New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-06
EXPULSION OF ALIENS.
yTATtrs OF SPANISH CITIZENS RESIDENT
IN THE UNITED STATES IN lhE
EVENT OF WAR-EXPULSlONS
IN TIMES OF WAR AND IN
rI,fI>c or PEACE
TIMES OF PEACE.


want has issued a warning 10 the foreign news
manor correspondents in Paris threatening them
with emulsion from the country in the event
Of their crticsing it's action either In the Drey-
fus-Zola controversy or in any other respects,
the methods Of applying this particular form
OF intimidation ir Europe merit few words OF
exclamation All the more is this the case since
q number Of people appear to be under the I'M
preston that in case of war with SPAN the
large number OF young King Alphonso's sub
ict.ts who are established in this country and
who have retained their Spanish citizenship
would he subject to similar arbitrary measures
OF expulsion. Indeed. many years nave
elapsed since the United States has been en-
gaged in hostilites with a foreign Power that
considerable doubt prevails as to the exact
status Of Spanish citizens who might find them
selves in the United States and of Americans
happening TO be in Spain or in Cuba on the
outbreak of
According to the strict old theory dating from
medieval times each and every subject OF the
belligerent is at war with each and every
subject Of the other. That Is to say, an enemy's
subjec; within the country should be treated
prisoner of war; and his property should be
liable to confscation But no civilized Power
nowadays dreams of putting these doctrines in
practice, the only exception in the present GEN.
tury having been that of the first Napoleon who,
upon the rupture with England after the peace
OF Amiens. ordered the arrest OF all Engishmen
IN FRANCE between the ages of sixteen and sixty,
that they might serve as hostages for such
Trenchmen might be captured on board
French vessels after the declaration Of war and
In ignorance of it. The usage among Chris
tan Powers in modern times s to allow the
subjects Of the enemy to remain within the
territory during good behavior, and in the en-
joyment OF their property. only subjecting them
to expulsion within a stated period If they con-
duct themselves in such manner as TO give
offence to the authorities Of the country whose
hospitality they enjoy, or If their presence Is
held for one reason or another 20 constitute a
peril to the State.
Numbers of Germans remained in France
throughout the war OF 1870 without molestation
by the French authorities and it may be re-
membered that 1t was to United States Minister
Wasilburn. the only foreign envoy who had the
pluck to remain at his post in Paris during the
siege, that confided, with the sanction Of
the French authorities, the interests Of the large
German population which had been unable to
quit in time the beleaguered metropolis. Minis
ter Washburn was generously seconded in his
1abors in behalf of the Germans in Paris-many
Of whom were desttute-by the French authOri-
ties. although there was much in the severity
Of the commandment Of the besieged city to ex-
asperate them against persons with Teutonic
blood In their veins.
And apropos of Minister Washburn's labors
In this particular. which excited widespread
\'mmendatiUn 1t is pleasant to note that it is
S.inly to distinguished statesmen of the United
ftates, such Hamilton and Jay that the
civilized world is indebted for this humane and
Christian Interpretation and application of the
old time doctrines with regard to the treatment
OF citizens of a belligerent State who may find
themselves In the enemys country at the mo-
ment of the proclamation of war.
COMMERCE. UNLAWFUL
Spanards who are engaged in commercial
Transactions with the United States and Ameri-
Cuba would do well. however. to bear in mind
that all commerce between the subjects Of bel
ligercnt States is unlawful. Hence. business
partnerships existing between Spaniaris and
Americans would cease. at any rate be tenn
porarily suspended. on the outbreak of hostili-
ties, and while Spanish subjects, even If resi-
dent in this country. would lose all power of
prosecuting claims through the American courts
Of justice, citizens OF the United - ates in Spain
or Cuba would in the same manner be preclud-
fd from any legal recourse TO the Spanish tri-
buna!s.
War does not. however. cancel debts. as some
Seem to believe. and. although "A Spanish cred
cover any debt from an American debtor during
the war. yet the legal right to claim payment
revivcs with the return Of peace. In one word.
La. 10 ,b.,