The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-04-27
The RULES Laid DOWN,
Lord Salisbury Defines EngIand's
Neutral Attitude.
DUE DILIGENCE MUST BE USED.
Be,Iigercnts Can Not Use tho Port
of Neutral Nntion--cGrmany's
Position Excitcs Interest.

from the British foreign office signed by
Lord Salisbury announcing that the
queens proclamation OF neutrality between
the United States and Spain had been
signed.
The three rules to which Lord Salisbury
directs special attention are OF exceptional
moment Just at present owing to the pres
epce In British ports of several warships.
including the Somers and Albany, intended
for the United States navy. The three
rules are as follows:
A neutral government is bound, first 10
use due diligence to prevent the fitting out,
armng or equipping within its jurisdiction
of any yassel which 1t has reasonable
grounds to believe is intended TO cruise or
to carry on war with a power with which
il is at peace and also to use due diligence
to prevent the departure from its lurisdic-
ton of any vessel intended to cruise or
carry on war as above.
Secondly, not to permit or 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 sup
plies or arms or the recruitment of men.
Thirdly to exercise due diligence in its
own ports and waters and as to all persons
within its jurisdiction to prevent any vio-
lation of the foregoing obligations and
duties.
The second rule doubtless accounts for
the enforced departure of the United States
g11 To- l, ru
to apply directly to several ships purchased
by the United States abroad and now hur-
rying 10 completion in British yards. Most
important of these is the fine cruiser AL
bany, formerly the Abrouele, of the Bra
lillian navy. From the strict rule adopted
In stopping the torpedo boat Somers and
the mail steamer Island. it is believed
that the rule against the departure of
warships will be given very rigid con-
struction. The British proclamation of
neutrality is the first one to be issued
probably because of the important COM
mercial interests involved.
Doubt is expressed here as to the re-
port that the proclamation was due to
an understanding between the United
States and Great Britain in order that
other countries might adopt similar at
titude. II is hardly believed the United
States would urge such proclamation the
49, ChtNN VI NulCu IS 10 keep American
warships now nearing completion in British
ports from sailing.
Portngals action is regarded as espe-
cially important at this time. owing to
the fact that Cape Verde Islands, the
Azores and the Madeiras belong to Por
tugal, All of these groups have fine har-
bors and coaling facilities and are so To-
Gated as to be of vital service to the Span
ish navy in case their use was not barred
by Portugal's neutrality.
The neutrality of Portugal will prevent
a longer use of those islands as a base
of operations for the Spanish ships or
even stepping place for them They will
be forced 10 reach their own ports. the
Canary Islands probably being the most
advantageous now that Cane Verde and
other Portuguese islands are closed against
them.
The report that Germany would not issue
IL proclamation of neutrality in order to
leave her hands free for intervention, IL it
seems desirable, can not be confirmed in
diplomatic quarters here On the contrary.
there is every indication that Germany
VIII observe strict neutrality and a semi
official announcement 10 that effect was
made a week ago in an inspired paper Of
Germany, 1t is understood that Germany
will consult her practical and commercial
Interests rather than any sentimental con
sideration SO long as German ships an
German commerce are unmolested during
the war Germany's neutral attitude is Like
ly to he maintained II. however, German
interests suffer by search and seizure on
the high seas, then Il Is not so certain
that strict neutrality will be continued.
II Is held among leading diplomats that
no question can he raised as TO the status
of Senior Polo at Toronto, He is said TO be
a private citizen, having the right of domi-
all L..