Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 202, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1914 — BOARD OF NEUTRALITY TO BE ORGANIZED [ARTICLE]

BOARD OF NEUTRALITY TO BE ORGANIZED

H. 8. to Employ Experts to StemWashington, D. G, Aug. 26.—1 n order that the United States may not become involved in the ten separate wars in progress through interpretations of neutrality objectionable to belligerents, various departments of the government are organizing boards to consider and pass upon all questions that may arise. - The state department has placed at the head of the advisers of the secretary of state James Brown Scott, former solicitor of the department and a recognized authority on all questions connected with war. The navy department has formed a board of three officers— Captains Knapp, Oliver and (McLean. The war, commerce and treasury departments also have equipped themselves-with men of ability to consider these most Important matters. ' , That such action is highly desirable is shown by the fact that with the action <n the president in proclaiming neutrality as between Japan and Germany, the United States has taken cognizance of ten wars as follows: \ Austria-Hungary and Servia. Austria-Hungary and Russia. Austria-Hungary and Great Britain. Austria-Hungary and France. Austria-Hungary and Montenegro. Germany and Russia. Germany and Great Britain. • Germany .and France. Germany and Belgium. Germany and Japan. Such questions as have arisen todate have a certain importance;/ but the future promises more, the decision of which undoubtedly will give rise to irritation unless settled in Accordance with recognized practices.

The belligerents fully understand now that the U. 8. will not permit its ports to be used as bases of operations; that the same warship cannot coal more than once every three months In our territory; that merchant ships cannot come Into our ports and obtain fuel for belligererit warships (though this is regarded as an improper decision); that the Washington government frowns upon loans even by private bankers to belligerents; that absolutely uniform treatment shall be accorded to belligerents in the qse of wireless and cables, and that it is the purpose of the United States to stand up for the principle that “free ships mak£ free goods” « * But while these rules are understood there will be cases in which their application will be brought into question. It is natural that each belligerent will want the U. 8. to decide in its favor and thus bring about a condition of support which will be to its advantage. It is just this situation which the administration is determined to avoid. i