New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-12
A LESSON IN NEUTRALITY
ude-Peny Of Directing British Orders
Council Hence We May Justly Professionalism Massacre I'm
prccedented Hence Our Right to Object Is Doubtful

present war I never heard OF a case IN which
self-respecting nation permitted its pri-
vate mail matter 70 be examined and de
tanned. There are Of record numberess prece-
dents for a peremptory demand accompanied
by threat OF immediate force when one ma
ton violates tho privacy OF the mails OF
another nation. II does not seem that such
acts are justified upon Engand's claim that
these seizures and detentions are made in
the territorial waters Of Great Britain, the
fact being that the vessels are forced out OF
their regular course and along Engand's
coasts because OF the presence OF mines
which she herself has placed. IN violation OF
the rights Of neutral nations 10 freely use
and navigate the high seas
As between this country and England ve
are entitled TO the same rights and exemp-
tons though there were no war in prog
ross. excepting only our vessels are found
with merchandise which under the law OF
nations mot England's Orders in Council
is either absolute or conditional contraband
if it can be proved that the merchandls Sc
is intended for the enemy of Great Britain
and is being carried in the face Of an actual
blockade. Our mails are protected both by
international law and treaty provisions.
We do not want war but we do want to be
prepared TO defend ourselves. II we should
to-day attsmpt TO enforce our protest to
England by cutting off her war munitions
and other supplies I would not be at all
surprised if a feet of British war vessels
appeared al the entrance Of New York and
Boston harbors and demanded the resump-
tion of those shipments upon pain Of imme-
date bombardment OF those cities.
We must remember that there is no senti-
ment in international law and in the deal
ings OF one nation with another expedency
controls moro frequently than any other ar
gument; also that justice is about the last
thing which is or ever has been considered:
the nation which is justly treated is the one
which is in position to compel respect BY
force.
We are in no position 70 play fsvorites;
II we are not prepared 10 accept the conse-
quences Of attempting 10 enforce our protest
against Great Britain have no right 20
attempt 70 enforce a like protest against
Great Brtain's enemy.
II 1t is Washngton's idea that expediency
demands that this country wink at the Of
fences of England and force Germany TO
terms Washington is making a mistake. We
have never received anything but good from
Germany I'D 20 the time Of the beginning OF
tHlS wal herman immigrants are among the
best Of those which have helped in the de-
velopment Of this country. American citi-
zens Of German extraction are good citizens
and good neighbors. England on the other
hand. has never missed an opportunity to
injure the United States, and she has prac-
tically ignored our Just protests upon the
subject Of interference with our mails, our
citizens and our trade. Englishmen in this
country are always Englishmen. and X ia
extremely seldom that an Engishman. though
he may live and grow rich in the United
States. becomes an American citizen
England never has good word for the
United States excepting when she needs the
United States
There is no need for US TO get into this
confiagration in Europe. If We are obliged to
enter il il will be because OF unwise taking
Of sides or because we loan 20 one side or
the other so much money that We cannot
afford TO sec our debtor lose.
ANDREW COLNIN.
New York. April s. 1916