 cruise or carry
on war as above. such vessel having been
specially AIS pted. IN whole or in part.
within said jurisdiction. 10 warlike use.
The treaty also provides that neutral
nation shau use due diligence IN prevent
ing either hclllgerCut from using its ports
or waters as basis Of naval operations
agains, Tire other. or for the purpose Of
renewal or augmentation Of military sup
plies or arms or the recruitment ~ men.
AID the tribunal made a preliminary de-
ciston 70 tie effect that due diligence
varies with The circumstances OF the case.
the greater the probable damage - either
heliIgerent the greater must bc the care
taken ny the neutral government 20 pre-
vent the escape Or cruisers or expeditions
from So ports.
In view, therefore. 81 the very Plain
provisions Of this treaty. in the rromuISa.
ton OF wElch the United States was ORC
81 the most interested parties, 4 vouIs
seem that cur government now cannot ~
too jealous ~ is cn8cavov 20 maintain
the str.ctest neutrality IN keeping with
treaty provisions. Florida. the great ren-
desvous or cuban syunathiaers. IS already
carefully ps'rei'ea IRE Nsse OF o7c+s.
tons NOW appears 70 - New York. and Il
would Seem that the attention 90 the gov.
eminent should be directed 20 Cur rnors
Sorthern pert However much cur peo,