TaÌˆgliches Cincinnatier volksblatt. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1885-1919, 1914-12-04

scarcely be expected. 1t would be har
in principle and impossible in practice
The law Of nations, therefor, respecting
tine right of those at peace, does no
require from them such an internal de
rangement of their occupation. 1t i
satisfied with the external penalty pro
nouneed in the Presidents proclamation
= that of confiscation of such portion
OF these arms as shall fall into the hand
of the belligerent powers on their wa.
to the ports OF their enemies"
This doctrine was confirmed by DAME
Webster, when Secretary OF State undel
President Tyler. The United States
however, have departed from this policy
when demanded by the public interest
This was done year ago when Con
gress passed law, on the solicitation
of President Wilson, forbidding the ex
portation from this country Of wal
supplies to Mexico. There is move
ment on foot by those who wish q
speedy termination OF the European wal
that law be passed prohibiting tn,
expectation of war supplies to the pres
ent belligerent nations and such law
commends itself not only from reasons
OF humanity but also from the view
point OF our own interest, for IL Is clear
that speedy peace will be far more
profitable to our country than the ad.
vantage we can derive from furnishing
the means for continuing the war.
But this is not the point we wish Ia
dwell upon ut present. Our object, to-
day, is to lift voice OF warning against
pursuing our doctrine to an extent
which stands condemned by American
precedents and which is apt to bring
upon our own country the same punish.
ment she inflicted on others.
Mr.. Chas. Schwab OF the Bethlehem
Steel Works has concluded contract
for furnishing large number Of sub.
marine boats to belligorent countries
and we learn from Washington reports
that President Wilson entertains doubts
whether the expectation of these war
vessels does not 60 far beyond the scope
OF our doctrine OF neutral rights. In
our humble opinion the President ought
not be in doubt but Immediately and
firmly resolved that such expectation
to a war.like act, for on ac-
count Of this very act we threatened
to 20 to war with England which was
only ayerted by her submission to our
terms Of satisfaction and reparation.
We have reference to the construction
of confederate cruisers in England
which wrought such havoc with our
foreign commerce. When our war was
over, we called England to a reckon.
ing for her breach OF neutrality and
a threat OF war in case Of non.com-
plianee, induced her TO acknowledge the
principle Of interna tional law that.
"a neutral government is bound to use
due diligence to prevent the fitting out,
cquipping, within its Jurisdiction, of any
vessel which il has reasonable ground
to believe is intended 10 cruise or carry
on war against d power with which
1t is at peace; and also 10 use like dill
gence to prevent the departure, from
its jurisdiction, of any vessel intended
to cruise or carry on war as above, such
vessel having been specially adapted in
whole or IN PART, within such juris.
dietion to war-like USE
The capitalizing above Is ours and Is
to cut off subterfuge which
will probably be put forth to the effect
that these submarines will not be ex-
ported complete but in sections. The
principle set forth and strenuously in
sisted upon by the Snited States ex-
plicitly maintains that il is war-like
act to fit out a war.like vessel in whole
or IN PART to carry on war against
a power with which we are at peace.
We have every right TO assume that
the President is familiar with the afore-
said precedent. 1t would be criminal for
him to feign or plead ignorance. Hence
his duty is positive and imperious, not
10 be evaded by any pretext or subter.
Iuge. He must take immediate and
decisive action 10 prevent the exporta-
ton OF Mr.. Schwabs submarines.