The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-04-08
HEARD Is READY TO ACT
But Thinks it the Function of National
Government.
AND ROOSEVELT WILL INVESTIGATE
The Attorney General Says The First Thing TO
Determine is Whether Allegations Of
Aid Given the British Are

(By the Associated Press.l


Washington April 5.-The State De-
partment today made public the CORE
spondence that has so far taken place
between the United States Government
and the Governor of Louisiana respect
ing the latter's statement touching the
shipment of live stock ana supplies for
the British army in South Africa from
Chalmette, La. There are three prin-
cipal letters and number of appendices.
The principal letters are one from the
Governor OF Louisiana, dated March 90
touching the conditions at Chalmette;
reply from Secretary Hay, dated April
4, announcing that he had ordered an in
Nestigation (Which will be made b. an
army officer) and long opinion from
the Attorney General on the legal points
involved in the Chalmette shipments.
Governor Heard's letter already has
been outlined in the press dispatches. lie
hegins with statement that he has re-
ce'ved from the Mayor of New Orleans a
copy or letter from Secretary Hay
calling his attention to threat of Sam
uei PEARSON Ito commit a breach of the
peace In New Orleans" and referring the
Mr.. Pearson's letter is one heretofore
published. dated at New Orleans Febrr-
AIRY LIST, and addressed to the President.
calling attention to the condition of at
fairs at New Orleans and Chalmette.
The Mayor transmitted this CORE
spondence TO the Governor of the State
ON the grounds that the act complained
or were permitted in the parish of ST.
Bernard out of the jurisdiction of the
city authorities. The Governor immedi-
ately wrote to the sheriff of Nunez, of
that parish, in regard to the matter. The
sherih's reply-a part of the Governors
letter, is dated st. Bernard. La, Feb
fuary %. He reports concisely that
3dulos and horses were being loaded at
thalmette for the British Government
eHher directly or Indirectly, but the load
lng was done by longshoremen of the
city OF New Orleans supervised by Eng
hahment, who might or might not be Of
nccrs or the British army. Certainly
there was no one there in uniform In
conclusion the sheriff says:
There is no such thing as a British
post with men and soldiers established
at Port Chalmette. So far as the re-
cruiting of men is concerned, | am sure
can certify that it is not being done
IN the parish of ST. Bernard The only
men taken on the ships and the muleteers
who are employed in the city of New
Orleans.
Il have always endeavOred to enforce
obedience to the laws of this State, as
we'll as to the laws of the United States
and therefore, should you inform me
that such shipments are contrary to the
laws, will certainly prevent any fur
their violation of said laws"
Governor Heard says it is conceded by
the British officers themselves that the
animals were for the British adminstra-
ton in South Africa. He says:
THE burghers of South Africa are
making fight for their homes and their
liberties, which cannot but appeal, at
least. to the sense of fair play of the
American people. AS the executive of
the commonwealth of Louisiana, whose
people have always been ardent lovers
OF these boons l cannot but feel that the
establishment and maintenance of a base
of war supplies for the British army upon
her soil, places upon me grave respon-
sibility. These mules and horses,
shipped from Chalmette, it is claimed
are indispensable for the operation Of
the British army. Hence they must be
considered contraband of war. of great
Ell value than arms or soldiers, that
England can so easily furnish from
within her borders"
The Governor holds tlat it is the
function of the National Government,
and not of the State, to enforce obedi-
ence to the neutrality laws; yet if such
telong to the State where the vio-
lation occurs, he would no. hesitate to
act as the law may warrar. and asks the
Secretary of State for hi5 views.
The Governor reports the arrival in
New Orleans of Genera: Sir Richard
Campbell Stuart an aide of the British
individuals as to the operations of the
transport service in the vicinity of New
Orleans. He also encloses a number of
newspaper clippings and statements from
its individual as the operations of the
British remount service. a transcript of
the proceedings IN court, and a number
of letters from individuals protesting
against the continuation of the animal
shipments. The most important of
these probably is an affidavit of one
Tourres, setting forth his engagement
for service on the TRANSPORT Milwaukee,
signing articles before the British vice
consul. being assigned by Lieut. rhomp-
son, of the Yeomanry of the British
army, and acting under his orders TO
Cape Town, thence to Durham, where
horses were delivered 10 British officers
in uniform, and where the men we're not
allowed to go ashore, unless we would
agree to sign with the recruiting officer
and join the British army" He also
alleged that the Milwaukee was COM
manded by army officers. 4
Secretary Hays letter, N answe" to
that from the Governor, says:
Il havereceived your letter of the 29th
of March and submitted it to the Presi-
dent, who directs me to inform you mat
he has requested an opinion from the
Attorney General in regard to the points
of law involved in the matter to which
it refers and has also ordered an imme-