The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1917-02-08

does not mean war but easily may lead
to war. 1t is an act of protest char
acterized in the usage of nations as
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 diplomatic break between
two first-class powers that has not
been followed by hostilities.
hignts of Individuals Not Affected.
The rights of Germans in the United
States and of Americans in Germany
are practically unaffected by the sew
GRANGE Of diplomatic relations. No
treaties are terminated or suspended
but remain in full force unless either
government later decides to denounce
them, which unuer international prac-
tlce generally calls for notice of one
year.
German consuls in the United States
anu American conSuiS in Germany
holding their places by virtue of treat
les continue TO perform their usual
functions, out they no longer work I'M
der supervision Of diplomatic officers.
There should be no sequestration or
contisCatiOn of private property either
in the United States or Germany, al
though it may be taken for use under
ceruIn circumstances.
German Ships May Be Used
the 80 or more German merchant
ships tied up IN American ports since
tn beginning of the war may be used
by the United States but the German
owners ultimately must be compensat-
ed. The ships, scattered in the ports
of continental United States and tn,
island possessions, comprise some ol
the best known ocean liners and ag
gregate $685. tons.
Only in case of war is there posi-
bility of their being absolutely comm
Gated and even then such action is
doubtful, for the United States, in the
world court of nations, has been the
leading exponent of the inviolability
of private property.
Mails Still to Move.
Mails will continue to move under
the Geneva convention and other eX
listing special conventions. There
should be no restriction upon the free
movement of travellers between the
two countries other than the fixed pol
icy of the United States to issue NJ
passports to Americans wishing to
visit the war zone unless they have
pressing business there.
In fact, so far as individuals are
concerned, the status remains prac-
- ally unchanged by the break in di-
plomatic relations,
Upon the conduct OF Americans in
Germany and the conduct Of Germans
and Gs...ln synnppssthizefss II tae = ny.
ed States depends the attitude of 'ue
respective governments regarding
them.
Relief Work to Stop.
There is, however, one relation be-
tween the United States and Germany
which ceases through diplomatic run
ture. 1t is the humanitarian task OF
guarding the welfare of soldiers II
the prison camps of their enemies and
the care of German civilians detained
in the Entente countries.
The vast task which is being per
formed by American diplomatic repre-
sentatives in England, in the French
camps in Africa and in the Russian
camps extending to the icy waters OF
Siberia, will have to be confided tc
other hands. Likewise the welfare Of
British, French, Russian and other a.
lied prisoners in Germany, Austria and
Turkey will pass to some other neutra'
power.
Someone else will have to take u
the cause of humanity on land whl'H
the United States, by severing dipl"
matte relations with Germany makes
protest against the violation of h
mainly on sea.
Precedent for Action.
Precedent for the severance Of di
plomatic relations with Germanw b.,
the United States is found in modero
history only between lesser neutral
nations and first class powers and les
ser ones.
The United States suspended diplo-
matte relations with Mexico and only
recently were they resumed. 1t sus-
pended diplomatic relations with Mic
aragua when the dictator Zelava exc
cuted two Americans, Cannon and
Grace.
When John Quincy Adams was pres
ident, the American charge d. affair
at Rio Janeiro demanded his passports
and returned to the United Z State
without instructions because he con-
sidered unwarranted the capture n
American ships by Brazilian war YES
sells, enforcing blockade. President
Adams did not disapprove, but Braz;
contended the charges action was un.
warranted by adequate "intentlona
cause" and later the American lega
ton was reopened.
Under President Buchanan, the Am
erican minister to Mexico suspended
the relations of his legation until n,
could get the view of the Untet
States on what he considered forced