Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-04-27
BRITAIN PRoCLArMs NEUTRALITY.
Paying Special Attention to the Rules De.
veloped by the Alabama Case.

veloped by the Alabama Case.
Washington, April 27.-S,r Julian
Pauncefote, the British ambassador.
from the British foreign office signed
by Lord Salisbury. announcing that the
queens proclamation of neutrality in
the war between Spain and the United
States had been signed. The dispatch
states that the proclamation is similar
to those issued on former occasions. but
in addition directs special attention to
the three rules of the treaty of Wash
ington of May s. 1S11-article (Which
will be observed toward both countries.
The three rules to which Lord Salisbury
directs special attention are of excep-
tional moment just at present, owing
to the presence in British ports of sew
eral warships, including the Somers and
Albany, intended for the United States
navy.
The three rules are as follows: "A
neutral government is bound-First, to
use due diligence to prevent the fitting
out. arn1ing or equipping. within its
jurisdiction, of any vessel which it has
=
tended to cruise or carry on war with a
power with which it is at peace; and
also to use like diligence TO prevent the
departure from its jurisdiction of any
vessel intended to cruise or carry on
war as above, such vessel having been
specially adopted, in whole or in part.
within such jurisdiction, to warlike use.
Secondly, not to permit or to suffer
either belligerent to make use of its
ports and waters as the base of naval
operations against the other. or for the
purpose of renewal or augmentation OF
military supplies or arms, or the re-
cruitment of men. Thirdly, to exercise
due diligence in its own ports and
waters, and as to all persons within its
jurisdiction to prevent any violation of
the foregoing obligations and duties"
The second rule doubtless accounts for
the enforced departure CT the United
States fleet at Hong Kong. The first
rule apears to apply directly to several
ships purchased by the United States
aLroad. and now hurrying to compile
ticn in British yards Nest important
of these is the fine cruiser Albany, for
merly the Abrouo2n, Of TIE Brazilian
navy.
From the strict rule adopted in stop
ping the torpedo boat Scmers ard tae
Ii=il steamer Ireland as reported by
press dispatches, it is believed the rule
against the departure Of warships viii
he given a very rigid construction. The
British proclamation Of neutrality is the
first one to be issued. probably because
n q toll I'M,
involved. Doubt is expressed here as t.
the report current in London that the
proclamation was due to an under
standing between the United States and
Great Britain, in order that other coun-
tries might be urged to adopt a similar
attitude of neutrality 1t is hardly be-
lieved the United States would urge
proclamation the first effect of which is
TO tie up American warshps nearing
completion in British yards.
1t was stated in nigh diplomatic quar-
tiers that no further doubt existed as
to the attitude Of Portugal in maintain
ing neutrality. This is regarded as spe-
cially important at this time. owing to
the fact that the Cape Verde islands,
the Azores and the Madeiras belong to
Portugal. All of these groups have
fine harbors and ccallng facilities, and
are so located as to he of vital service
to the Spanish navy in case their use
was not barred by POrtugal's neutrality
The neutrality of Portugal will prevent
a longer use of these islands as a base
of operations for the Spanish ships. or
even a stopping place for them. They
will be forced to one of their ovn ports.