Omaha daily bee., 1915-01-22
TRADE CONGRESS
DISCUSSES WAR
Speaker Says Sea Policy of Great
Britain Greatly Interferes with
Commerce of Neutrals.
MUCH DEPENDS ON UNCLE SAM

ST. LOUIS, Jan. zt.-Several hundred
delegates representing the leading com
mercial organizations of the United
States attended the opening session OF
the second National Foreign Trade con-
ventton, which met here today.
After preliminary addresses of welcome
by Mayor Kiel of st. Louis and by
Samuel d. Capen. president OF the st.
Louis Business Mems league, an address
was delivered by Secretary of Commerce
Redfield
Permanent organization then was ef-
fected and the convention began the con-
sideratton of problems of international
law as they affect American commerce
during the present European war The
principal address on this topic was made
by Prof. John Bassett Moore. former
counsellor OF the State department.
After a discussion Of the points raised
in Mr.. Moore's address, the convention
heard an address by John j. Arnold OF
chicago on Foreign Banking, Loans
and Credits"
The afternoon session was devoted to a
consideration OF the government regula-
ton of commerce as il affects foreign
trade and TO the problems of the small
manufacturer who desires foreign trade.
Britains Restrain Trade.
Among those who discussed the points
raised in the address of Prof. Moore was
Carnan f. Randolph Of New York
IAN things considered" he said. I'VE
may hold the British government respon-
sble for the far~reaching and severe re-
straint on international trade. At home
IL imposes most searching prohibitions on
trade with the enemy. At sea It holds up
whatever neutral goods II chooses to call
contraband and chooses to suspect of
ultimate enemy destination.
Considering British policy as a whole,
am by M, means persuaded that IL will
hasten the peace or prove decisive fac
tor IN the war. We understand that Il
the allies shall finally ring Germany witt
hostile nations and complete a state
siege by effectively blockading it's ports
II may lawfully bar even hospital sup
plies and milk for babies. SO long as
the allies do not besiege Germany they
cannot lawfully enforce the terrible Law
OF siege. even so far as to determine for
themselves what neutral goods shall be
excluded.
with SO much of British commercial
FoaANs - 10 o6CSa1od OA A1tlttcn tCfTilOT9i
the United States has, broadly speaking,
no legal concern. In whatever indirect
damage our people May suffer by reason
OF prohibitions against trading with the
enemy. there is no infringement of our
legal rights. Nor are these rights In
vaded by whatever pressure Great Britain
may bring 20 bear on neutral states to
bar transit to enemy territory. though ali
these matters may be subjects OF diplo-
matte negotiations. In British policy. sx.
plotted on the high seas. the commercial
rights OF the United States are deeply
involved.
Must Respect Neutral Rights.
The particular interests of the United
States are quite sufficient to warrant .
strong but temperate demand for propel
respect for neutral commerce, and ths
United states will, in maintaining theil
trade at as high a level as Just regard
for belligerent interests prevail. serve III,
larger and permanent interests OF the
world.
I ssrrh.. Tr-tt-a