New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-27
THE SABLNE'S SEIZURE.
"iAIEMENT OF LORD SALISBURY-NO
REGRET EXPRESSED.

LONDON Feb. characterization shows that
Inc LONDON Standards" editorial referring to
Sapldlh Mahans speech of Saturday last on
sea power, and saying Lord Salisbury had closed
Ihe SABINE incident by a frank expression of re-
greet TO the United States Ambassador Joseph
n Choate, and with a promise that more eau
'ioh VIII be displayed in stopping American YES
seIs IN the future, based on a news agency
report which proves to be inaccurate. 1t was
announced under a New-York date that Wash
nston dispatches said Lord Salisbury told to
Mr.. Choate that he regretted the seizure of the
SABINE, and that the British commanders had
oeen instructed to be more careful in stopping
american vessels, adding that Lord Salisbury
mad handed to Mr.. Choate formal papers on the
subject.
All these assertions are vigorously denied at
the Foreign Office and at the United States
Embassy, and 1t is learned that the facts in the
case are follows:
Late Saturday Mr. Choate called at the
Foreign Office. when Lord Salisbury informed
him the Government had that day received con-
hrmation of the dispatch announcing the Sa-
pines release. In view Of that Lord Salisbury
SAID 1t was not necessary to go further into the
discussion Instead of expressing regret. the
Premier rather assumed the attitude that he
failed to see how American interests were seri-
ously affected. No papers were handed to Mr..
Choate. Everything occurred verbally The
only thing said upon which the report that Lord
salisbury had expressed regret at the seizure
could be based was Mr.. Choate's remark that
he hoped there would not be any further trou-
BILE in the future, to which Lord Salisbury
politely replied that he hoped there would not.
The interview. as is usual between Lord Sails
bury and Mr.. Choate, was most cordial. The
Premier evinced every desire to meet Secretary
Hays requests in the of the Sabine. He
explained to Mr.. Choate that it was an intricate
matter. and that from the report Of the Prize
Court 1t was not quite clear why the vessel was
released, except that she received the benefit of
doubt in order to avert international COM
plicatons over a trifling matter, though her
release was not effected by any instructions
from London
According to the prize court the Sabine was
seized because, as a British vessel, she was be-
lieved to be contemplating evading the regula-
tions that forbid British trading in any way with
the enemy contraband or not contraband. A
search of her cargo revealed that part of it
consigned to individuals in the Transvaal.
Apparently, as these were American goods, the
Sabine allowed to proceed.
The officials of the Foreign Office are rather
inclined to believe that the fact that the goods
are American does not save them from coming
under the regulations governing British vessels.
In American vessels such goods are not contra
band, and would, no doubt, have the right to be
shipped TO their destination, they were not
addressed to the Transvaal Government but to
individuals in that State Under the conditions
as reported, however, the Admiralty holds that
the seizure quite justified, and that, while
accepting the prize courts decision releasing the
Sabine, the Admiralty is not inclined to adopt 1t
as precedent, and 1t is within the possibilities
that the Sabine, though bound for British ports,
may be rescued and forfeit that part Of her
cargo consigned to the TransvaaL
1t Will thus be seen that the editorial deduc-
lions of THE Standard" entirely without
| foundation.
While Lord Salisbury did not make any men
| ton to Mr.. Choate of instructions sent to war
| vessels at the Cape, it was learned that this
was done at the instigatiOn OF the Foreign
| Office, though special reference was made to
| American interests.
official view here is that haSty action
| upon the part of several British commanders
| has brought about great deal Of unnecessary
| trouble though of the seizures, so far, are
regarded having seriously threatened the
amity of international relations.