Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-06
Arm the Sims.


Of the charge.
Arm tho Ships
IT : for the people OF the United States to
1 saw whether their government shall re-
mai what "a little group of wllful men"
have made it--helpless and contemplate in
the sight OF the world. From Senate,
shackled by outworn precedent. the President
has appealed to the hearts and Judgment of
his fellow citizens. 1t is for them to declare
whether "wilful men shall he permitted 70
fasten their own infamy a sovereign nation.
There will bc-therc can be--but one
answer
There must be special session of Con-
Gress. but. the President has said. there
will be no utility in such Il session until the
senate has amended its rules and Supplied
me means to save the country from disaster.
But the immediate duty is for the Presi-
dent rather than for the people. There is no
doubt OF his right to equip with arms
The merchant vessels Of the United States:
the one doubt is TO what extent and in what
manner. and against what objects, this arma-
iaent may be employed The old statute.
passed in 1919 which has cast its shadow
over the country, declares that '.the com
mandcr and crew of any merchant vessel
may oppose and defend against any
aggression. search, restraint, depreciation or
seizure. which shall be attempted upon such
vcsse. by the commander or crew of
any ether vessel whatsoever, not being
publ" armed vessel Of some nation in amity
with the United States"
1t is clear that this statute was passed to
permit American merchantmen to resist
piratcal aggressions and that the exception
as TO armed public vessels OF nations at
ami;y with the United States was designed
10 prevent resistance to those lawful prac-
uces OF visit and search which beliigerents
exercise That warship Of a civilized power
would destroy without warning the peaceful
merchantmen of nation with which il is at
peace was never within the contemplation OF
Congress. Such acts, hundred years ago
were reserved for pirates. and properly we're
described as "piratical." 1t has been left
Tor Germany, i'll deliberate and wanton viola
ton OF all law. human and divine to make
atrocity part of her war policy.
Constituting this very statute, in the lead
ing case OF the United States against the brig
Aalek Adhcl Mr.. Justice Story said
Where the &c, uses The word "pirat,-
r ,S, =, does Ices, SO Oh, in general sense: inn
nor%ad by the ' law OF Nations IS nos
ID It's eomisson w and t an e winhnn
any so sans'en fGon any publ, au,hority
That the ac, belongs to s1 the class ns'n oS
% With n piss are nn in hs habit
81 or or Wa fnr Soss
power.
1t is true that Justice Story exempts from
his definition of acts which arc piratical those
which have the sanction of public authority
or sovereign power; otherwise, the present
practices OF German undersea boats could not
be better described.
But tho statute refers only TO aggression.
search. restraint, depreciation or seizure
Can these words, comprehensive as they un-
doubtcdly arc, be taken to include the un-
warned destruction of a vessel and the murder
OF passengers and crew? Can it be argued
Tat the Congress OF the United States ever
lntcAded TO take away from vessels and citi-
Zcns OF the United States the right 10 save
themselves q they can from such fate?
II il unthinkable
mere is no question of the right Of the
president TO arm merchant ships for their
own defense against unlawful attack This
government has reiterated its contention that
the attacks made by German submarines on
American ships are unlawful, and that No
sanction Of public authority or sovereign
power can give such attacks legality.
Lei The President. then, arm such NOR
chdn'mcn as apply for this protection We
snail construc our own laws Tho Con
grcss, with only twcnty-six dissenting votes
ont Of more than 500. has given its approval
ana BACK OF the Congress stand the Ameri-
can rcople, equally united to UNFOLD onr
honor and defend our rights If there is 9
doubt. let us resolve it in our own favor
Congress and people arc with the President
Let him but take the responsibility ana as
sumo tho leadership to which his great Office
'htitlcs MIN, and free nation will follow
where he calls.
Senator Norris thinks his course in the
receh, hlibuster may cause his defeat for re-
election That sounds almost too good to
be true.
Question for the Ma,or
the charge IS true that members OF the
purity squad ana other policemen have
been annoying travellers to Richmond bv sub
icctlng their baggage 10 search, without war
rant. Under general directions" the wrong