The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1914-12-29

49,. 1917 -tiheboh Ut the tine OF the
This Is perhaps the most far-reaehlns
declaration OF the American note. since
American trade With Germany and Aus
tria- virtually at a stsndstiu now.
would be resumed. Affecting the price OF
OF products which go TO make up food
sturs-
Cannot Tolerate Delay.
OF Ameriean ships az sea. the Washins
ton government states that II cannot
tolerate undue delays In examining
British ports for detailed examination.
1t argues that proof OF hostile destt-
nation OF the cargo must be In evidenc.
AT the time OF search at sea The bel
ligerent's right OF search. the note adds.
Is fully recognized. but IL cannot be ex-
tended TO the point OF diverting Ameri-
can ships into beliiserent ports merely
The United states asserts. moreover.
that Il views with growing concern the
consigned from this country to neutral
ports. contending that IL should be the
duty OF the beiiigerent TO protect neu-
trail commerce and prevent innoeeht
merchants from suffering.
One OF the most conspicuous com
plants cited in the note. Is against inc
treatment BY Great Britain OF Amerlesn
cargoes OF copper. IL IL charged that
Great Britain - not according the SAME
treatment to American trade In copper
commerce in this product between the
United States and Italy under the same
conditions of shipment. Even though
the Italian government has proc claimed
an embargo on the expectation of COP
per from Italy To belligercnt countries.
similar TO the embargo In force In Nor
way. Denmark and sweden, inc e9nsis "a
States are said to be held up while
those to the Scandinavian countries are
not moicsted.
Not Known TO diplomats.
, Although the sending of the note was
not known to members of the diplomatic
corps to-night.n and II Is unlikely that
! the Washington government with the
exception OF the British ambassador.
! will communicate IL TO them unless they
request IL. high officials thought IL not
unlikely that the path marked by the
I United States would be followed by
other neutral governments. South
American nations especially have been
keeping In close touch with the attitude
OF the United States ON subjects OF ncu-
tralty. and In most cases have adhered
to the American position. As the note
pean neutrals. ~ Is believed that diplo-
matte representatives here OF the latter
win seek TO learn the American view
point for transmission TO their govern
ments.
The position of the United states as
expressed In to-day's note Is a conss-
quence OF several steps by Great Britain.
Franco and Germany on the subject OF
contraband. Although the declaration
OF London drafted in 1909. embodying
the previous understandings OF interna-
tional law and new rules for the conduct
OF maritime warfare with respect to
neutral commerce had not been ratified
when the present war broke out. II was
thought for time all countries would
adhere TO IL. Great Britain by an ordcr
in council. on August Goth last. declared
the declaration Of London effective with
certain notifications. Germany an
nCunccd TO all neutrals her willingness
TO adhere to the whole declaration ~ the
other belligerents would. The United
States took the position that n could not
accept piece-meal adoption by the allies
OF the declaration Of London with their
own amendments. and declared that IL
would be guided by the general practices
OF International law. Irrespective Of the
declaration of London.
Tho German government IN a formal
note TO the lnited states and other neu-
trails. then voiced its objections to the
British notifications which similarly the
United States opposed.
To-days note follows in many import
ant points the argument then advanced
By Germany that British practice with
respect TO neutral commerce was a dis
tinct departure from many previously
accepted principles OF international law