The Oskaloosa herald., 1914-12-31

correct, as he was convinced it was,
plans for Naturalization ultimately
would have 70 be met by Great Bril-
tain.
Wilson Explains the Note.
Supplementary to previous protests,
the new note, President Wilson ey
planned, represented fully the position
of the uRited States, saying Mat. as
far as theory was concerned There was
10 debate on the point raised, because
England in previous Vars had taken
exactly the American position.
The president aided that the note Of
protest was nokIoased on any treaties
between therfunited States and Great
Britain, 9Lt on the generally accepted
prlnclnHe Of international law. Publ
Eata6n Of the substance OF the Ameri,
can note aroused widespread interest
in the capital
The minister from the Netherlands
called at the state department TO OBJ
tain for his government a copy OF the
American note. The minister con.
ferred with Counselor Lansing, who
prepared for him a memorandum. Civ
ing the substance of the note.
Hold Farley In London.
Official Washington awaited with
interest the outcome OF the expected
conference in London between Am
bassador Page and Sir Edward Grey,
the British foreign secretary.
10 NJ
President Wilson and his advisers in
the state department, has reached
London. and is regarded here as the
strongest representation on the sub
tect OF commerce made by the United
States to any belligerent since the
outbreak of the war.
In view of the important princi-
pies laid down in the note, it was ex.
pected to have a far reaching effect
on the attitude Of other neutral coun-
tries toward the general subject Of
contraband.
The document points out that the
United States was patient in the early
days of hostilities, realizing the war
had burdened the British foreign Of
fee with serious problems. 1t de-
clares that with the passing of five
months, however, the situation has
grown worse.
Administration officials realize that
many million dollars In claims are
accommodating against the British gov
crnment, but the note sets forth that
reimbursements alone do not cure
the evils, as American shippers are in.
undated and fear to embark upon
legitimate export trade.
Places Burden of Proof.
The American note declares the re.
lations between neutral countries are
those of peace and normal times and
not OF war. The words absolute or
conditional contraband" in the vi.w
Of the American government. there
fore, should not exist The United
States insists that the facts proving
that hostile destination Is intended
must be shown at the time of a yes
sells seizure.
The American government main
tains that the belIigerents may exer.
else the right OF search, but cannot d.
vert a neutral ship to a bel!igerent port
for further examination unless proof
is shown 8 the lime OF detention Of q
hostile Destination Of the cargo.
One Or the most important points
So 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
contraband is destined for use by the
army or navy OF iis enemy. In view
,of this position on conditional contra
hand shipped directly to belIigerents
the American government insists
there should be no interference with
foodstnfis and products 0f lie same
class consigned to neutral Countries