The Washington times., 1915-06-16
upon It. and old problems made more
difficult.
Effects of War.


Effects of War.
No Ameican citizen can note with.
out deep concern the manner in which
war questions have intruded\ \them-
selves into our politics-overshadow
ing economic issues and stimulating
agitation in favor of enlarged appro-
priations for military and naval pur-
poses.
Business is deranged and expensive
readtustments made necessary; while
commerce with foreign nations ID
seriously interrupted. Fluctuations
In price abroad are reflected in the
markets Of the United States, fall
Of cent in the price Of cotton means
producers and merchants. Added to
this freight rates and insurance pre-
miums have been increased to cover
the. greater risks incident to war.
Scarcity Of ships Is one of the
greatest commercial embarrassment
pended largely upon foreign ships
to carry our commerce, and we could
not but suffer when the merchant
men Of one side were driven from
the seas and part Of the merchant
feet of the other side was with
dawn for government use.
The neutral nations are put to
great expense to preserve neutrality,
and are constantly in danger of be-
ing embroiled in the war without In.
tention or fault on their part.
Rights of Neutrals.
The rules of international law seem
to have been made for the nations
at war rather than for the nations
at peace. 1t is almost impossible
to alter these rules during the war.
f.
ing as it would the interests OF
belligerents, would be a seeming
violation OF neutrality. AS soon as
peace returns there will be demand
for an international conference on
the subject. The presumption should
then be given to peace. for peace,
not war, Is the normal condition. II
nations are determined to fight, they
should. as far as possible, bear the
burden themselves. and not be per
mitted to transfer It to the nations
which avoid war by resortins to
reason instead Of force.
Under the stress and strain Of the
titanic struggle in which they are
engaged. each side has felt itself
justified in encroaching upon the
rights Of ,neutrals. The ocean high
ways, the common property Of all.
have been to some extent appropri-
eted for war purposes, and delicate
diplomatic questions are forced upon
the neutral nations.
Opportunity Of America.
Just at this time when these Ques-
tions are most acute the belliserene
governments are least able to deal
with them with the calmness and
poise which their great importanos
demands.
No wonder every neutral nation ID
increasingly anxious for the war TO
end; but of all the neutral nations
ours has the most reason to pray
for the return of peace-most reason
to set It's face resolutely against
participation In this war. This ma
ton, the head Of the neutral group
and the sincere friend Of all THE
belligerents, is in duty bound to SET
an example in patience and self
restraint.
In all history no such opportunity
has ever come to any other nation
as that which is destined to oome q
the United States, In all history nc
other peacemaker has ever been n
position to claim so rich a blessins
as that which will be pronounced
upon our President when time 70,
mediation comes-as come 1t must
w. ]. BRYAN.
Washington. June 1A