Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-07-13
Germany's Latest Proposal

n BOUT the most foolish Of all the plans
a now being considered in Germany, for
the purpose Of purchasing the abandonment
by this country of its citizens rights on the
high seas, is that which involves turning over
to the United States certain German liners
now interned in American ports
If 1t were proposed to sell these vessels
outright to Americans, that might not be
impossible, although it is Of doubtful legality.
The allies certainly would attack it, by virtue
Of that doctrine Of international law which
forbids the transfer of merchant vessels from
a beligerent to a neutral flag 'to escape the
consequences Of war"
If it is proposed, a. it appears to be, mere
ly to make temporary transfer. for the dura-
ton Of the war, violation of the rule of law
would be so plain that this country could not
suggest it to the Foreign Offices of the allied
powers The effect would be to relieve Ger
man vessels of 1.-The consequences Of war;
which, In their case, are internment and idle
ness in American ports, only to hand them
back 10 their owners at the termination of
hostilities.
1t will be remembered that Britain seized
and placed in prize court the American
steamship Dacia, which American citizen
claims to have purchased in good faith from
the Hamburg-American Line. In that case
the severance Of former ownership is alleged
to have been final and complete, and it is on
this ground that the transfer is defended
The illegality OF a transfer merely and ad-
mittedly temporary could not even be debated
Even if the plan were unobjectionabl bile
legally, it would be subject in operation to
practical difficulties Of many kinds Who in
the first place. would operate these vessels
and where would they be consigned? This
government certainly does not care to as
sumo additional responsibilities, so far as
travel to Europe is concerned, and to find
individuals or corporations willing to take
the risks and personally agreeable to all the
parties at interest, would not be easy. The
vessels would not be allowed to reach Ger
man ports, for Britain now maintains what
is in effect blockade of the German coast
Germany would hardly care to have them ply
ing to British or French ports, even if the
allies were willing to sink their very natural
objections. They could not carry munitions or
war, motor trucks, cotton, copper, food, gaso-
line or any of the many other articles which
one or another of the belligerents has de-
clared contraband, without subjecting them
selves to detention or possible destruction
Under the circumstances, It would not appeal
to many Americans, we venture to say, as a
particularly attractive enterprise.
The good point Of this and other conces-
sions Germany appears willing to make is the
evidence they supply Of q disposition to keep
the peace with this nation. However inept
and clumsy, however far they may be from
that full and unqualified admission Of neutral
rights which the President has demanded
and which we must receive, they do manifest
a changed public and official opinion in Berlin
we should welcome this, and we may even
regret that the offered concessions are linz
possible OF acceptance, but we cannot aban-
don, either to Germany c. England, the i'm
perative duty and obligation Of protecting our
nationals in the enjoyment Of their rights.