The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-12
(COntinued on ElShtn PaSe.J
BRITISH ANSWER
IS RECEIVED
Foodstuffs are Contraband Only When
it Can be Shown They are Des-
tined for Enamy's Forces.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 1.-THE answer OF
the British government TO Mr. Choate 5
representations respecting the seizures or
American flour and other goods on the
three vessels, Beatrice. Mashona ana
Maria, has been received.
Just as the officials of the State De-s
partnent expected, it amounted to 4
partial answer. very satisfactory, as far
as it goes. diSposinS of the character or
some of the goods seized, but not hnaiiy
decided broadly whether or not tooo-
stuffs are to be regarded as contraoand.
The British government adopted pre-
cisely the point of view regarding the
seized goods that was assumed by the
State Department and embodied by Mr..
Ckoate in his note on the subject ad-
dressed to the British Foreign Office.
HIGHLY SATISFACTORY
In this respect MIR. Choate reports as
follows: THAT the answer is highly sat
isfactory; that it is broad and liberal
in terms. The position assumed by the
British government is that food-stuhs III
transit to hostile destination can be
regarded as contraband of war only
when they are supplies for the enemy's
forces. It is not sufficient that they
are capable of being used for the benefit
of the enemy; 1t must be shown that
they are SO in fact through their destf-
nation at the time of the seizure. The
any OF the American goods on the Ger
man bark Maria and the British bark
Mashona were contraband of war The
British government is Investigating the
facts in connection with the goods seized
on the third vessel, the Beatrice.
Mr.. Choate's message embodied sufh-s
GENTLY the authorities relied upon by the
British government TO sustain its posi-
tion. q position already assumed by this
government Lord Pauncefoie, the Brit
ish Ambassador, was with the Secretary
shortly after he received his message,
and both appeared gratitied at the pro-
gress toward a settlement OF the cases.
Though not mentioned by Mr.. Choate.
it IS inferred here that seized goods
either will. or have been already re-
leased Any possible question as to COM
pensation to the owners cen be adjusted
later. on.
It is probable. however, that the Brit
ish government will voluntarily make
such amends as seems to De fair
IMPERFECT KNOWLEDGE.
It is Believed that the uncertainty as
to the character of the Beatrice's cargo
is based upon an imperfect knowledge Of
the ownership of the goods. The Amer
lean consigrsrs, however. evidently ap-s
pretending that doubt might exist on that
point, have come forward with the posi-
1--WE Statement LlISIt luey nave uolsUSSit
paid for the goods shipped. ard that
the drafts drawn by the consignees in
South Africa were not collectable until
the goods were safely delivered at their
destination
The two governments will now seek 70
,s1arh h,fsi, tive eharac.e- Of -Fssa goo1s.
Later In the flav the following Official
statement was given out by the Stase
Department:
A telegram has been received from AM
bassador Choate. reporting an interview
had by him with the Marquis Of Sails
bury ON the afternoon OF the 10Th instant,
In regard to the American shipments OF
+ -four and provisions on the detained Brit
ish steamers beatrice and Mashona. and.
the Dutch steamer Maria. The British
position as to food stuff and. hostile das-
tinat1on is, chat they can only be consid-
cred contrabard of war IL supplies for
the enhmy's forces. 1t mt being sufficient
that they are capable OF being so used.
hut It must be shown that this was their
destination at the time Of seizure. This
qualification virtually comedies the Amer
ican contention that The goods we're not
+ subject to seizure. and practically dis
avows tne seizures.st Il not being claimed
that therp IS any evidence. ees 1aselle 49,
1feStSo0 ~ s ? -