The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-20
SEIZURE Of GERMAN SHIPS.
WOW BUELow MAKES A STATEMENT
TO THE REICHsTAG.
Satisfactory settlement Made with
Great Britain, which IL wilkins
to Pay Damages to the AgErieved
Owners of the Vessels Held.


BERLIN Jan. 1s.-In the reichstag to-
day the debate on Herr Moeller's joint in
terpellation of the government regarding
the seizure OF German steamers by the
British warships was opened.
Herr Moeller said vigorous expression
must be given to the Indignation felt at
the fact that the subsidized line to which
the vessels belonged should observe the
strictest neutrality, and expressed the
opinion that the matter should furnish
the opportunity OF defining the rights OF
mall steamers. The unloading of the
Bundesrath. he added. should have been
effected I'm few days. The delay showed
want of consideration for International
courtesy. and 1t should be made incumbent
on the British officials to announce wheth-
er and 70 what extent their views IN re,
been changed.
peared arbitrary. and It was Germany's
duty to demand security for her ships In
the future from all maritime nations.
arms factories had been prohibited from
case sfforded rare spectacle OF the unity
OF all parties. Great Britain had not al
ways maintained the neutrality marking
men should take care not to draw on
themselves the hatred OF the civilized
world. This statement was greeted with
The minister OF foreign AFFAIRS. Count
Buelow, replied. He declared that Herr
Moeller, In his Introductory remarks,
noyance nee which the seizure OF German
steamers by British war vessels had
aroused throughout Germany, and added:
hold its concurrence and support if, with
the cooperation OF the other powers, 1t
would appear possible, by means of an
sattiamert ~ tha disnm,ed nn7nts ~ mari
IS only too JUSTIFIED in saying the mari
is sT Z @ ssns enS sps
which, In critical moments, are only too
often followed up by, the application Of
naval force would like an SS
the following rules:
Firstly, neutral merchant vessels on
the high seas or IN. the territorial waters
OF convoy, which Is not raised In the
present case. be subject to the right OF
search by the Swarsh Ss OF the nsliseasnts
exercised with as much ieniency as pos
"Thirdly, should neutral ship. when
requested to stop, refuse to do SO. or an
examination of her papers disclose irregu-
larities, or should the presence Of contra
band be established, a neutral may be
seized and delivered to competent prize
court.
''Fourthly. the term contraband shall
include only goods or persons suitable for
use in war and intended for one of The
belligerents. What kind OF goods come
under this heading is a matter for discus
sion;
be liable to confiscation, whether with
or without compensation, depends on the
particular circumstances.
''Sfxthy, If the arrest of a ship is I'M
justif1able the belligerent shall be bound
to release both the ship and cargo with
out delay, and pay full indemnity for
the damage and injury sustained"
Count Won Buelow proceeded:
We recognize the rights which inter-
national law actually gives to belligerents
in respect to neutral ships. neutral trade
and neutral intercourse. We do not mis-
apprehend the duties which state of war
imposes on neutral shfpowners and mer-
not extend their powers beyond the limits
of absolute necessity, and that they shall
respect the inalienable rights and legiti-
mate trace of neutrals. and. above all. that
they shall exercise the right of search and
the ultimate capture of neutral vessels
and goods in such way as to meet the
necessity for the maintenance of neutral
trade and the normal relations between
friendly. civilized peoples.
Taking up this standpoint. we forth
with lodged a strong protest in London
against the proceedings of the British ma
val officers.
I'VE demanded. first. the immediate re-
lease of the Bundesrath. Herzog and Cen
eral. The latter two were immediately re-
leased on our request and the Bundesrath
was released yesterday.
Secondly, compensation for the unjusti-
fled detention and losses therefrom,
1.-The duty of compensation has been adj
mitted in principle and Great Britain has
declared her readiness to give all legiI-
mate satisfaction"
Count Won Buelow, in conclusion said
Germany would maintain friendly rea-
tons with Great Britain, but the govern
ment hoped that such incidents would not
recur, making 1t impossible for the good
relations to continue.
"Thirdly we laid stress on the necessity
of instructins the British naval officials
not to modest German vessels outside of
the vicinity of the seat of war; especially
from Alden northward, and Great Britain
has given instructions through which the
sells will not be exercised at Alden or
similar distance from the seat of war
,'Fourthly, we pointed out the high de-
STABILITY of not stopping German mail
steamers, and Great Britain issued in
structions that such vessels shall not be
stopped or searched on mere suspicion
These instructions remain in force until
other arrangements are reached.
"Fffthly, we have proposed that all con-
tentions and questions not otherwise set
tied. shall be submitted to an arbitration
tribunal to be promptly summoned Great
Britain expresses the hope that arbitrat-
willingness for arbitration in order TO
assess the claims for damages.
FINALLY, the British government has ex-
pressed its regret for the incidents which
have occurred"
This last statement caused loud cheers
in the house.