New-York tribune., 1918-03-12
Unanimously Grants the
Authority Sought by
Custodian
Blow at German
Trade Influence
No Treaty Obligation, Ad-
vocates Say, to Enrich
Nations Enemies

WASHINGTON, March 11.-Legisla-
ton authorizing the sale Of all enemy
property in this country, requested by
the Alien Property Custodian, to up
root German commercial influence per-
manently, was approved by the Senate
as part of the urgent deficiency ap-
preparation bill. An amendment en-
powering the President to acquire title
to the German steamship companies
docks and wharves at Hoboken, N. j.,
also was accepted.
The vote on the provision for sale
of enemy property was unanimous,
sixty-four Senators voting, and came
after several hours of scathing de-
nuncation of German kultur and in
trigue for world dominion.
The Senate tentatively accepted by
a vote of 33 to % an amendment IN
troduced by Senator Frelinghuysen, of
New Jersey, providing for the sale of
German property at public auctions
and to American citizens only.
Owners Living Here projected
Enemy property, within the meaning
of the law, is property owned in an
enemy country. and official assurances
have been given that there is no in
;ention to interfere with the property
or money of Germans or Austrians llv-
ing in this country. The purpose is to
sever forever the hold Of Germans in
Germany upon vast commercial and in
dustrial enterprises in the United
States. which have been closely con-
nected with the kaiser's government,
serving as outposts of the Teutonlc
movement for world dominion.
Under the trading with the enemy
act. the Alien Property Custodian
takes possession of and administers
these properties, but Is without au-
thority finally to dispose Of them: The
new legislation will empower HIM to
place them in American hands.
Virtually the only questions raised
in to-day's debate were the possibility
of violating the treaty of 1899 between
Prussia and the United States and OF
700 hasty action by Congress. Expect
ed opposition to the provision for pur-
chase OF the Hamburg gAmerican and
North German Lloyd docks at Hoboken
failed to manifest itself.
Prompt approval of both provisions
the Senate finally disposes of the
$4,000. 100000 urgent deficiency appro
priation bill. to which they are added
Before the Senate acted Democratic
Leader Martin presented a memoran
dunn from the State Departments legal
bureau declaring that the 1859 treaty
was not regarded as applicable.
What is to be done with the pro
ceeds of the sale of German interests
which some Senators to-day suggested
are owned in part by Emperor William
himself, is a policy to be determined
later In making this clear Senator
Martin vehemently declared that he
believed personally that Germany
should not receive one dollar Intil She
compensates Americans for property
illegally destroyed.
Let America Be Compensated
Speaking for myself and, think,
the American people," said the Sen
ator. "if the German people ever get
any compensation, it Will be after they
have compensated the American people
for the millions-l would even say
billions .of dollars worth of property
they have ruthlessly destroyed"
Quoting from statements Of A.
Mitchell Palmer. the Alien Property
Custodian, when he appeared before the
senate Appropriations Committee in
urging the legislation, Senator Martin
said many Of the German owners had
returned to Germany and now are wag-
lae war on this country.
It is inconceivable, he added, off
%e are to make any accounting that
Z shall be made without an accounting
from Germany for the destruction Of
~. # 80. i
forbid that should protect interests
81 the German people any more than I
am compelled to-"
That Germany regards the 1899
treaty as mere scrap of paper" was
asserted by Senator Underwood, of
Alabama, who said the treaty did not
interfere with the sale Of German prop
crty proposed.
Let the junker know that America
5 fighting in earnest" said Mr.. Under
wood. 1T is entirely probable that the
German Emperor himself. holding in
the names Of other persons, owns d
large part Of the property involved"
Senator Stone, of Nfssouri. chairman
81 the Foreign Relations Committee.
said that examination of the treaty Of
1893 and various authorities on inter
national law convinced him that the
amendment authorizing the sale Of
enemy property was proper. He said
ms purpose IN asking that considera-
tion OF the amendment, when called up
last Saturday, be postponed was to per
mt him to make this inquiry. for if
he amendment confictcd with the
freaty he did not think the United
States should follow bad examnIe in
the treatment Of our obligations as
scraps Of paper"
America Adheres to Pledges
The proud thing in our history is
the fact that the United States adheres
even If It might be to it's great disad-
Vantage, TO It's solemn faith and
pledge Senator Stone added al
"auted 70 look into this matter. Az a
result Of my Investigations I CONCLUDED
lnat TINS legislation waa proper. ant
nfnce was taking no part in the dls.
cossion."
In urging his amendment providing
ioT puoIic auction sales Of enemy prop
"rty and prohibiting private negotiation.
senator FrciInghuysen said his purpose
vas 70 protect american minority gtocl
interests In German-owncd CORPORA.
tions- He also urged that the alien
property custodiau'g act should be sub
Ject 10 review. Senator Martin opooac,
She amendment, which il subject Ia .
final Yofe later, on the ground that j,
night handicap Mr. palmer's action.
Senator Martin quoted from "A state.
.aent ny A. Mitchell Palmer the alien
property custodian, to the Appropria.
4