America

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 309, 30 December 1914, Page 5

America

WHAT IS CONTRABAND?

United Press Association

Washington, December 28

The United States’ Note to Britain also quotes Lord Salisbury, pointing out that in the course of correspondence with Washington during the Boer war he laid down the dictum that foodstuffs were only liable to seizure as contraband if consigned to the enemy’s forces. It was not sufficient that foodstuffs should be capable of being used to feed enemy forces, but it must be shown that such was the destination at the time of seizure. The importance of this contention consists in that if it is upheld the United States will be able to supply Germany and Austria with food, and hence prolong the war indefinitely and neutralise the efforts of the British fleet.

The Note was despatched to Sir Edward Grey and asserts that much hostile feeling has been generated in the United States, owing to the activities against American cargoes. While the representations are made in a friendly spirit, it is pointed out that pubic opinion holds Britain responsible for the present depression of American industries. Reimbursement for seized cargoes is declared to be no remedy for the grievances. The chief difficulty is the moral effect on American exporters, who are restrained from taking risks which they otherwise would in trading with neutral countries. A full statement of the British attitude is asked, in order to take steps to protect American citizens'engaged in legitimate trade. The Note is vigorously worded, and is declared to be the strongest addressed to any belligerent since the outbreak of war.

REUTER CONFIRMS THE DE-

MAND.

(Received 8.45 a.m.) London, December 29

Reuter states that America has demanded an early improvement in the British fleet’s treatment of American commerce.

THE IMMIGRATION PROBLEM.

(Received 9.0 a.m.) New York, December 29

Most students of the immigrati in problem opine that a severe labor famine will follow the-war, the proposed further restrictive legislation inflicting incalculable national injury.

YANKEE BLUSTER.

WARNING TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE

SILENCE MIGHT BE' MISCONSTRUED.

(Received'lo.ls a.m.) London, December 29. Reuter’s Washington correspondent says: The Note cites numerous cases of detention and seizure, and warns Britain and France that much feeling has been aroused at what is characterised as an unwarrantable interference with legitimate trade. The Government was patient at the outbreak of the war, but there has been no improvement for five months although the shiopers adopt ed Britain’s various suggestions. The British fleet has not differentiated between absolute and • conditional contraband.

The Note quotes Lord Salisbury’s j doctrine regarding foodstuffs shipped to the Transvaal during the Boer war, and 1 which was contraband only if supplied to the enemy’s forces. The Government, it states, cannot tolerate undue delays in examining and diverting ships into belligerent ports merely on suspicion. Proof of a hostile destination must be in evidence at the time of the search.

The Note charges Britain with detaining American copper consignments while Scandinavian consignments to Italy go unmolested. The burden, of proof must be imposed on belligerents. 1 The Note refers to Britain’s high principles in the past in championing the freedom of the seas, and makes the protest in a friendly spirit, but considers it is best to be frank, lest silence should be considered acquiescence in the infringement of American rights.

UNITED STATES WARNED.

“REMEMBER THE PAST AND THE

FUTURE!"

(Received 12.45 p.m.) Washington, December 29,

Mr Poultney Bigelow, the well-known barrister, through the press, warns America that if Germany wins she will be sure to create trouble among the South American Republics, where thousans of Germans are now living. Germany’s persistent ridicule of the Monroe Doctrine was based on the desire to ignore the dispute. If once Britain’s support thereof is demolished, even if Germany is defeated, she will he sure to cherish revenge, and probably seek expansion in South America as an offset to the defects in Europe and the loss of her colonies in Africa and the Pacific. Before America would have time to think, Germany’s flag would [he easily planted in South America. German submarines were studying marine geology throughout the West Indies.

Mr Bigelow recalls how Britain threw neutrality to the winds when Admiral

Dewey was menaced in the Far East in -1898 hv German naval forces; how Britain prevented Germany bullying the United States to evacuate the Philippines; and how Britain stood between

the United States and Germany ever since.

Mr Bigelow urges the United States to participate in the present struggle, in order that the Monroe Doctrine might become part of the world’s Public Law.

(Poultney Bigelow, M.A., F.R.G.S., tbo well-known barrister .and writer,, was born in New York in 1855, and was educated at the Columbia University Law School and Yale. He was admitted to practice at the Supreme Court Bar, New York, in 1882. He voyaged round the world in a sailing ship 187576, and was wrecked on the coast of Japan. Has travelled China, South and East Africa, West Indies and Demarara; has made canoe voyages on most of the principal waters of Europe and was the first to canoe through the Iron Gates of the Danube. He practised law in New York, after which he became correspondent for Special Work, being correspondent for the London Times at Tampa in 1898, in which year he also visited the Philippines. He has lectured extensively before different American Universities on modern German history and International Relations. Among his publications (and there arc many) are “The German Emperor and his Eastern Neighbours” (1891), “The Borderland of Czar and Kaiser” (1893), “History of German Struggle for Liberty” (1895), and “White Man’s Africa” 1897), •