Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-11-28
Lifting the Tobacco Embargo

-
~ in obtaining from the British government
with the assistance Of the State Department
at Washington, the lifting OF the embargo
on shipments of tobacco to Holland and other
neutral countries. In effect this action will
permit Virginia and North Carolina dark to-
bacco to enter Germany and Austria which
nations are perhaps the best customers for
this product of Southern soil.
Since the British orders in council we're
promulgated. the dark tobacco industry has
languiShed Millions of pounds are held in
warehouses in Richmond Petersburg and
other centcrs Of the business This repre-
sents just so much idle capital. imprisoned
and prevented from entering the accustomed
channels of trade Prices. Of necessity, also
have suffered From the grower TO tho cx-
porter, everybody connected with the business
has had to bear his share of loss
The British government, in lifting this en-
barge has displayed an unusual and recently
unprecedented human intelligence The
South throughout has been the principal suf-
1erer among the sections Of this country from
the pressure of allied sea power on neutral
trade. The cotton belt has borne the largest
burden. OF course; for weary months all the
cotton States virtually were PROSTATE When
cotton was declared contraband thousands OF
farmers faced bankruptcy, and, though in
dlViduals and newspapers in sections not af-
fccted bore this calamity with euuanimitv
and counseed the sufferers to remember the
allies services TO humanity resentment
keen.
However. it is possible to defend the Brit
ish stand as to cotton Not only is the staple
an important ingredient in the manufacture
OF explosives, but II is used SO largely for
clothing and in so many Of the arts of peace,
chat &c deprive Germany of il was 10 con-
tribute tremendously to that economic en-
haustion the allies seek to bring about and
ha ftni,, . ,.l,...
exercise of sea power.
Not as to tobacco Al the host i, is
comiorter-a soother Of tired nerves No one
Will contend seriously thai the efficiency of
German arms has been decreased perceptibly
because Virginia tobacco rcposed i'm Virginia
warehouses instead OF being consumed in the
porcelain pipes Of the kaiScr's soldiers All
the suffering all the loss were felt here in
this country and by our own people If Ger
manEs economic situation has been affected
AT all, it has been for the better. because
money that otherwise would have been d.
Nert"d TO America WAS retained in Germany
and applied to the purchase OF arms and mu-
ntionS OF war
ii would seem that Il belated recognition
OF TINS fact has dawned on the London For
eign Office. Obviously in consideration Of
the recent American note on the subject of
the orders in council. it was a time for con-
cession. and Britain has chosen TO make the
concession that viii cost her nothing
II would not have hccn made. however
hht 'or the urgent representations that Sena-
'or Martin induced the State Department 10
deliver to London. The Senator has
triunphed where others have failed and has
made substantial contribution TO the pros
perlty OF the people he represents The ser
wee thus rendered will not be forgotten
Tho truth OF the European situation On ia r