New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-24
So-CaHed Freedom of the Seas
Use of the Phrase Clouds the Issue and Conounds Entirely
Separate Matters
Blu Charles Stewart DaUison

its adjustment an equipment which VIII ar
ford reasonable presumption OF an ehauri"s
solution being reached, or even OF an ameiio-
ration in the future Of possibilities when are
shown by the German war to be ever lmm'-
nent. The primary step in CONSERVATIVE
preparation on our part would appear 70 De
clearing away the DISBURSEMENT OF the err
roneous phrase the employment whereof has
been regarded by some as part OF ger
many's forward looking propaganda, exist
ence of and her perseverance IN wnich mas
been heretofore known to the few, but has
now been displayed before an. at first IN
credulous, ultimately alarmed world. II the
maritime questions relating TO time OF peace
ard 70 time of war are considered together,
and not apart a backward rather than Tor
ward step will be the outcome OF the action
taken.
Our American Interests
So far as America is concerned, each OF
these two subjects and the rigid keeping
apart of the one from the other are among
the most important questions which Will be
dealt with at the peace conference FROM
our geographic situation maritime matters
involve the question of our primary relations
with the world at large, excepting only Cah-
ada and Mexico. In regard to those TWO ma
lions our pacific instincts and our recoghi-
ton of the rights of others, both nations ana
Individuals tend to guarantee US agains. 'he
arising with them of questions incapable OF
solution by other method than the employ
ment of force, as, though under extreme
revocation. the Administration has recently
demonstrated in the case OF Mexico IL Is
through maritime questions and exigencles-
leading to complications and irritatlohS anu
thence to graver situations-that there hes
the major probability of interruptions Tor US
as a nation of the pursuits OF peace. we need
10 excuse, therefore, for giving exhaustive
and earnest consideration TO every aspect OF
these two subjects both at large and IN detail'
nor for resorting TO care to see that our
CONSERVATIVES at the conference are fully
advised and equipped thereon, nor for seeing
to it that the two subjects are diferentially
treated. to the end that no confusion of idea
NAV arise, and that as no interminging OF
the two shall have been permitted to occur
in our preparation of the matter. or suffered
10 exist in the minds of our representatives,
Sc also none shall supervene in the discus
sions. or be present in the decisions when
may be arrived at.
Peril to stable world conditions, the upset
ting of any hope of the possibility OF control
of future aggressive wars through league
10 enforce peace, and the certain foundation
for many future wars, all reside in neglect
Of a distinct understanding of the difference
involved between, on the one hand, the treat
ment of these questions not only separately,
hut with comprehension of their respective
inherent attributes, and on the other hand,
an indeterminate mixing together OF the
two. founded on an assumption that though
the laws of war and the laws of peace may
differ on land, they can, nevertheless, De
successfully made to be the same at sea DUR
ing the existence of either OF those states
or conditions. 1t would be a counting of dis
aster to make such an assumption.
Discard German Technology
The time to regulate the matter is at the
outset, and if we should continue to use the
terminology of Germany we can hardly De
SURPRISED If we find that we have enmeshed
ourselves in a net, to break out OF when
may not be as easy as 1t may nave seemed
when the slightness of the strands OF whicn
il was composed was originally inspected
We can hardly assume that Immediately upon
the institution in Germany of a representa-
tive form of government, with responsible
ministry the entire character and tone, the
aims. ambitions and national aspirations OF
the German people, as established during the
centuries, will undergo radical ana all com
pretending change, as though magiclans
wand had been waved over the land. Such
changes lie outside all human experience.
England had representative form of gov
eminent, accompanied by responsible min
istry. for long period before the growth
of democratic institutions accomplished that
result on her part. Desirable, therefore, as
Il may be that aggression should pass from
the national mind, not alone of Germany,
hut of all countries, it may be doubted
v neither complete reliance can be placed upon
what may prove, if it. occur, more change
in form than a change in spirit in German
statecraft.