Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-12
The Attempt to Prevent Shipment Of
Mules Discussed.
THE LEGAL ASPECT OF THE CASE
Attorney General Knox to lnvesti-
gate the Matter.
THE PRESIDENT THANKED

An important legal matter was discussed
at the short cabinet session today, and
Attorney General Knox was directed to
make an investigation of the question
with the view to a report to the cabinet.
The question covers the legal proceedings
In New Orleans to try to prevent the ship
ment of mules purchased in this country to
South Africa. Members OF the cabinet
with legal training are OF the opinion that
these proceedings are contrary to the
rights OF the government. The view ex-
pressed is that when neutrality proceedings
are inaugurated in the United States
courts. They should be brought only In
the name OF the United States, tho
question of neutrality being one affecting
nations and not individuals. 1t is held
that if a nation believes that the neutrality
laws are being violated it is the party to
take action and not an individual. as In
the New Orleans case. IL is further held
that IL an individual has the right to bring
such proceedings at any time the COM
merce and business OF the country could
be seriously endangered by several indi-
viduals acting in cooperation at diferenS
points.
The Legal View.
The legal view Of some of the cabinet
members is that an individual seeking In.
junction proceedings of this kind has no
right in court for the reason that a self
acting individual cannot claim TO be per-
sonally harmed by alleged violation OF the
neutrality laws. 1t is a nation that IN
most vitality interested, and when a nation
believes that the time has come for action
IL is the proper petitioner before the courts
or elsewhere for injunction proceedings or
any other step.
These important views of the New Or
leans case came out during a brief REFER
ence to the published statement that the
British government has decided TO use no
more American meats in its army. There
could be little discussion of the latter mat
ter, inasmuch as no official informa ton is
in possession Of the government.
Attorney General Knox Will make a thor
ough Investigation of the neutrality laws
and Will make an interesting report AL
though no decision has been reached to
that effect his investigation may show an
opening for the United States to become q
party to the proceedings in New Orleans
This, however, is not most likely an this
time. If it is found that the neutrality
laws are such as to permit individuals to
bring proceedings in courts Congress may
be asked to pass amendments leaving these
questions wholly I'm the hands of the Cow
ernment.
Thanks for Gov. Aliens Retention
Secretary Hay of the State Department
read to the cabinet a telegram from MEM
bers of the Porto Rican house Of delegates
thanking the President for securing the re-
tention of Governor Allen in his position as
the head of civil affairs in Porto Rico.
Mr.. Wilson on the Meat story.
Neither Secretary Wilson nor Secretary
Gage, when they went to the cabinet meet
ing today, had any official confirmation Of
the report received by the Chicago meat
packers that the British government has
decided to buy no more meat In the Amer
lean market for army supplies. Secretary
Wilson is inclined to credit the report but
he does not think the action of the British
government, if any has been taken, is due
to dissatisfaction with American meat
Il presume" he said, that England does
not want to run the risk OF having food
bought for her army tied up in the courts,
as the horses and mules Were at New Or
leans
Secretary Wilson pointed out that meat
for the British army could be shipped from
this country to Australia for purchase and
shipment to South Africa, IL there was q
desire to obvfate the possibility of legal
complications.
COnsulship for Mr.. Hall.
Senators Elzins and Scott were at the
White House today with James K. Hall,
secretary of the republican state central
committee Of West Virginia. Mr.. Hall
wants a consulship. and the President has
promised the West Virginia senators to
give It to him. The West Virginia judge
ship was not discussed by Senators Elkins
and Scott. They have not been able to
agree upon a candidate for the position,
and the President will make no move until
they do so.
Among the Presidents other visitors be-
fore the cabinet met were Senator Spooner,
Representatives Grosvenor and 1andis
Delegate Flynn OF Oklahoma and Gen. J.
Warren Keifer, who is seeking a pardon
for an Ohio man. Senator Spooner said
he would leave for his home tonight.
Presidential Appointments.
The following appointments were made
at the White House today:
war-Charles r. Krauthoff, to be COM
missary, with the rank of major.
Navy-Charles ]. Lang, to be leuten-
ant: James c. Pryor, to be passed assist
ant surgeon with rank of lieutenant. ju-
nior grade; Abel B. Pierce to be passed
assistant paymaster with rank OF lieuten-
ant. Junior grade; Stephen Donely, to be
a gunner.