The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-16
AMERICAN FLOUR SEIZURE.
HISTORY OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
HAD OVER THE MATTER.
All the Papers which Passed in Con-
nection With the Cases Sent Into
the senate In Response to Resolu-
tfon Passed Requesting Them.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15.-Responding to
the senate's resolution of January 10 the
president today sent to the senate a re-
pert from the secretary OF state with &C
companying papers, showing the steps that
have been taken to obtain the restitution or
property of American citizens seized by the
military authorities of Great Britain IN or
near Deagoa bay. The report consists en-
tirely of the correspondence between the
state department and Ambassador Choate
and the British government
The fact that the -four seized had been
released was published.
The correspondence begins with the re-
port of Consul General stowe. located at
Cape Town, made on December s and re-
lating 10 The detention of the British snip
Maria and the Seizure OF the British ship
Mashona, and also the Beatrice, all carry
ing American flour and other food stuffs for
the Transvaal. These acts were brought 10
the notice of Ambassador Choate by score
tary Hay on December n, when the latter
was instructed ito bring the matter to the
attention of the British government and 70
inquire as TO the circumstances and legal
ity Of the seizure"
He added:
"If it was illegal you will request prompt
action and restitution.
Consul Hollis, at Lourenzo Marquee, was
instructed at the same time ito use all
proper efforts to protect the property OF
American shippers"
Mr.. Choate's first note. dated January /,
relates to the American -four on the Mush-
ona and he says in this that the vessel was
brought into the prize court ION the charge
of trading with the enemy"
On January Mr.. Choate was instructed
by Mr. Hay to the effect that he should
represent the views OF this government to
be that unless 1t can be shown that the
goods were contraband II does not regard
them as subject to capture under the cir
cumstances represented.
on January Mr. Choate reported a con-
ference with Lord Salisbury. who, he said,
srfa f,7g hat ha ri. arz1 Alay 4
been seized for violation OF the municipal
law of Great Britain, the seizure being
merely an incidental matter and that Lord
Salisbury knew nothing of the Beatrice.
On the It'll OF that month Mr.. Choate
transmitted particulars concerning the at
titude OF the British government saying
that Lord Salisbury did not claim that amy
OF the American goods seized were contra
band, the position of the British govern
ment being that food stufYs with a hostile
destination can be considered contraoand
only II they are supplied for the ene,ny's
forces and that-l.is not sufYicient that they
are capable of so being used"
Mr.. Choate reports in the communication
that Lord Salisbury suggested that the Brit
ish government settle the matter by taking
the -four and paying for It at its price at its
destination.
Mr.. Choate urged such sale to the British
gos govern as the shingles, s, and EASIEST
still pending. however. when the cores
pondence ceased.
On the 18th Mr.. Choate reported that the
cargo OF the Beatrice had been discharged
at East London and that there was no
allegation Against it. no seizure having
been contemplated: that the cargo OF the
Marie was at Durham. free for its owners
to take; that the Mashona was at Cape
Town. but that owing to the fact that there
was no bill of lading there was much diff
ilculty In dealing with its cargo Inendent-
ally Mr.. Choate states in a dispatch OF he
18th, relating an interview with Lord Sal
isbury, that che claims no blockade or
siege OF Delagoa hay. but only the right 20
seize real contraband of war on the high
seas which is destined for the enemy $
forces"
on the 2sth Mr. Choate reported the con-
illusions of the British authorities that
large quantities of the -four carried py tee
Beatrice were destined for the South Afri-
at East London. as 1t was impossible TO
discharge this part OF the cargo without
eischarging the remainder. allowing re-
moval of parts of the cargo for local POrtu-
guese consumption.
Secretary Hay took apparent exception
to this proceeding. saying IL was "tn con-
fct with the assurances that food stuffs
with hostile intention are not coniraband
of war unless intended supplies for the
cnemys forces, and inadmissahle from the
view Of the United States
Replying 70 this point Mr.. Choate said
that Lord Salisbury had disclaimed me
purpose indicated
The correspondence closes with a notice
from Mr. Choate 10 Mr.. Hay OF February Q
TO the effect that the American goods on
the Mashona had been placed at the dispose
al OF the American consul general al Cape
Colony.