Early Statesman synthesis distilling legal jargon into practical meaning, statutory anchors, and structural constitutional impacts.
This executive order, signed by President Woodrow Wilson on 1914-08-08, establishes federal administrative policy concerning "Giving the Treasury Department Full Authority to All Customs Officers in the Enforcement of the Neutrality Laws During Emergency." It is a direct, concise executive instruction delivering focused administrative or military commands to department leadership.
Constitutional Assessment: This action represents an orderly exercise of Article II administrative discretion, managing the internal machinery and personnel of the executive branch without abridging the ancient liberties of the people.
Key Directives & Operative Actions
▪That all instructions to customs officers concerning the enforcement of the neutrality laws of the United States, shall, until otherwise directed, be issued by the Treasury Department.
Exec. Order No. 2017, Woodrow Wilson (Aug 8, 1914). Available at https://executiveordersarchive.org/orders/app-executive-order-2017-giving-the-treasury-department-full-authority-all-customs-officers.
Official Document Text
Source: The American Presidency Project (UCSB Archive)
In order to secure a more prompt and effective enforcement of the neutrality laws to meet the emergent conditions now existing, it is hereby ordered that all instructions to customs officers concerning the enforcement of the neutrality laws of the United States, shall, until otherwise directed, be issued by the Treasury Department. WOODROW WILSON THE WHITE HOUSE, August 8, 1914.
