The Washington herald., 1916-01-19
Inviting a Real Blockade.

Publication of statistics comparing the quantit,
OF exports of foodstufs, cotton and various manu-
Ffactures from the United States to Germany and
to neutral European countries in 1915 with the
quantity sent to the same countries in 1913 has
aroused indignation in England coupled with a
demand for more rigid blockade that shall be
supported by hrm declaration to support it by
each Of the entente powers. The figures covering
two items sufficient to explain this demand for
a more effective blockade and the allies resent
nient of the intimation that the Washington gov
ernment will insist upon a modification OF the
methods adopted for the purpose of keeping sup
plies from reaching their enemies.
In 1913 the United States sent I2ooo, 900 bushels
of wheat to Germany, and in 1915 $4,000 bushels
In 1913 100000 bushels of wheat went to Euro
pean nations now neutral, and in 1915 5o,oooooo
bushels.
OF cotton the United States in 1913 sent I,I7o,-
900 bales to Germany, and in 1915 100000 bales To
European countries now neutral $4,000 bales OF
cotton were exported in 1918, and in 1915 I,Ioo
900 bales.
Probably no one will demand an elaborate argu-
ment to prove the ultimate destination of the
great bulk of these enormously increased exports
to neutral countries in 1915. Even Senator Hoke
Smith and the one newspaper that has been ravng
with him about the allies interference with our
commerce may be expected to concede that they
went to Germany. And now that there is danger
that the markets may be closed to the greater
portion of these enormous exports of our products
If is time to ask what service these agitators have
rendered to their country. Senator Hoke Smith
will have to answer that question to the cotton
growers of the South if the allies make their
blockade really effective
1t is not certain that the administration will
l. Il
present methods. If such was its recent determna-
tion that may have been modified as more de-
tcrmined policy is being considered by the allies
Whatever the course of the Washington govern
ment, however it will not be influenced by the out
bursts Of Senator Hoke Smith and his lone news
paper supporter. All they have accomplished is to
focus attention here and abroad upon our enor-
nous exports to neutral Europe and to create a
demand in England and France for drastic
blockade measures that if adopted will mean the
loss OF billions of dollars year to the people of
the United States.
The allies have been considerate to the utmost
limit of our commercial interests. They have finally
been goaded into resentment of the demands that,
for the trivial embarrassment caused to our ship
ping, they shall be held to stricter account than
the murderers of American women and babies. 1t
may yet be within the power of this govern
ment to prevent the extension and Tightening of
the blockade; there is no hope that it can bring
about modification of the present methods, and
the whole question is yet to be adjudicated Wash
ington may take its choice of demanding rights
that may not belong to us, getting much less and
running into a diplomatic deadlock or dealing
with the situation calmly becomes the states
men of the administration and the debatable
commerce that is at present. 1t is the
course dictated by the rules not only of good
sense, but of good business. American right.
on the high seas are in danger; in the end
justice will be done by the highest court that civil
lization can convene But in the allies extremity
we can hope for no great diplomatic victory for
uninterrupted commerce such we are supposed
to have won for humane submarine warfare; so
why force fight that is already lost?