The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-03-07
A Question of Neutrality.

capital against the administration, GER
tain Democratic and Populist news
papers descend to sheer stupid malig-
nifty. For example, there have been
within the past few months a number
of British steamships loading cargoes OF
forage and provisions in New York city
for South Africa. This fact is made
the excuse for an attack upon the ad-
ministration the nature Of which can
be seen in the following extract from
Washington letter to our evening con-
temporary in this city: Thus the adj
ministration, in spite OF the overwhelm-
ing pro- Boer sentiment Of the American
people. expressed in innumerable mass
meetings held in all parts of the coun-
try. is openly countenancing the most
fragrant violation Of neutrality In the in
terest of England. and contributing its
utmost to the destruction of the two
republics Of South Africa"
There are only two explanations for
such statement as this: Ignorance in
the correspondent or his malignant de-
sire to score point without regard to
truth or justice. The administration
could not, II it would, interdict trade
with Great Britain or any OF its de-
tendencies, on account OF the present
war: and moreover this government has
preserved from its very earliest days.
the attitude that 1t has, as neutral,
a perfect right to trade with either
belligerent in case OF war That right
it upheld against both England and
France throughout the Napoleonic wars,
and did not hesitate to arm and defy
both belligerents when they attempted
to interfere with II.
When. during the administration of
John Adams. the French directorate
authorized the seizure on the high sens
Of American vessels carrying food stuffs
to British ports, and when seizures were
actually made. this government issued
letters Of nfarque and reprisal to its
merchant ships. which armed them
selves TO repel the French privateers
turned loose to prey upon our commerce.
and many conflicts took place on the
high seas through the American deter
mination to maintain its right Of trade
with belligerents. In 1899 Commodore
Truxton, in the Constellation, which old
ship continues a part Of the effective
force OF the navy. captured the French
frigate L'Insurgente, and later In the
same year sank the frigate la Ven
geance, because these ships had endeav-
ored TO carry out the French programme
of preventing neutral trade with thu
ports Of Great Britain.
Later. under Jefrerson's administra-
ton. England, by orders In council. and
Napoleon. by the Milan decree. each de-
clared the Others ports in state OF
blockade and interdicted all trading
with them by neutrals. This govern
ment vigorously protested but as Jeffer-
son had dismantled the navy. with the
exception OF six vessels no force was
left with which 70 back up the protest;
so the cowardly and ineffective embargo
was laid. the only effect OF which was
20 nearly ruin the infant commerce ~
the country. and send hundreds Of ship
owners into bankruptcy. Nevertheless.
IL was the refusal Of Great Britain. at
that time. TO recognize the right Of the
United states 10 trade with beiligerents
which was one controlling cause OF the
war Of 1919.
Although the subsequent treaty OF
peace left the matter open. no country
has since that date seriously questioned
the right 81 neutrais 10 trade with bel
ligerents. saving through ports in which
an actual and Effective blockade Is
maintained. During the present war in
South Africa the same right has been
vigorously asserted. and the seizure Of
American four, although in British ves-
sells and intended for use in the country
% the Transvaal was a cause Of friction
which was only allayed when the Brit
lsh government released the seized -four
and expressed It's willingness 20 pay
damages for its detention, at the same
time reafirming its adherence to the
principle that foodstuns are not contra
| hand of war.
Further than this the United States
1 has always held that its citizens may.
| II they elect. sell arms and ammunition
to any beiiigerent. and that such sales
| do not constitute a breach Of eusraiity.
| The arms and ammunition are subject
| to seizure on the high seas as contra
| band Of war by the other beliigerent
| country. however, but that Is regarded