The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-29
ENGLAND IS Liable
FOR BIC damages



ed States to any belligerent since the
outbreak of war.
Effect On Other Neutrals
In view of the important principles
lald down i'll the note it was expected
TO nave far reaching effect on the
attitude of other neutral countries to-
ward the general subject of contra
brand. Some diplomats thought it
might hasten the calling of the con
ference of neutrals proposed by Vcne-
zuela to revise rules of international
law for the protection of neutral com
merce.
The note was not the result. il is
understood, of any particular violation
by Great Britain of what Washington
considers its commerce rights, but was
intended as a protest against the GEN
eral attitude of the British govern
ment to which France has practically
auhered IN the treatment of neutral
cargoes.
Uncle Sam Was Patient
me document points out that the
United States was patient in the carlv
oays of hostilities, believing that the
war had burdened the British foreign
once with serious problems. It de.
clares that with the passing of five
months, however, the situation has
grown worse.
Administration officials realize that
many millions of dollars in claims are
accumulating against the British nov.
ernment but the note sets forth that
feimoursements alone do not cure thc
eVil, as American shippers are practic.
any inundated and fear to embark
on legitimate export trade.
The American note declares the rela
Mons between neutral countries arc
'hose OF peace and normal times, and
hot OF war. The words "absolute'' or
conditional contraband," F" in the view
( or the American government. therefore
shouid not exist. The United States in.
sists that the facts proving that hos.
tile destination is intended must be
SHOWN at the time of a vessels seizure
1T claims that the presumption of guilt
should not rest on the shipper in men
tral commerce, but that the burden of
proof should b' placed on the belliger-
eht' Simllarly ccrgo consigned "to
order, that is sent to no specific con
signee IN a neutral country. is not of
i'Self a suspicious circumstance, accord
ing to the contentI III of the American
note.
The Right of Search
The American government maintains
that the belligerent may exercise the
rlSht of search, but cannot divert a
neutral ship to a belligerent port for
further examination unless proof is
shown at the time of detention of a
hostile destination Of the cargo.
One of the most far-reaching points
IN the note is the attitude taken on
absolute and conditional contraband
destined to belligerent countries. The
American government argues that the
belligerent must prove conditional con
traband is destined for use by the army
or navy of its enemy. In view of this
position or conditional contraband
shipped directly to belligerents, the
American government insists that there
should be no interference with food
stuffs and products of the same class
consigned to neutral countries.
Note Couched in Friendly rorc
The communication is couched in
friendly tone, setting forth that the
United States wishes to speak in terms
of frankness lest its silence be misin-
terpreted as an acquiescence in the
British policy, which. it says, is arous-
ing public feeling in this country on
every side. 1t refers to the cordial re-
lations eisting between Great Britain
and the United States, but declares the
British policy with regard to neutral
commerce is held in many quarters in
the United States as directly response
BILE for the depression in American in
dustries
4 reply is MOI expected for several
days, as the note probably will be con-
sidered at length.