The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1916-02-10


Oregonans position that munitions embargo would be
neutral fail to recognize that neutrality defined by
national law not by the of any country which
chooses to remain neutral As any nation which makes
morally bound by certain rules for violation of which it
be and called to account nation which
ra bound by other rules laid down by international law
Ii can be called to account for violation of those
belligerent which is injured thereby
international law provides that citizens neutral country
be free to sell contraband of begeren subject
to risk OF capture of the goods opposing begeren
right of begeren nations as of neutral citizens The
law does not make this right conditional the ability both
opposing begeren to exercise it, that is contingent the
fortune OF war The nation which by superior force
an control of the entitled to the opportunity thus gain
ed to buy war material neutral countries neutral govern
en Is not Tree under the law to deny that opportunity
SO doing 1t would act in unfrendy to the nation
winch was injured and would be neutral The injured
nation would have legal right to retaate even to make
war upon nation which acted in this unneutra manner
by placing an embargo the United States would con
cede the very principle by which Germany Austria justify
the acts OF their submarines and which Britain and France
justify their blockade President Wilson has condemned the
action OF these begents contrary to international law He
denies the right OF any nation to change the laws of
ger TO meet new conditions which have since the
began Were he to attempt change in the law defining the
duties OF neutras without the other nations he
would do that which he condemns the begerents for doing
he would set Germany and Austria free sink passenger ships
10 GROWN their passengers and He would Britain
and France free to seize ships carving goods which tb
suspected to be destined for the Teutonc powers by wav
OF neutral countries He would justify the allies in taking
this course retaliation for what they would consider an
neutral and unfrendly act.
The Presidents recognition of the oboaons which +
natlopa law imposes this Nation as condition of neutra
V is apparent in the steps he has taken prevent ang
smps Tor defense He did not that the United
States would permit vessels so armed to enter or
American ports for he knows that under international law no
one nation can rightly change the rules of war or of neutrality
mat only by consent of all the nations can this
age DE mace Dndng he has proposed the powers that
ley assent to doctrine In like manner he would nro
hblt export of and still maintain American neutrality
e other nations consented to that change the rules
nyuOud -
advantage OF the allies there no probability that
they would consent No course therefore, remains open to
the United States except to permit the munitions trade unless
an embargo should be declared in retaliation for done
TO Americans by allies AS the oense of the allies effect onv
for which damages be recovered by arbitration
we those OF the Teutons have taken e which can
etoreo there is no probty that the United States will
Teutons ~ 'e