The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1906-08-23

Paper Read Before the Chdutauqla Circle.
Asst Decoration Day l had the
i pleasure Of listening to con- |
L. versation between two members
of this community, in which one
claimed that, at the outbreak of the
Russian-Japsnese War, Japan ordered
all subjects of the enemy to leave jap
anese territory at once; that she de-
clared "every commodity" contraband
of war, and that such orders were
strictly in accordance with interna-
tional law. Perhaps the gentleman
was right, tho am inclined to think
that it was Russia, not Japan, that is
sued such orders.
have read many 6rst-class, papers
by American and English writers on
international law, and from such infor-
nation as 1 have been able to gather,
am satisfied that an order like the
one mentioned, would not be IN har-
mony with what is termed strict en-
forcement of International law. The
majority of us are aware that there
are, and always will be, great many
questions incapable of settlement un-
der the existing rules of international
law, and that this is one of them.
1t is we'll known that the methods
used years ago in any line of business,
could not be followed with success at
the present time, and so it is with war
fare. In the olden times, subjects of
the enemy found within the territory
of the state, at the outbreak Of hostil-
tiles, were made prisoners and detained
until the end of the war. But now
this has changed; while expulsion is
resorted to in some cases, It Is the rule
to permit subjects of the enemy to re-
main if they do not give aid to their
own side. Sometimes they are per-
mitted to close up their affairs and
leave the country = Therefore, in my
estimation, the question of the days of
grace to be granted subjects of the
enemy found within the territory of
the state at the outbreak of hostilities
is one wholly within the discretion OF
the belligerents.
If remember rightly, Russia, at the
beginning of hostilities, permitted
Japanese subjects to remain in the
Russian Empire. except in the prov.
inces ruled over by Admiral Alexieff
from these they were expelled at once
no days of grace being given, the re-
suit being great hardship for the Jap
anese residents. On the other hand
Japan showed great consideration
to the Russians that remained in he
territory, protection being granted
them on condition that they register.
While referring to this practice o
granting grace, let us look at the effec
it has on commerce. In other words
giving private vessels permission t
leave their ports unharmed. This can
not be considered minor affair.
is of vast Importance to both bellig
erents and others. Note the differenc
between the liberality Gf it may b
called such) of the Japanese procls
nation and that of the Russian; th
former allowing seven days grace an
the latter forty-eight hours.
At the start of the Crimean Wa
Russia gave six weeks, dating frol
the breaking up of the ice in tt
White Sea ports. But to the best {
my knowledge President Mckinley
proclamation issued during tt
month of April, 1898, was the mo-
liberal in this respect of any ev'
granted to an enemy's trade. SPANS
vessels were allowed month for loa
ing and departing from American por
and were exempt from capture {
their return voyage. In addition
this, whatever ships had sailed fro
the enemy's ports loaded with me
chandise for any part of the Unit
States, were allowed to enter, d
charge their cargo and depart. 81
also be exempt from capture on th'
return voyage. From this we can g
that nations will naturally consl
their own interests first, and 1t
very doubtful whether they will ev
bind themselves by any definite rule.
We all know that on the high 81
modern conditions of warfare requ