The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-10-14

receive the protection of the United
States government, but the government
will unquesfionably use its good Offices
in behalf Of any of them who may be
come involved in trouble, just as was
done in the case of John Hays Ham
mond Of California, accused of treason
In connection with the Jameson raid,
The government acknowledged the right
of the Transyaal to try Hammond for
treason, although he was clearly an
American citizen, but made every diplo-
matte effort to secure an amelioration OF
his sentence or his release. He was sub
sequently released.
The government Of the United States
will observe absolute neutrality in a con
ficf at arms between Great Britain and
the T~ransyaal.
Efforts have been made to induce the
government not to declare neutrality, on
the ground that the interests of Ameri-
cans in the Transvaal are identical with
those of the British residents. On the
other hand, quite as many people in this
country have written to the state de
partment urging that the United States
declare sympathy with the Beers.
An investigation made by the depart
ment shows that there are about 1000
American miners working in the Trans
yaal. 1t is also the understanding of the
department that there are independent
investments Of American capital In that
country, everything In the way of Amer
lean moneyed interests being associated
with British industries.
The only possibility Of a chance that
the United States may become involved
In the war lies In the attitude which the
Beers may adopt toward American citi-
zens. Ii an attempt should be made to
impress neutral Americans into the Boer
army, this government would be pre-
pared to go to extremes to resent such
action.
1t is believed in official quarters, how
ever, that no such attempt will be made,
particularly in view of a circular issued
by General r. ]. Joubert, commandment
Of the TransyaaI military forces, on Aug.
II, 1899, in which it is stated that 1T
must be understood that no single alien,
no matter what is his nationality, who
does not voluntarily offer or has not of
fered his services may be called upon or
commanded" drafted in the event of UNI
expected or undesirable disturbance or
war.
This government has already determin-
ed its position with regard to any deei-
sion OF the Beers to draft neutral Amer
leans in the Transyaal army. 1t viii fol-
low the principle laid down by Secretary
Seward in the civil war. Certain Eng
lishmen in western states had taken adj
vantage OF the law permitting aliens to
become citizens of the United States aft
er one years residence and declaration
of intention, but when a draft was or
dered they contended that they were Brit
ish subjects and could not be compelled
to serve. The United States held that
they were liable to the draft, and the
British government assented to it.
1t is well for citizens to remember that
public sentiment canno always be re-
Hected in diplomatic correspondence. SO,
while it is possible that a majority Of
Americans s~ympathize with the Beers, it
would never do TO intimate as much to
England. On the other hand, it would
be impeiitic for the government to send
any message which would offend the Boer
government. This is a case In which I'm
Gle Sam must present an impassive front
to both contestants, merely observing to
each that he hopes it viii respect the
rights Of Americans, no matter how hot
the argument grows. 81