Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-02-22
Embargo as a Peaceful Weapon


wv HAT is now happening in the world bears
w singular resemblance to the history
OF century ago. Then England was en-
gagged III duel with France; now she is
struggling with Germany. In both cases. the
United States has suffered wrongs ut the
hands OF the belligereuts. In the Napoleonic
war. our country, when ground between the
upper and lower mllstones. defended herself
by an embargo and at the present juncture
the embargo policy again becomes posi-
blity.
American commerce had been harassed by
William Pitt, but let alone by France for
several years. when. TO the general Conster-
nation. Napoleon suddenly took a hand in
the game He issued the Berlin decree on
November 81. 1906. This decree like the
recent German declaration. declared the Brit
sh Isles 70 be in state OF blockade. and pro-
hhited neutral vessels from bringing goods
from British ports on pain OF contiscaton.
The British government Immediately retail
ated by the drastic orders in council. which
nearly ruined American commerce. Neutrals
were forbidden 10 trade with an. OF the ports
OF France or her allies. and finally Amer-
can ships were required 10 take out British
licenses 20 trade anywhere. Any American
vessel was liable 10 capture ii il sailed for a
European port from which the British flag
was excluded
The year 1907 was q most humiliating one
decree and the British orders in council the
American trisate Chesa peake was fred on by
British wa.ship. and had several members
a GsT crew impressed. England made no
repatriation. anu Jefferson put in execution a
ao1.nIeTcou-se acI which had been passed by
Congress the preceding year. This act shut
GU: certain articles OF British manufacture
iron. American ports bur i was not energetic
enough to- The crisis. The British govern
msat hsG jus, declared lis intention TO i'm
press ss2-Isn from neutral ships. and 10 meet
ialS lSw danger the embargo was passed.
The embargo forbade the expectation OF
American products and the sailing OF Ameri-
caa ships The measure did not succeed be-
cause - materials were the only American
resources. and merchants and shippers con
s;aaily evaded the embargo rather than face
rum. Finally the act was repealed. and with
its -apea! went the last chance OF a peaceable
solution OF our difficulties a little later
w. MS declared.
A." embargo a. the present time would be
enacted under very different circumstances
from those OF century since. Then America
had no manufactures and no home market for
her Ioodstufis; now we consume most OF the
food We make. An embargo for no other
reason than the preventing Of q possible short
age in our food supply might be advantage
TO our people. Besides, our products are
relatively OF much greater Importance 10 Eu-
ippt !!p" l!laI lHt! were n lHv Z. we
less dependent o.! Europe, and Europe is
more dependent on US.
Undoubtedly, the sympathies of majority
Though not the whole OF the American
people have been with England in the pres
ent war. our sympaihies should not blind
us, however TO the real significance Of the
crisis. Both Germany and England have re-
verted 10 the Middle Ages; between them in
ternationai Law lies in ruins. Neutral rights
have been outraged by both. and some meas
urc OF defense may become necessary An
embargo on foodstufts would be our best de-
fensye weapon. We should thereby be as
sured enough food for our own people, ana
b. curtailng our trade with Europe. the
chances OF entanglcments would be greatly
lcssened
AS The Times Dispatch has said, it would
be wei Tor England 70 keep this possibility
IN mind. even as il would be better for Ger
many carefully TO to it that none Of its
apprchended mistakes result in the de-
structon Of American lives