The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-11
SEIZED FLOUR RELEASED.
No More with he stopped, Unless II
II intended for Use Of the
Nt BOer Government.


LONDON, Jan. 10-The American flour
seized on Delagoa bay has been released.
Ambassador Choate had an interview with
the Marquis of Salisbury this afternoon
and received a verbal reply to the represen-
tations Of the Washington government.
The British note on this subject was sent
later to the United States government. The
gist of 1t was cabled to Washington. In
brief foodstuffs are not considered contra
band Of war unless intended for the use
of the enemy.
Many Difficulties to Meet.
The foreign ONCE only arrived at de-
cfsion today, and 1t was not until after
Mr.. Choate's interview with the Marquis
of Salisbury that a note embodying the
provisions was drawn up. Several Of the
governments advisers wanted to make
regulation regarding canned goods, but this
was decided to be impracttcable The de-
cisfon to make flour and grain in transit
to the enemy contraband Is evidently hedg-
ed in by many difficulties Of execution, but
the foreign ONCE believes that investiga-
ton will generally determine whether the
grain Is meant for consumption at Lou
renzo MARQUEE or in the Transvaal.
Favorably Reply Expected.
Mr.. Choate cabled Lord SalIsbury's note
to the state department at Washington to-
night and Col. Hay is expected to reply
accepting the terms. The latter step was
not taken by Mr.. Choate as he had first
to receive authority from the state depart
ment to do so.
Not Received in Washington.
WASHINGTON, jan 10.-JIp to the close
Of office hours the answer of the British
government to Mr.. Choate's representations
as to the seizure of American flour and
other goods had not been received at the
state department. Nor has Mr.. Choate in
dicated when an answer may be expected
and the state department, basing its judg-
ment on the fact that 1t Is still, at the
ambassadors request. collecting and trans
hitting to him Information relative to the
character Of the goods. needed for the full
presentation OF the case, scarcely expects
an immediate answer. 1t would, of course,
be gratified at an early response. but the
feeling is that anything returned at this
moment must be partial answer or rather
a communicate ton that ia calculated to throw
the matter into an argumentative stage.
Resolution in the Senate.
Senator Hale, of Maine, today offered
the following resolution regarding the al
legged seizure of American flour by the
British government:
whereas, The property of citizens Of
the United States. not contraband of war.
has been lately seized by the military au-
thorities Of Great Britain and near Del
agoa bay. South Africa, without good rea-
son for the same, and contrary 10 the
accepted principles OF international law;
and,
"Whereas, Said property is now unjustly
detained by the military authority OF
Great Britain, in disregard of the rights
of the owners of the same; therefore, be II
Resolved, BY the senate of the United
States, That the secretary Of state is here
by requested to send to the senate all in
formation in possession of the state de-
partment relating to said seizure and de-
tention. and also to inform the senate what
steps have been taken in requesting the
restoration of property taken and detained.
as aforesaid, and whether or not the de-
partment has informed the proper British
authorities that II said detention is per-
sisted in such act Will be considered as
without warrant and offensive to the gov
eminent and people of the United States"
Admits Obligation to Pay.
BERLIN, Jan. i0-Several foreign Of
flee officials expressed themselves more
freely about the British seizures OF Ger
man vessels Great Britain's formal writ
ten answer to Germany's formal protest
has not yet been received, but another oral
declaration by Lord Salisbury to Count
Won Hatzfeldt, the German ambassador
In London, has been telegraphed to Ber-
lin, showing that Great Britain admits
her obligation to pay damage for seizing
vessels not carrying coutraband. It - I'd.