The Monticellonian., 1917-02-08

l Washington-Brea off diplomat ic relations with Germany does not mean war, but easily may lead to war It is an act of protest characterized in the usage of nations as measure short of war"
 The danger that war may follow is accentuated by the diplomatic history of the world. Modern times show no instance of diplomatic break be. tween two first-class powers that has not been followed by hostilities. The rights of Germans in the United States and of Americans in Germany are unaffected by the severance of diplomatic relations. No treaties are terminated or suspended, but remain in full force and effect unless either government later decided to denounce them, which under international prac- tice generally calls for a notice of one year.
 German consuls in the United States and American consuls in Germany holding their places by virtue of trea- ties continue to perform their usual functions, but they no longer work under supervision of diplomatic off, cers.
 There Is no change in commercial relations, already badly crippled by the war. Individuals and corporations may continue their usual affairs, pro- vided they do not deal in contraband. and their obligations are as binding as ever. The courts still remain open to them for redress, but they have no facility for direct intervention of their diplomatic officials. They may, how ever, be represented by the diplomats of the friendly power selected to care for the interests of the respective gov ernments.
 German Ships May Be Used.
 There should be no representation or confiscation of private property either in the United States or Germany, al- though it may be taken for use under certain circumstances.
 The 95 or more German merchant ships tied up in American ports may be used by the United States, but the German owners ultimately must be compensated. The ships, scattered in the ports of continental United States, Porto Rico and the Pacific islands possessions. including the Philippines, comprise some of the best known ocean liners and aggregate 62S,S37 gross tons. Only in case of war is there possibility of their being abso- lutely confiscated. and even then such action is doubtful, for the United States, in the world court of nations. has been the leading exponent of the inviolability of private property.
 In fact, so far as individuals are concerned, the status remains practi- cally unchanged by a break in diplo- matic relations. Upon the conduct of Americans in Germany and the con- duct of Germans and German sympa- thizers in the United States depends the attitude of the respective govern ments regarding them.
 Humanitarian Task Affected.
 There is, however, one relation be- tween the United States and Germany which ceases through diplomatic rup- ture. It is the humanitarian task of guarding the welfare of soldiers in the prison camps of their enemies and the care of German civilians detained in the entente countries.
 This vast task, which is being per formed by American diplomatic rep resentatives in England, in the French camps, in Africa and in the Russian camps, extending to the ice wastes of Siberia, will have to be con fined to other hands. Likewise the welfare of British, French, Russian and other allied prisoners in Germany, Austria and Turkey will pass to some other neutral power. The ministering hand of the United States, which has cared for these men, lost to their homes and friends, which has brought them food, clothing and medicine, and helped to cheer a desolate existence.