New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-24

Many Of the problems which viii stand
for solution at the termination of the Ger
man war will not keenly concern US as to
their details As TO one matter, however,
which presents as we'll indirect as direct
dangers every detail is of Importance. 1t is
the one embraced within the convenient but
misleading term "the freedom OF the seas.
The phrase was, perhaps got unconsderingiy'
put forward by Germany. and we have all
uncon sciously fallen into the habit of using
it, But in the phrase we have thus unsus-
pcctingly adopted is embraced the danger.
There are two sets Of questions involved in
the subject so designated Neither of them,
in fact, concerns that supposititious freedom
of the seas which in the full extent OF the
phrase could only exist under Utopian con-
Gitions. Two phrases which will define and
differentate those questions which involve
the danger from those which are harmless
should be adopted and persisted in in place OF
the German phrase.
"Sea traffic during war and sea traffic dur
ing peace" Maritime regulations in war and
in peace" Neutral maritime rights" MARI
time neutral and belligerent rights or any
Of many phrases could be employed; any OF
them would eliminate possibility or miscon-
coption and advantage the discussions at the
reace conference when it takes place. The
German phrase contains IN gremio the SEEDS
of a farreaching evil which might blossom
ut the peace conference and bear undeslra-
bic fruit thereafter. All concede that there
is to-day, and has long been. substantially
full and perfect freedom of the seas in time
Of peace" All will concede that so long as
war exists a possible condition IN the
world there can never be full and perfect
freedom of the seas in time of war"
War vs.. Peace
Rut the German phrase confounds together
the cutie separate matters of maritime rules
during war" and maritime rules during
reace" War is not yet obliterated from the
consciousness of men, and none dares nope
that it will be done away with beyond recall
by the pact which will terminate the German
war. II the phrase employed clouds the issue
or the inherent and radical difference be-
tween the two subjects, Germany Will doubt
less claim at the peace board that she IS
ranging herself on the same side as ourselves
or maritime questions, and thus divide our
She might thereby gain Incidental
~ an indirect advantage, for 1t would tehd
toward her obtaining our assistance In some
of her trafficking for such results as VIII IN.
sure another war. to settle the evils OF
which the seeds will be then sown (for the
genius of her national life accepts war as
method of national expansion). So, also, she
might gain the direct result Of producing
situation in maritime matters which would
advantage her in constructing the founda-
tions for future aggression-which, being
thereby the more protected. will be by so
louch the more successful than her present
attempt.
We must comprehend that when state
accepts war as a legitimate method Of ma
tional development she will in adjusting
terms of peace bear ever in mind the estab-
lishment of conditions which will facilitate
her war interests and initiate against those
or other nations. With this knowledge we
would be world criminals if we went to the
peace conference without a sharp line exist
ing in our consciousness between maritime
regulations in time of peace" and maritime
regulations in time OF war;" or failed to pro-
vide for their discussion and determination
as separate and distinct propositions. 1here
are matters to be adjusted in relation 10
the former subject-"the maritime laws OF
capable of reconcilement where
differences exist Except, doubtless, the IN
teresting question of customs duties versus
free trade" which it is not supposable that
the world is prepared as yet to undertake 10
solve or even to consider as world ques-
tom. Perhaps the principal ones are ac-
cess to the sea for all countries and the reg
,.lation of light dues, port charges and canal
tolls throughout the world.
The knotty Problem
As to the other question-"maritime regu-
lations in time Of war"-it is thorny and
knotty matter. Grave differences exist ana
the contest between the maritime rights CT
telligerents and the maritime rights OF heu-
trails is one calling for the employment Of
which will embrace an appre-
citation of many factors, if we are to bring to
C.n De Without 11xllrieS