THE UNITED STATES

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2234, 21 August 1914, Page 5

THE UNITED STATES

LONG MESSAGE PROM THE KAISER CONTENTS NOT DISCLOSED Washington, August 19. President Wilson has received from the German Emperor a lengthy message, which is understood to contain the Emperor's Ilinnke for the United States' good offices of mediation. It is understood that Germany refused the offer. Tho contents of tho message have not been disclosed. THE PRESIDENT TO THE PEOPLE. Washington, August 19. President Wilson, in addressing the American pooplo, warned the Americans against.committing any breach of neutrality or creating race hatreds within tho United Stntee itecif. Mr. Wilson reaffirmed his determination not to be

drawn into any dispute _with Japan regarding tho Far East. -'-• The President pleaded with Americans to curb their own passions and exhibit self-control and a. poise worthy of a great people.

PURCHASE OF FOREIGN SHIPS. Washington, August 19. President Wilson has approved a plan whereby appropriations will bo secured to enable the Government to purchase a number of ships, probably Gorman, to be used iu taking American foodstuffs abroad. Now York, August 19. The shipping interests are endeavouring to purchase German and Austrian •ships now compelled to shelter in Now York and Boston., Tho United. States has asked the Allios whether they will regard suo'h purchase as neutralising the German ships. No reply has been received.

It has been a common practice to. transfer vessels at the outbreak of war to citizens of a neutral State, in ordor that the neutral flag may protect them from capture. Sometimes these transfers aro merely colourable. The Prize Courts of France do not recogsales of merchant vossels by enemy subjects to neutral subjects durinff war. The English,and American Courts do not go bo far, but scrutinise every transfer very rigidly in order to be sure of tho good faith of tho transaction.