Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1915-02-24
EDITOR
UNCLE SAM HELPED MAKE The
PRECEDENT.

1HcTe 10 pIeuIy DIeccdeHI III use
of neutral flags to avoid attack by German sub
marines some of that precedent was es-
ltablished by the United States.
| The Star Bulletin commented few days ago
upon the Lusitania incident that belligerents
had used neutral flags so often that the United
States could not very well lodge formal pro-
test in London. An investigation of American
naval history shows that Uncle Sans vessels
on more than one occasion have hosted false
colors to deceive the enemy-a practise which
in naval warfare is recognized as quasi-legiti-
mate
The United States is, however, quite within
its rights in insisting that Great Britain pre-
vent her merchant ships from systematic use
of the American flag. Such a course would en-
danger American shipping almost anywhere in
European waters, for the German submarines
are now striking at great distances from their
bases. "a
Naval history contains more than one oc-
currence which may properly help to set the
precedent of which Great Britain is taking adj
vantage. For instance, when the cruiser
Charleston was on its way to the Philippines
conveying troopships, a stop was made off
Guam and the now-historic capture of this far
off island was made by vessels flying the Japa-
nese flag. 1t is recorded that Captain Glass,
in command of the flotilla, ordered the Japa-
nese flag raised over the Charleston as we'll as
over the steamers Australia, Peking and Sgd
ney, these merchant vessels being under charter
to the u. S. government as troopships. : The.
Charleston was much similar to the Japanese
cruiser. Naniwa, which aided in the deception.
The deception proved to be rather needless, but
the hosting Of the sun flag remains an inefface-
able incident. ::s s.. = r u.
! It is declared to be of record also that in
1900 Rear Admiral Stockton wished to abrogate
that section Of the manual in use at the Naval
War College which reads: !,
The regulations of the United States navy
state that the use ORA foreign flag to deceive
the enemy is permissible, but that it must be
hauled down before a gun is fred, and under
no circumstances is an action to be commenced
or battle fought without the display Of the
national emblem 80
While somewhat different from the case of a.
merchantmen hosting neutral flag, the cases
in Uncle Sans history where war vessels ran
aloft an emblem other than their own would
undoubtedly be cited by Great Britain we're any
formal protest to be lodged based on the Lusi-
tania s act.
What is likely to come of the situation is a.
concerted protest by the neutral nations whose
shipping is endangered These include the
United States, the three Scandinavian coun-
tries, Holland, Italy, Greece and one or two
Others Dutch commerce is very much menaced.
If the concerted protest against systematic mis-
use of the flag is made emphatic enough, the
danger should be much minimized *sas
Europe according to dispatches, is anxious
Ito learn what plans the q. S. administration
has for the future of Mexico. A large portion
|of the American people are equally anxious. If
President Wilson found it abhorrent to recog7|
nize Huerta, who at least had set up an organ
lied and substantial government, how much
more abhorrent would it be to recognize the
wild Zapata, the unstable CaTranza Or the grim
Villa, none of whom has record less marked
by bloodshed than that of Huerta?
The Russian army smashed by Won linden
berg was commanded by man named Evers
but baseball fans will Indignantly repudiate
any relationship between the Slav and the chap
who led the Boston Nationals to pennant.
Three Chinese were killed in a New Year
fight at Vancouver. Here's a chance for the
ssafe and sane Fourth" idea with little modi-
fcation. T.