The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1917-02-10

Washington Breaking OF diplomat
ic relations with Germany does not
mean war, but easily may lead 10 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 diplomatic break be
tween two tirst-class powers that has
not been followed by hostilitics.
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 lull force and effect unless either
government later decided to denounce
them, which under international prac-
tlce generally calls for a notice of one
year
German cOnsuls in the United States
ana 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.
mere is no change in commercial
relations, already badly crippIed bv
the war. individuals and corporations
may continue their usual affairs. pro-
Vlded they do not deal in contrahand
ana their obligations are as binding
as ever. The courts still remain omen
10 them for redress, but they have no
FACILITY for direct intervention of their
diplomatic officials. They NAV. how. /
ever be represented by the diplomats .
Of the friendly power selected to care
lor the interests of the respective gov
arnments.
German Ships. May Be Used.
There should be no spquestration or
'onilscatiOn of private properly either
n the United States or Germany. al
hough it may be taken for use under
certain circumstances.
The 80 or more German merchant
ships tied up in American norris may
De used by the United States, but the
rerman owners ultimately must be ,
The ships. scattered in
ne ports OF continental United States
'Orto Rico and the Pacific islands
including the Philippines -,
ohprise some of the best known =,
c'an liners and aggregate 62S,S37 .
ross tons. Only in case of war ie
mere possibility of their being abso- 9
ltely contiscated. and even then suc,,
c'lon is doubtful. for the U.,Ited )
tateS. in the world court of ..ations =.
as been the leading exponc nt of tba
lVlolability of private property. r
IN TACT, so far as individuals are .
1ncerned, the status remains practi-
ally unchanged by a break in dinIo-
atIc relations. Upon the conduct of :,
mericans in Germany and the con.
let OF Germans and German svmpa.
'IEerS in the United States depends !,
J" attitude of the respective govern. !,
ents regarding them. -, -
Humanitarian Task Affected
There is, however. one relation no h.
'een the United States and Germany 81
men ceases through diplomatic run Y.
re. 1t is the humanitarian task of h,
ardlng the welfare of soldiers in tbo n,
lSon camps of their enemies and tba ii,
re OF German civilians detained in A,
p entente countries.
This vast task, which is being nor -,
'm"d by American diplomatic rem. Or
'eh'a'lVes in England. in Tho II,
ench camps, in Africa and in tho bc
SSlan camps, extending to the ice 81
stes of Siberia, viii have to he CON II
cd to other hands. Likewise the
flare Of British. French. Russian mi
other allied prisoners in GERMANY rio
stria and Turkey will pass TO some 90
Ter neutral power. The minfsterjnp rio
nd OF the United States. which has dr
ed for these men. lost tn tboi- NO
mes ana friends, which has brought "a,
m food, clothing and medicine. and ga
ped 10 cheer a dcsolate existence io,