Arizona republican., 1898-04-30
NEUTRALITY LAWS.

Just now the obligations of neu- trals with respect to two belligerents are of interest. The three rules gov erning neutrals are CD that neutral government must prevent the fitting out, arming or equipping, within its jurisdiction, of any vessel it has req son to believe is intended to carry on war against power with which it is at peace, and to use all due diligence to prevent the departure from it's jur- isdiction of any vessel intended to cruise or carry on war as above, such vessels having been adapted in whole or in part within such jurisdiction, to war purposes. A neutral govern ment CD must not let a belligerent use it's ports as the base of naval op- cruftment of men, and (3) a neutral government must use all diligence in it's ports and waters and as to all persons within it's jurisdiction to pre- vent any violation of the rules.
 Such are the three rules. Hostili- ties are not permitted within the three mile limit. AS the term, mil itary supplies" there is difference of opinion as to its scope. Provisions for ships crew are military sup plies. There are varying interpreta- tlons of the meaning of the term, due diligence" Justice Story held that a vessel of war may be built, armed and furnished with a minimum navigating crew, and, if it has not received commission it may clear from neu- tral harbor on an avowed voyage to a belligerent port, without commit ting an infraction of neutrality. In 1793, however, Jefferson advised the British government that the United States disapproved of the practice of equipping and manning vessels in our ports to cruise on any belligerent par ties. In 1849 our government de- clared that, under it's own neutrality act, it would prevent war cruisers is suing from it's ports to aid a belliger- ent in contest with a friendly state That is where we stand today.
 Our government has announced it's adhesion to the declaration Of Paris. Spain declines to recognize 1t. There fore, Spain will resort to privateering and seize American goods on neutral vessels. But while Spain may attempt to do this, Great Britain has deter mined that Spain shall not seize such goods on British vessels except con- traband of war Great Britain will force Spain to recognize the principle of the declaration of Paris as regards free ships and free goods.
 Great Britain has declared ccal con- traband, if for immediate or ultimate use of one belligerent against another, but this is rather to our advantage and against Spain, as a vessel would only be allowed enough coal at an English West Indian port to enable her to reach the nearest port of her own nationality. In the Franco Prussian war, England declined to all low coal to be carried to the French fleet in the North sea, and so the fleet was badly handicapped. So far as provisions are concerned, cur govern ment during the period of the French revolution, protested against the char acterization of provisions as contra band.
 Thus there are unsettled questions as to the scope of the term "contra- band" but, as to the neutrality rules, our government will see that they are enforced according to it's interpre- tation of them, suggested by precedent. France, being in sympathy with Spain, will have to be closely watched.