The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-02-05
MEANING OF
THE BREAK
"a Measure Short of War;"
but Hostilities Usual
ly Follow
NO CHANGE IN COM
MERCIAL RELATIONS
Status of Business and Indi-
viduals-Precedents for
Severing Relations

NdsHliiS toni req O.--DfedklnS on
diplomatic relations with Germany doe:
not mean war, but easily may lead tc
war, said a dispatch from Washington
Saturday. 1t is an act of protest charac.
terized in the usage of nations as a
measure short of war" The danger
that war may follow is accumulated by
the diplomatic history of the world.
Modern times show no instance of a
diplomatic break between two first-ca
powers that has not been followed by
hostilities.
The rights of Germans in the United
States and Americans in Germany were
virtually unaffected by the severance
of diplomatic relations. No treaties are
terminated or suspended, but remain in
full force and effect unless either govern
ment later decides to denounce them
which under international practice, gem
orally calls for notice of one year. Ger
man consuls in the United States and
American consuls in Germany holding
their places by virtue of treaties contin-
ue to perform their usual functions, but
they no longer work under supervision
of diplomatic officers.
There is no change in commercial re.
lations, already badly crippled by the
war. Individuals and corporation may
continue their usual affairs, provided
they do not deal in contra band and their
obligations are as binding as ever. The
courts still remain open to them for re-
dress, but they have no diplomatic off
Gals.
They may, however, be represented by
the diplomats of the friendly powers
selected to care for the interests of the
respective governments. There should be
no sequestration or confiscation for pri-
vate property, either in the United
States or Germany, although it may be
taken for use under certain circum-
stances.
The 95 or more German merchant
ships tied up in American ports since
the beginning of the war may be used
by the United States, but the German
owners must ultimately be compensated.
The ships, scattered in the ports Of
continental United States, Porto Rico
and the Pacific island possessions, in
Guiding the Philippines, comprise some of
the best known ocean liners and aggre-
fate 62s,S37 gross tons. Only in case of
war is there possibility of their being
absolutely confiscated and even such ac-
ton is doubtful, for the United States,
in the world court of nations, has been
the leading exponent of the inviola bility
of private property.
Mails will continue to move under the |
4 4.
special conventions. There should be no !
question upon the free movement OF |
travellers between the two countries, 9TH
er than the fixed policy of the United |
States to issue no passports to Ameri- |
cans wishing to visit the war zone I'M |
less they have pressing business there.
In fact, so far as individuals are con.
cerned, the status remains practically |
Unchanged by a break in diplomatic
relations. Upon the conduct of Amer
leans in Germany and the conduct of |
Germans and German sympathizers in
the United States depends the attitude
of the respective governments regarding
them.
There is, however. one relation be.
tween the United States and Germany
which ceases through diplomatic rupture.
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 be-
ing performed by American diplomatic
in England, in the French
amps in Africa and in the Russian
amps, extending to the icy wastes Of
Siberia, will have to be confined to 9TH
n hands. Likewise the welfare OF Brit
sh French, Russian and other allied
prisoners in Germany, Austria and Tur-
Key will pass to some other neutral
power.
The ministering hand of the United
states, which has cared for these men,
ost to their home and friends, which has
brought them food, clothing and medi- II
inc. and helped to cheer desolate ex- s
stence, will be withdrawn Someone else .
will have to take up the cause of hui {
nanity on land, while the United States. !
W severing diplomatic relations with /
makes protest against the vio- g
alton of humanity on sea. {
Preoedents for Breaking Relations.
Precedent for the severance of diplo- !
matte relations is found in modern his !
DRY only between lesser nations and
'etween fi-st-class powers and lesser
mes. The United States suspended dip
1matic relations with Mexico and only
ecently were they resumed. Ii sus- I
ended diplomatic relations with Mica.
aqua when the dictator, Zelaya, executed
wo Americans, Cannon and Grace. When G,
ohm Quincy Adams was president the
mericsn charge daifaires at Rio de- "
landed his passports and returned to
he United States without instructions y :,
ecause he considered mwarrsHted the u
,pture of American ships by Brazil .
IN war vessels enforcing a blockade :
resident Adams did not disapproye, but u
rail contended the charges action was
warranted by adequate international
iuse" and later the American legation =
as re-opened,
Under President buchanan the Amer
az minister to Mexico suspended the
cations Of his legation until he could ;.
. the view Of the United States on !,
hat he considered forced loans upon ~
merics in Mexico. Although President m
did not agree with the minis
r. action. he sanctioned closing the
CATION because Of wrongs 70 the Amer.
ans in Mexico. Ia.
Great Britain suspended diplomatic re- Re
tions with Venezuela for ten years m