Turn the Other Cheek?

(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

It appears to me that the letter in Saturday's CRIMSON, defending the German submarine warfare, is founded upon a misconception of the status in international law of the British blockade and the proposed submarine blockade. International law has always refused to acknowledge the validity of a paper blockade. The German submarine blockade can never be anything but a paper blockade for the very nature of the submarine makes it impossible to surround England with a cordon of blockaders. The submarine is easy prey for a warship and hence it must keep on the move. And Germany, according to international law, has no right to forbid neutrals to trade with England until an actual blockade is established.

England, on the other hand, has established an effective blockade. She has not filled the North Sea with a host of commerce raiders (which is what the submarines are) but has drawn a cordon around Germany's ports. And haying established a real blockade England can, under international law, refuse to allow neutrals to trade with Germany. England has at times overstepped her rights but American pocketbooks, not American lives, have suffered. America may be a land of dollar-worshippers, but there is a finer sense left in us yet which for once has made us look beyond our purses, at the rights and honor due to American citizens!

If we regard the new submarine activity not as an attempt to blockade England, but as an attempt to destroy her commerce by a host of raiders, we will be confronted by two facts. First, the submarines can make no provision for the safety of the crews of the vessels destroyed, and intend to sink merchant ships on sight. Such action of course is a direct repudiation of all German promises to America. The second apparent fact is that Germany has had the insolence to dictate to us just how many ships we may send to England, when they must arrive, what port they must sail to, and how they must be painted! As she has no blockade, Germany has absolutely no right to claim control over commerce with England. The German mailed fist has pulled American's nose before, which was shameful; now it has slapped her face, which is unbearable. ROYALL H. SNOW '20.