The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-30
IF THE BOERS GO TO WAR.
1HfS GOVERNMENT VIII ORsERVr
AB6DLuTE NEUTRALITY.


Ameri'fanCitizens and Extreme Measures
WIZ lie Taken IL an Attempt Il Mnde
!" Amprsh Them Into tho Boer Army,
WASH kcroN. Sept. Gothic State DEPART
ment he Instructed the United States consul
mr oni'ters In the Trnnsvaal to furnish pro-
'so'ion TO all neutral American citizens in the
event bi war between Great Britain and the
south African Republic.
ne htral American" IL defined hy the De-
pertrhent to mean a citizen OF the United
otatn who has not affiliated him sell politically
WI the Government OF Great Britain and the
= rfnsvaal. BY declaring an intention to become
subject or citizen, Americans who are not
eutra within the meaning OF this definition
Elll not receive the protection OF tho United
states Govern mont. but tho Government will
"nonestionably use its good offices in behalf OF
any OF them who may become involved in
trouble. just ne was done In the case OF john
nays Hammond. OF California, accused of
treason In connection with the James Raid.
The Government acknowle edged the right OF
the Transvaal to try Ham mt nd for treason.
athough he was clearly IN American citizen.
out made every diplomatic effort to secure an
amelioration OF his sentence or his reiease. He
was subsequently released.
The Government OF the United States will
observe absolute neutrality in a conflict at
arms between Great Britain and the Trans
vaai. Efforts have been made to induce the
government not to- declare neutrality on the
ground that the interests Of Anne ricans in the
Iransvaal are identical with those OF tho Brit
ish residents. On the other hand, quite as
many people In this country have written to
the state Department urging that the United
states declare sympathy with tho Beers. An
investigation made by the Department shows
that there are about thousand American
mtnAra work in ba al To
the understanding Of the Department that
there are Independent Investments OF Ameri-
can capital in that country. everything In the
way OF American moneyed interests being as
ISOLATED with British industries. There is
much American mining machinery there
which 10 being paid for by installments, but
beyond that the pecuniary concern OF the
United States in the Transvaal is small.
The only possibility Of a chance that the
United States may become involved in the
expected war lies In the attitude which the
Beers may adopt toward American citizens.
II an attempt should be made to Impress n Gu
trail Americans into the Boer army. this Gov
ernment would be prepared to 60 to extremes
to resent such action. 1t Is believed in official
quarters. however. that no such attempt will
be made. particularly In view OF circular
issued by Gen. p. j. Joubert Commander of
tina Transvaal military forces on Aug "a, 1899.
In which 1t 10 stated that lit must be under
stood that no single alien. no matter what 10
his nationality. who does not voluntarily offer.
or has not offered his services. may be called
upon or ommauded" (draftedl In the event Of
unexpected or undesirable dstur bancs or war.
This Government has already deter med its
position with regard to any decision OF the
Doors to draft neutral Americans In the Trans
vaal Army. II will follow the principle laid
down by Secretary Seward in the Civil War.
Certain Englishmen in Western States had
taken advantage OF the law permitting aliens
to become citizens OF the United States after
one years residence and declaration OF intsn-
ton. but when draft was ordered they con-
tended that they were British subjects and
could not be compelled to serve. Tho United
States held that they were liable to the draft
and the British Government assented to IL.
Mr.. Stewards statement OF the position OF the
Government was set forth In letter to Gov
Oliver p Morton OF Indiana. under date OF
Sept s. 1882. as follows:
There is no principle more distinctly and
clearly settled In the law OF nations than the
rule that resident aliens not naturalized are
not liable to perform military service. We
have uniformly claimed and insisted upon It
IN our intercourse with foreign nations. While
the State OF Indiana holds that an alien be-
comes citizen by one years residence and
declaration OF intention to become citizen OF
the United States. the law OF Great Britain
holds that native British subject owes al
legiance to the British Government until he
has completely effected his naturalization In
the United States under the laws OF Congress.
1T is proner TO state. however. that in every
ease whom an alien has exercised suffrage in
che United States. he Is regarded as having
forfeited his allegiance to his native sovereign.
and no is. In consequence OF that act. like any
citizen. liable to perform military service. 1t
10 understood. moreover. that foraign govern
ments aoquiesce In this construction OF tho
law. 1t 10 hoped that under this construction
your militia force will not be sensibly reduced"
It was impossible. President KRUGER said. to
accede to the demand in regard to tho seven
years. franchise contained in Colonial Secre-
tary Chamberlain's last despatch. II this
request were granted $4,000 Uitanders would
be enfranch ised-a mum Der greater than that
OF all the Beers. The Boer President repeated
his previous statement that the Uitlanders
never wished the franchise from proper
motives. They registered themselves as aliens
and refused to accept any burdens when re-
quested to take up arms for the South African
Republic.
In conclusion. the correspondent asked
President Kruger II peace was possible. Pres
fdsnt KRUGER replied: No. unless the other
side does something to make it possible"