New-York tribune., 1900-01-20
ENGLAND AND GERMANY.
EXPRESSED FOR SEIZURE OF
GERMAN VESSELS
TERMS OF NEGOTIATIONS MADE PUBLIC IN
THE REICHSTAG-DUTY OF COM
PENsATIoN ADMITTED.

THE REICHSTAG-DUTY OF COM
PENsATIoN ADMITTED.
Berlin. Jan. 19.-In the Reichstag to-day the
debate on Herr M6lers joint Interpolation OF
the Government regarding the seizure OF Ger
man steamers by British warships opened.
Herr Muller said vigorous expression must be
given to the indignation felt in view of the
fact that the line Ito which the seized vessels be-
longed, had observed the strictest neutrality,
and expressed the opinion that the matter
should furnish the opportunity OF defining the
rights of mail steamers. The unloading of the
Bundesrath, he added, could have been effected
with few days delay, and showed want of con-
sideration for international courtesy, and it
should be made incumbent upon the British off,
cials to announce whether and to what extent
their views in regard to those rights had been
changed. The action, the speaker continued,
appeared arbitrary, and it was Germany's duty
to demand security for her ships in the future
from all maritime nations. Germany, he point
ed out, neutral that even her arms fac
tories had been prohibited from supplying the
beligerents. The present case afforded rare
spectacle of the unity Of all parties Great
Britain had not always maintained the neu-
trality marking Germany's present attitude and
Englshmen should take care not to draw on
This statement greeted with loud cheers.
Unlike the United States and SPAIN Herr
Moller also said. Great Britain had not notified
to the Powers the procedure she intended TO
adopt, and Germany must demand compensa-
ton and satisfaction for the outrage to the ma
tional honor and flag. Great Britain should
remember how her attitude at the time of the
Civil War brought about Ill feeling in the
United States. which continued for years.
REPLY OF COUNT Won BUELOw.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs. Count Won
Bulow, replied. He declared that Herr M6ller
in his Introductory remarks, had Justly pointed
out the feeling of annoyance which the seizure
of German steamers by British war vessels had
aroused throughout Germany, and continued:
Out of regard for the excited state of public
opinion, if for other reason, 1 readily con-
ST tnted to reply to the Interpolation. You will
understand if, in view of the significance and
serious nature of the affair." we'll out of
consideration for the seriousness of the whole
political situation 1 cOnfine myself to a prac-
tical statements of facts. The situation so
correctly set forth in all it's bearings by the
interpellator that have scarcely to add any
thing to his exposition of the case Before ad-
verting to our attitude in regard to these incl
deTts L would like to observe the following
concerning the affair. From the point of view
of international law have followed with great
interest the expert explanations of the inter-
pellator, who himself pointed out that there
We're established laws binding all maritime
Powers on the subject of the rights of neutrals
to carry on trade with belligerent countries, or
the rights of belligerents regarding the trade
of neutrals.
1t has been repeatedly proposed that the points
of international maritime law now in dispute
should be settled by international agreements,
but attempts in this direction have always
failed owing to the difficulties arising from the
divergent views of the Powers. AS recently
The Hague Conference an attempt was made to
consider these questions. with the result that 1t
was ultimately decided to endeavor through in
conferences
side the rights and duties of neutrals and on
the other the question of private property at
sea.
PLAN FOR CONCERTED ACTION.
The German Empire will not withhold it's con-
currenCe and support If, with the cooperation of
the other Powers. 1t would appear possible by
means of an International agreement to get
nearer a settlement of the disputed points of
maritime law. At present the interpellator is
only too justified in saying that the maritime
law is still very flexible and elastic, is very de-
fective. and has numerous gaps wh1ch IN critical
moments are only too OFTEN hlled up Dy the ap-
plication Of naval force. In word, in the do
main of maritime law might has by means
vet been conquered by right
As constituting a law which would be valid in
practice and the coutravention of which. in our
view would amount to violation of interna-
tionaI treaties and usages. l would like an
agreement with the other Governments con-
cerned to establish the following rules:
First-NeutraI merchant vessels on the high seas
or in the territorial waters or oeligere nts SNAIL
apart from the right of which Is not raised
In the present case, be subject TO the right OF
search by the warships of belligerents. This ap-
plies without doubt in waters not too remote from
the scene of war AS regards mail steamers no
special agreements exist.
second-The right of search shall be exercised
with much leniency as possible. The mode OF
procedure may be divided according to circum-
stances and individual into two or three
heads. namely stopping ships. examining papers
and searching ships. The first two courses may be
resorted to at any time without hesitation. Should
there then be grounds for suspicion search be-
comes permissible.
Third-should a neutral ship. when requested 10
STOP refuse to do so. examination of her
papers disclose Irregularities should the pres
enee of contraband be established. neutral may
be seized and delivered to competent prize court
Fourth-The term contraband shall include only
goods or persons suitable for use In war and In
tended for one OF the belllgerents What kind of
goods comes under this heading is a matter for dis
cussion and can only be settled, except in the
case OF munitions OF war by a consideration OF all
the circumstances Of the particular case unless