The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-22
THE FINANCIAL RIGHTS OF
NEUTRALS.
A Clear statement Of the American Right
TO Lend Money 10 a ueIligerent.

TO Lend Money To a BeIligerent.
To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: There
is no question of the legal right of
American citizens to lend their money
to any of the belligerent nations. But
we are told by the Administration that
such loans by American bankers are
inconsistent with the true spirit Of
neutrality" As this view is freghted
with serious consequences to our posi-
ton as a nation and our prosperity as
people, II should be urged that our
distinguished Secretary of State misin-
terprets the true spirit OF neutrality"
After many struggles, in which our
country has borne a historic part, the
freedom of neutral commerce with bel
llgerent nations has been established
as an international institute. In deal
ing with this principle neutrals are
declared to be entitled to the broadcast
field Of action, even to the extent OF
carrying enemys goods under the pro-
lection of their flag, with the exception
Of contraband of war. Provided that
the operations Of a neutral nation or
citizen are not imbued with the ele-
ment OF belligerency, the tendency Of
n foreign war leaves their commercial
power and activity untrammelled.
What is the principle underlying this
consensus OF civilized nations? 1t rests
upon the doctrine that 1t Is better for
the world that the commerce of neu-
trails should be subjected to the mini
mum OF disturbance. II is a canon
of public Jurisprudence, charging neu-
trail nations with the duty of maintain
ing world industry while two or more
nations are in the abnormal condition
of battling with each other. This is
the true spirit Of neutrality. No one
would dream OF infringing this liberty
of neutrals. as evidenced by the passage
OF cargoes from our country to France.
Only another phase OF international
commerce is presented by the PROPOSE
ton to furnish the funds for the pur-
chase Of the cargoes. The financial as
pect of trade between neutrals and
belligerents Is merely an incident Of the
great moral position that peaceful com
merce Is the vital spark which the world
has agreed to conserve. The greater
the warfare the more important does
1t become for the permanent welfare OF
the world that the integrity and virility
OF neutral commerce should not be
thwarted BY what logic or mistaken
| altruistic sentiment are Americans &c
l Ut ulNtTlfu ITOTl lllt lulN'SS VI lntlI
! international position as neutrals? The
| suggestion that we may starve Europe
into peace by withholding our food
stuffs cannot be serious, as even the
most extreme altruist would not pro.
pose to stop the departure of vessel:
loaded with grain. Ii is only the credi
to be extended for its purchase thai
vs. opposed, a credit emanating not from
Attr rlffna ~ httf f#vsfl
American citizens. as free morally a,
legally to extend this credit to Ger
many rs to France. our civil war wa
financed largely by European purchases
of United States bonds. From ma
tional point OF view we are treadnl
on dangerous ground by sacrificing oul
commercial rights as a neutral to al
alleged spirit of neutrality" which haI
as little foundation in ethics as ii ha
admittedly in law.
But after all there must be something
practical left in the world, even in Gov
ernments. The American people ar
entitled to some consideration for thei
prosperity. Their critical need at tn
present time Is to sell their surplu
products. To enable them to purchas,
foreign nations offer their obligation
in this market Their proceeds will b
paid to the farmers of the West an
South. While their grain and cotto
are awaiting shipment. are they to b
told that 1t does not 20 forward becaus
the plainest business mechanism is in
consistent with a ghostllke theory {
neutrality? Are we living In the Unite
States or in Arcadia?
Let Congress pass resolution ths
loans for business purposes by Amer
can citizens to any or all the belligeI
ent countries are not inconsistent wit
the rights or spirit OF neutrality.
EDWARD l.. ANpREws
NV YnPK AnPiISf 81