New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-12
HUGHES DEMANDS
ALL U. 5. RIGHTS
Nation, as Leading Neu-
trail, Must Uphold In
ternatiOnal Law.
from a stat Correspondent Of The rnbune.l

tFrom . STAT Correspondent, OF The rnbune.l
Charleston, w. Va, Oct. 11.-Persist-
ent efforts have been made since the
nomination of Charles E. Hughes to
Jockey him into an embarrassing posi-
ton on the violation of American rights
in the course Of the European war. His
policy on this important issue can be
stated with authority by The Tribune
correspondent in exposition Of the fol-
lowing declaration by Mr.. Hughes in
his speech to-day at Parkersburg:
81 stand for the development OF the
American nation according to the
genius of its institutions, for the honor
of our country in the protection OF
American citizens, and, with respect to
every American right on land and sea,
for its firm enforcement.
ave are before the world a great
neutral nation, to vindicate the integ-
rity of international law and the rights
Of neutrals. And | stand unfinchingly
for the maintenance of the rights OF
American citizens with respect to iite'
property and commerce"
Answers All Arguments.
This broad, general statement can
be applied in reply to all the argu-
ments with which Democratic cam
paigners have flooded the country IN
the last two months. II contains mr.
Hughes's own attitude toward the bel
lioerents and what he believes should
he the policy of the United States as
the greatest neutral nation. His posi-
tion is this:
When he speaks of maintaining
American rights on land and sea, he
refers to the operations of German
submarines just as emphatically as to
tho interference with American mails
and commerce by the Allied nations:
He has in mind every violation OF
neutral rights BY any of the European
belligerents. He has not made ana
will not make in this campaign any
denunciations of Germany, England,
France or any other nation AT "dt !:
Ue has not and will not lend himself
N sny attempt to draw the merits of
tho Furopean war into an American
Presidential campaign. He will not
hermit his candidacy 10 be used IN an
effort to fight out the war In the
United States.
This is an American campaign
There are great national prooiems 10
be solved. American issues are at
stake in the United States and not war
svmnathies. Mr.. Hughes refuses to be
drawn into any alignment of European
sympathles.
Would Aid All Neutrals.
He. speaks exclusively of American
RIGHTS" and their maintenance because
he believes that by a firm protection
of American rights with respect &c
lives. property and commerce tne
limited States can best vindicate the
integrity of international law and
thereby safeguard the similar rights OF
other neutrals. :.
MIR. Hughes believes his policy is
clear before the American people
whatever their sympathies may. Dc
toward the warning nations abroad.
These facts can be regarded as an
emphatic answer to efforts % the Will
son campaign orators and publicity ex-
merits 20 show Mr.. Hughes leans TO one
side or the other in the European war
MIR. Hughes regards such abortive en-
deavors as unworthy of an American
campaign. It may be stated unequivo-
cally that Mr. Hughes considers the
present issues and problems too I'M
portant to dignity any attempt to play
upon the European sympathies oi
American voters whether they be Ger.
man, English. Irish, French or what
not. -,
Mr.. Hughes regards international
law. as it relates 10 war, as a develop
men. Of treaties, conferences, agree
ments, international arbitrations, etc
for the protection of those outside bel
ligerency. lie does not mention Hol-
land. Sweden, Denmark and other neu-
trails in his declaration Of policy. for
the reason that the primary concern OF
America is for American rights.
What he does believe to b the duty
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