El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1917-02-26

president Wilson was intending 20 ask
other neCtralS TO Join the United SLates
in armed neutrality. the fact that he
already had invited them to join this
country in breaking off Of diplomatic
relations with Germany aroused some
speculation as 10 whether be might
not ask neutrals to yoin Win 1ne United
states IN the latest move holland,
Norway and Spain, especially with
their merchant marine being rapidly
destroyed, il was pointed out, might
consider joining with the United States.
The last time the United States was
IN a state of armed neutrality was dur
ing the war between France and Eng
land. which ended with tns downfall
OF Napoleon.
France Seized American ships.
After many acts against american
commerce bound for England. France,
on January IS. 1888. decreed that every
vessel found AT sea loaded with mar
chandise produced in England. OF hey
possessions could be made prize.
Many American vessels were seized
and in June. 1898, president Adams re-
gan to obtain from congress broad an
thoriIy 20 protect American commerce
necessary.
and to put the United States in a bet
ter position TO make war II 1t became
Preparation for Emergency.
In rapid succession laws acre made
20 increase the naval armament, 70 au-
a0rize q provisional army, to arrest
md eXpel aliens. 20 authorize the de-
fence OF merchant ships against French
ressels and TO enable tho president TO
borrow money.
on July ?. 1898 president Adams ap-
proved an act reciting that since treat
les repeatedly had been violated b.
France. just claims for reparation re-
fused and . system OF predatory Tio-
lsnce" had been pursued b. the French
government, the United States we're IF
right freed and exorerated from The
stipulations of the treaties" and that
these compacts should not henceforth
be regarded as legally obligatory on
the government or citizens o. 5he
United States.
Later. in the same year, further pro-
visions was made for augInenting the
army and George Washington accepted
the chief command
Fall Measure Provides for Defence.
The resolution introduced Saturday
by senator A 3. Fall. of New Mexico,
and now before the senate foreign re-
lations committee provides for the use
of the ARMED vessels belonging TO the
United States TO extend protection to
the vessels and property Of the citizens
of the United States ane seize. take
and bring into port or to destroy, il
sells Of either Of the central powers and
particularly OF the imperial German
government which shall have committed
or which shall be found threatening to
commit depredations on the vessels be
longing to the citizens of the United
States OF contrary to international law.
or committing or threatening to com
nit depredations upon other vessels
upon which are being transported citi-
Zens to the United States or their prop
erty and also retake any ship or yes
sci OF any citizen or citizens of the
United States which may have been
captured by any such armed vessel OF
the said central powers or either OF
them"
Provides 50O.OO0 More Men.
It also would provide for defence
Of vessels against search and seizure
and. in the event Of n declaration of
war against the United States or OF
imminent danger Of war before the ses-
sion of the next congress. would au-
thorize the president 10 raise an addi-
tional army of 500. 600 men.