New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-24
HONORABLE WARFARE.

The recent official statement by the State De
partment about privateerng. with the historical
review appended, places the Nation III most
honorable position before the world-showlns
that It has in fact occupied that position con-
sis,ently for forty-four years. Earlier than
any other nation, the United States submitted
to other maritime Powers the two principles
that free ships make free goods, and that neu-
trail goods under hostile flag are not haDie
TO capture contraband Of war in both cases ex-
cepted The President IN 1854 invited the as
sent Of other nations to these rules as part OF
permanent international law Two years later
the Congress of Nations at Paris acted, en-
bracing the European Powers. and the Famous
declaration there adopted was not accepted by
the United States because 1t did not go far
enough as to exemption Of the private property
OF individuals, though Of hostile States, from
seizure and confscation, and also because the
provision as 70 blockade was contrary to
proper regard for the sovereignty OF tho United
states. Spain dssented because 1t was not
ready to abandon privateering.
In the light Of this history It will DO seen
that the United States, In the position taken IN
the State Departments recent communications
on the subject to foreign Ministers, sacrifices
nothing for which 1t has contended but stands
where 1t stood before the Congress of Paris as
sembled largely In consequence OF Its proposal to
other Powers. 1t proposes for itself to act upon
the higher conception Of international law which
tho Congress of Paris, according to Secretary
Sawards Judgment in 1851 had imperfecty
presented
The declaration Of the United States that the
Administration has no intention to resort to pri-
vateers. and that the rule OF the Congress OF
Paris will be observed, places Spain in soil
tary position among maritime nations Accord
ing TO reports Senior Sagasta has stated tnat
Spain will adopt whatever policy the United
States may adopt as to privateerlng, ana the
fact that the sympathy of other European
Powers has become absolutely necessary to
her makes It probable that In this and In
other respects Spain may feel compelled TO
conform to the Paris declaration. The truth
Ia. that the abolition of privateering In namc
and form has little Importance compared with
the other features of the international code
Either nation could instantly add TO its regular
navy By any form Of purchase or charter
vessel fitted out for service a commercede-
stroyer, but while acquiring National character
Il would then DO obliged to conform to interna-
tional law IL representing Spain, It would be
compelled by the same necessity Of frendliness
with other maritime Powers which will obgo
Spain to respect neutral goods even under
hostile nag and enemies goods under neutral
flags, contraband excepted
II is well that the United States has taken
early occasion to clear away general msapprc-
hension In other countries as to its position re-
garding the Paris declaration. The respect Of
other Powers will be the more readily gained
by Its course with the historical statement Of
its par. in originating tho declaration, and in
many possible aspects of the pending con-
troversy that respect may be Of value. II is
not the desire Of the United States nor has 1t
/ over been to fall behind any other nation in
civilized progress and amelioration OF the Sc
reritics Of war. The record shows that It has
been foremost. No other nation ever dealt
nth cononered subjects after great rebellion