Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1914-12-29
ENGLAND WARNED THAT
MUCH FEELING is AROUSED
Public Criticism General Owe,
Unwarranted Interference
With Trade.
NOTE TO BE SENT TO GREY
Policy Regarded as Directly Respon-
stble for Depression in Many
Industries.

WASHiNGTON. December 2S-The
United states crnmcnt to-day dis4
patched q long note to Great Britain
insisting or an carly Improvement in
the treatment Of American commerce
by british fleets. II warned England
that much feeling had been aroused
In this country. and that public criti-
cisn was general over unwarranted In
reference with the legitimate foreign
trade OF the United States
Inc document. constituting the
stronges, representation on the sub
1ecf made by. the United States to any
or the bcliig crents, was cablcd to Am
bassador Page. 10 be formally present
ed To Sir Edward Grey, tho British
ro!eign secretary. Its preparation was
begun month ago by Solicitor Cone
Johnson. Counselor Robert Lansing
ana Secretary Bryan, and during tho
las two weeks had the personal at
:ention Of President Wilson. who re-
Vlsed It's phrascology with minute care
As nc detailed point of view of the
united states in the numerous specific
cases OF Cctentions and seizures Of ear
goes had been set forth in series Of
emphatic protests, most of which have
gone unhce1ed. to-day's communication
wa2 couchcd in general terms, cover
ing the entire subject of the relations
between lii. United States and Great
Britain rs affected by the latter.s naval
policy. considered highly objectionable
to this government
The no;c declares at the outset that
Inc representations are made In a
friendly spirit but that the United
states considers Il best to sneak in
terms OF frankneSs lest silence be con-
strdcu as an acquiescence to a policv
OF Great Britain which infringcs the
rights OF American citizens under the
laws OF The nations.
INTENDED FOR ALI. MEMBERS
OF THE TRIPLE ENTENTE
Since France has adopted virtually
ne same decrccs OH contraband as has
treat Britain, to-day's note s.: 4 state
ment intended for all members of the
triple entente
Iae document points out that com.
plants on every side and public crit
icisms in the United States hold the
iiTitish policy as directly responsible
for the depression In many American
industries. Reimbursement alone for
cargoes unlnwfully detained or seized,
II states, does not remedy the evil. as
the chief difficulty is the moral effect
on American exporters. who arc re-
strained from taking risks or hazards
which IN no case ought to surround
legitimate trade between the United
states and other neutral countries.
FeelinS has been aroused on the sub
Jcct to such an extent, the communica-
ton adds. that the American govern
ment feels compelled 10 ask for definite
information as to Great Britain's atti-
tude. In order that it may take such
measures as would protect American
citizens In their rights
The United states. il points out, was
patient at first realizing that hostili-
ties had heaped a mass OF burdens on
the British government and thinking
an early adjustment OF the situation
would come Five months have ELAPSED
II asserts, with no Improvement in the
situation. In the meantime American
shippers have availed themselves of
various suggestions from the British
government. such as shipping careoes
TO definitely named consignees i'm neu
tral countries, and the taking out of
certificates from consuls in this coun-
try. which followed promises of the
British Foreign Office that the allied
fleets consequently would cease deten-
tions of these carEocS. The situation
however, is described as having hardly
improved after these concessions.
HERETOFoRE CHAMPION
OF FREEDOM OF SEAS
Reference is made in the note to the
high principles of equity which have
actunted Great Britain in her cham
pionship in the past of the freedom Of
the seas to neutral commerce. and the
nope Is expressed that. even though
n belliSerent herself. she will realize
the seriousness to the neutral Of con-
tinued interference
deserving until some other date the
discussion OF those articles which
Great Britain has taken from the gen
orally accepted lists of noncontraband
and placed on the list of absolute 'and
conditional contraband. the American
government declares that the British
heets have been regarding absolute and
conditional contraband as in the same
class whereas international law de-
lines absolute contraband as consisting
of those articles intended directly for
the use of an army or navy, and con-
ditional contraband those articles sus-
ceptible of use by armed forces, but
whose destination must be the deter
mining factor in detentions.
The American note, mentioning here
that foodstufs are conditional contra
band. since they may be destined for
the use of civil population as well
In entire agreement with the doctrine
expressed by Lord Salisbury, British
Foreign Secretary. In his corrcspon-
dence with the Washington govern
stuffs to the Transvaal during the Boer
War in South Africa. Lord Salisbury
wrote then:
"Foodstufs. with hostile destina-
war only II they are supplies for the
cnemy's forces. II is not sufficient
that they are capable of being so used:
Ii must be shown that this was In
fact their destination Mt the time OF
seizure"
This is perhaps the most far-reach-
Ing declaration Of the American note,
since If It were accepted .bv Great
and Austria, virtually at standstill
now. would be resumed. affecting the
prices of wheat, -four, live stock and
Continued on Second Page)