New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-01
HUGHES BACKS
ARMS TRAFFIC
Will Uphold Every
American Right,
He Declares

From STAT Correspondent OF The tribune
Evansville, Ind, Oct. 31.-A Demo-
cratic heckler who came all the way
from Louisville, KY, to Columbus, Ind,
to take a verbal shot at Charles h.
Hughes gave him an unexpected
chance to-day TO declare in favor OIL
an American policy that would protect
not only the right Of Americans to
travel in belligerent vessels, but also
their right to ship munitions of war.
Mr.. Hughes said emphatically that
he would not countenance munitions
embargo or warning to Americans
not to travel on ships owned oy any
of the nations at war.
an t..e event of your election he
was asked at great outdoor meeting
of fully $4,000 persons at Columbus,
town where the population is estimat-
ed at only 10000, will you or will you
not favor or oppose an embargo
against the shipment of munitions
from this country to Europe, and the
massage of a resolution warning Amer
leans not to travel in ships owned by
nations at war;"
Hughes Gets on Record
The crowd, as usual, would like to
have sauelched the disturber, but Mr.
Hughes silenced them and ordered an
officer to let the man repeat his ques-
ton. The heckler was we'll dressed
middle-aged man, who said later that
he wanted to get Mr.. Hughes ION the
record" in regard to such an embargo.
He did.
81. sir" replied Mr.. Hughes, Fam in
favor of the maintenance OF every
American right, including the right Of
travel and the right of shipment Of
arms. It is a very important right
that we have as a neutral nation. and
it is very important that at this time
when the great war is raging we should
vindicate neutral rights and maintain
the integrity OF international law
The question and its reply had no
direct bearing on the latest outbreak
If submarine warfare, but those who
heard Mr.. Hughes could not help asso-
ciatinp his stand with that occurrence.
MIR. Hughes's declaration was regarded
as one of the most important utter
ances of his campaign.
Must Look TO Future
"To nv mind" he continued. 1T is
very thoughtless policy that would sur
render any of these important rights
because of any sentimental consldera-
ton, when we have the vast necessi-
ties OF neutral commerce and the i'm
portance of the rights of neutrals to
consider with respect to the future OF
the United States.
"In all these matters we are looking
far 70 the future. We consider our
MACE as a great nation devoted to the
interests of peace. When these crises
arise we are trustees. really guardians
Of our future. We may. ourselves
though heaven forbid-be involved in
difficulties when these rights are OF
the utmost Importance.
I'VE should have the right to buy.
We must maintain the right to buy
We have the need-in the absence OF a
merchant marine-of utilizing the IA
cilities of travel. and We must protect
American citizens IN every right With
respect 70 life. property and commerce.
as 70 all nations.
Be Just, but Firm
What we want is an America stand
ing for its own rights, facing the world
with a sense OF justice, asking naught
hut that 70 which she is entitled; but
fearless and courageous. We need an
America foursquare TO the world. COM
mending itself by tie firmness and con-
sistency Of its policies, vindica,lng the
principles of international law and
showing itself the champion OF the
rights of neutrality.
I'VE cannot advance American trade
unless the American boy who goes out
into foreign ports. where perhaps his
flag is the only thing that stands be
tween him and ruin or death. can feel
that it is the symbol throughout the
earth of justice, Of frmness and of the
protection Of lives and property OF
American citizens"
All Southern Indiana seemed TO have
been caught to-day in the great wave
Continued on paxe q. column l