Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-12-11
Again ths Trnffic in Munitions.

Adivces from Washington tell OF the re-
introduction by Senator Hitchcock Of his bill TO
prohibit the expectation Of war munitions TO
belligerent countries. together with a loud
sounding announcement that he intends to push
this measure to the front The question OF
traffic in munitions has been pretty thoroughly
argued and the administration has taken a
definite stand upon 1t, which It may be we'll to
recall. The position Of the United States, which
has the accepted sanction Of international law,
is outlined most clearly in the note sent to the
American ambassador at Vienna by Secretary
Lansing last August, following up a similar note
sent TO the German ambassador by Secretary
Bryan in April. The salient paragraphs OF this
document read as follows:
But. addition to the question of principle there
Is practical and substantial reason why the govern
ment OF tho United States had from the foundation OF
tho republic to the present time advocated and prac
ticed unrestricted trade IN and military supplies
II has been the policy OF this country to main
tain In time OF peace a large military establishment
OF stores Of and ammunition sufficient TO repel
Invasion by well equipped and powerful enemy. 1t
has desired to remain at peace with all nations and
TO avoid any appearance Of menacing such peace by
the threat OF its armies and navies In consequence
OF this standing policy the United States would in the
event OF attack by foreign power be at tho outset
OF the seriously II not fatally embarrassed by
the lack of arms and ammunition and by the means
10 produce them in sufficient Quantities 20 supply the
requirements Of national defense The United
has always depended upon the right and power 70
chase arms and ammunition from neutral nations in
case OF foreign attack. This right. which It claims
for itself u cannot deny TO others.
nation whose principle and policy II Is TO rely
International obligations and international justice
70 its political Integrity might become the
prey OF aggressive nation whose policy and prac-
tice II s TO increase It's military strength during times
OF peace with the design of conquest unless the
ton attacked can. after war had declared, 60
ha NJ md tha
70 defend itself against the Rggressor. Pc
The general adoption by the nations OF the world Of
the theory that neutral powers ought 20 prohibit the
sale OF arms and ammunition 10 belligerents would
compel every nation TO have In readiness at all times
sufficient munitions OF war to meet any emergency
which might arise and to erect and maintain estab-
lishments for the manufacture OF and ammuni-
ton sufficient TO supply the military
naval forces throughout the progress OF Man
ifestly the application OF this theory would result
every nation becoming armed camp. ready to
sst aggression. and tempted TO employ force In as
sorting its rights rather than appeal TO and
justice for the settlement OF international disputes
Perceiving. II does. that the adoption OF the
principle that It IL tho duty Of neutral to prohibit
tho sale OF and ammunition bollgerent dur
ing tho progress OF war would inevitably give the
advantage TO the belligerent which had encouraged
he manufacture OF munitions In time OF peace and
which had laid In vast stores of and ammunition
In anticipation OF war, tho government OF tho United
states Is convinced that the adoption OF the theory
would force mIltarlsm the world and work against
that universal which Is the desire and purpose
of all nations which exalt Justice and righteousnSss
In their relationg with one another.
The senator's arms bill may be used by him
for little gallery play and to embarrass the
administration still further. but II must be plain
TO everyone who knows anything about the stu
alton that II will get farther than the talk
fest stage. and probably was not intended for
anything else
II behooves Chicago to put more of the Il
will" spirit into the for the republican
national convention. The ease with which st.
Louis ran away with the democratic ratification
meeting emphasizes the need OF more speed and
less dignity. Philadelphia is a live wire in re-
! publican politics. and Il has the money, too.