Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-07-25
Cotton Situation Serious


l fuential quarters that the government de-
clare cotton contraband of war. Sir William
Ramsay, eminent man Of science. has asserted
that Germany's importation Of cotton through
neutral countries results In the destruction
of thousands Of British and allied lives, and
that absolute prohibition. so far as that may
be attainable, is war necessity
Cotton is essential. so Sir William and
other scientists declare, to the manufacture
Of propulsive ammunition-the charge, that
is, which sends the high explosive shell
HURTING on its mission of death. Without
cotton, therefore, Germany would not be able
to fire her big guns
We may take all this with a grain Of salt,
believe if like that German ingenuity
would suffice to find substitute for cotton
fiber, and yet appreciate the seriousness with
which the situation is viewed in England and
the menace 1t presents to this country.
The United States insists vigorously that
the alleged British blockade, which, in ef-
feet, operates on the coasts Of neutral coun-
tries as effectively the coasts of Ger
many or Austria, Is without legal validity
1t is reported from Washington that note
to the British government, protesting against
this unlawful interference with American
commerce. already has been prepared. It
would have been dispatched ere this, save for
the Presidents unwillngness to complicate
by any extraneous issue the graver con-
troVersy with Germany. Under the terms of
the order in council, Britain is selling car
goes OF American cotton, consigned to neutral
ports, whenever she suspects or says she sus-
poets that this cotton has an ultimate destina-
ton within the Austro-German lines.
If Britain should decide to declare cotton
contraband, the American position, legally,
would not he helped. Britain insists that in
the War Between the States the United States
set the precedent by adding cotton to the con-
traband list, and, although this contention is
aH fon l,1,,,
Whatever the means adopted, 1t is certain
that the Federal blockade of Southern ports
served to prevent cotton expectation, the
mills OF England were forced in many cases
to shut down, and there was great suffering
among the English working classes.
If cotton were declared contraband car
goes consigned to Germany would be subject
to seizure and confiscation wherever found on
the high seas; the existence or absence Of a
legal blockade would not be involved AS
things are the situation is somewhat better
for the Southern planter or exporter; for.
while cotton alleged to be so consigned Ia
seized now by British cruisers, it is not con-
hscated, but bought at the market by the gov
eminent.
England already has a surplus OF cotton
and the world market outside of Germany
and Austria is said to be overstocked by
100000 bales. The new crop is about to
be picked, and what the cotton States desire
is free admission, through neutral ports to
the central empires. If Washington insists
too strcnuously on this however. the allies
arc likely to counter by declaring cotton con-
traband, and supporting their action by what
they Will contend are American precedents.
That would be not little distressing-not
to say embarrassing
or course. we might undertake to punish
the allies by declaring an embargo on food
stuifs and munitions of war, but by that pro-
cess we should punish ourselves also The
problem is difficult and complex one, and
the administration is entitled to the country's
helpful sympathy and patient endurance of
discomfort while the right solution is being
sought and found.