The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-07-27
ROOSEVELT AHEAD OF MARCY
GEN. PORTER SAYS LaTTER'S
POLICY ~ ANTyQUATED.
Hot Debate AZ The Hague Over C~ontrsband
Of Wsr-Fnkiabd Accused Of seinsh
Purposes by French Delegate -Amertca
Opposed Too set for August 10.

"
Of sr-Fnkiand Accused Of seinsh
Purposes by French Observation-Disclosures
Opposed Yin Set for August no.
Special Cable Despatch 10 TEE SUS.
THE HAGUE. July c8.-Great Britain's
proposal 20 abolish contraband was virtually
negatived At the peace conference to-day.
II received the approval OF Norway. Sweden,
Argentina and other States with consider
able commerce though small navies, but
the great Powers absolutely opposed it.
and the British delegates found themselves
In hopeless disagreement with those OF
the United States. Germany. France and
Russia.
The opposition see in the British proposal
an attempt chiefly 70 benefit England her
self. holding that it contemplates the sboli-
ton Of contraband where IL would suit her.
while increasing the severity OF the meas
ures against c~cntraband when supplied to
an enemy.
NJ. Renault. speaking for France, sal d
that neutrals must not be encouraged to
obtain exceptional gains through war.
The British formula did not really suppress
c~ontraband. Because Of that couptry's
attempt to apply more stringent rules to
auxiliary vessels and to blockades IL was
really an attempt TO deceive neutral COM
merce. IL said in effect to a neutral that
c~ontraband is abolished. Do as you like.
but all the same you can be seized for help
ing the enemy.
MIR. Sperry. in opposition, said that the
United States recognized the principle Of
the inviolability of private property except
in cases Of co~ntraband and blockade. He
advocated the adoption Of a list Of contra
band goods. TIT American definition of
c~ontraband gave a list Of great elasticity
which would meet the case.
The debate became rather warm. NJ.
Renault's speech had revealed a suspicious
current of thought that Great Britain's
proposal was not disinterested. and this
gave tone TO the succeeding utterances.
Lord Reay. who had apparently expected
the Americans support on the strength OF
their advocacy of the protection of private
property. expressed surprise at Gen.
Porter's and Mr.. Sperry's opposition
He quoted several American documents
in SUPPORT of his theory, particularly a note
addressed by Mr.. Marcy as Secretary Of
State in July. 1855, to the Russian Minister
at Washington in which he used practically
the same arguments in favor Of the abolition
Of c~ontraband as Great Britain was now
advancing. Mr.. Marcy said the United
States was only waiting for the maritime
powers to associate themselves with that
policy for it to go into effect. Referring to
M. Renault's speech. Lord Rcay said that
il such eminent authority could not find
better arguments to support his thesis it
war because there were none.
At the conclusion of Lord Reay's speech
Gen. Porter. showing some irritation. said
he had noted Lord Reay's allusion to Mr..
Marcy's ~antiquated policy. hut he preferred
the modern policy Of President Roosevelt.
Mr.. Fry asked for a vote. but il was post
poned. When taken it will only confirm
the defeat Of the British proposal. the weak
points Of which are increased severity
against contraband supplied by ships.
while freeing all c~ontraband supplied at
ports.
II is reported that NJ. Nelidoff. the presi-
dent. has fixed the end Of the conference for
August 20.