Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-08-01
Plain Words to Britain

wv lords cannot be palmer than those adj
w dressed by this government to Great
Britain on the subject OF the British black
list OF American business firms. 1t is made
entirely clear the United States will not per-
nit its citizens to be penalized for actions
approved by international law without taking
steps to redress the wrong
The text Of the note makes it evident that
the administration is i'm possession of facts
that have not been shared hitherto with the
general public. Evidently the State Depart
ment has been hearing from some of the firms
and individuals on the black list and from
others who fear their names will appear on
subsequent list unless they consent to par
ticipate, at least negatively, in the allied
prosecution Of tho war.
Neutral bankers says the note refuse
loans to those on the list and neutral mcr-
chants decline to contract for their goods.
tearing a like prescription. . Americans
doing business in foreign countries have been
put on notice that their dealings with black
listed firms are to be regarded as subject TO
veto by the British government. BY the
same principle Americans in the United States
might be made subject to similar punitive
action If they were found dealing with any
OF their own countrymen whose names had
thus been listed"
Under such circumstances, no avowal of a
British purpose to soften the application OF
principle inevitably and essentially incon-
sistent with the rights of all the nations not
mVoiVed IN war can be acceptable to this
government. AS a matter of internal law,
Britain may insist making this discrm-
nation, just as this country may erect tariff
wall against particular country, but in the
latter case the United States will expect re-
taliation, and in the former case Britain will
he eXtraord nariy blind if she expects any
thing else.
AS The Times Dispatch has said on other
ho mos
the British black list, as applied to American
citizens, is its folly. Germany cannot he
greatly hurt by this policy. Either affection
Tor the country of their birth or ancestry or
the prospect OF the enormous gains the traffic
holds out, will be sufficient to keep at their
task such Americans as have been engaged in
supplying the wants of the central powers
They will not bow to British dictation They
Will be hurt and their operations will he
rendered more difficult but for every diff
hcnity there will be additional compensation
The real sufferers will be neutral traders who
find themselves in business relations with
those prescribed.
The uncerta nty and resentment and actual
loss thus 10 be caused will make the black
list a very Improbable venture The enor-
nous material assistance that allied control
or the seas has enabled Britain. France and
Russia 10 obtain from this country has been
accompanied by the strongest and most active
sympathy. America has felt the allies we're
hghttng the battle of freedom and civilization,
and therefore has prayed for allied success.
The black list is stab in the back. The
hest thing for Great Britain 10 do is 10 with
draw from position which promises no
proht, but which may result in substantial
losses Of business and affection
Inc Colonel is now furiously engaged i'm
making Oyster Bay sanitary. But he can't
do anything to clean up his Progressive