The Harrison times., 1917-02-10

washington-pr prisking off diplomat
ic relations with Tiermany does not
mean war, but easily may lead to war
1t 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 a diplomatic break be-
tween two frst-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
GERS.
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 seQuestration 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 628,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 break IN diplo-
matte 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. 1t 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.
resentatiyes 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 desolate existence