The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1914-12-30
AMERICA DEMANDS
FAIR TREATMENT
The Searching of American
Ships Must Stop
WARNING INTENDED
FOR TRIPLE ENTENTE

hoh WI oNCt ~ .hUhllI anu NuS BC-
Iiycred after Careful Consideration
by the President and Cabinet OH.
GERS.
Washington, Dec 2S.-The United
States government today DISPATCHED
long note to Great Britain insisting
on an early Improvement in the treat
ment Of American commerce by Brit
ish fleets. 1t warned England that
much feeling had been aroused in
this country and that public criticism
was general over unwarranted inter-
ference with the legitimate foreign
trade Of the United States. The docu-
ment, constituting the strongest rep
resentation on the subject made by
the United States to any Of the bel
!igerents, was cabled to Ambassador
Page to be formally presented to Sir
Edward Grey, the British foreign sec
fetary. It's preparation was begun a
month ago by Solicitor Cone Johnson.
Counselor Robert Lansing and Sec
retary Bryan, and during the last two
weeks had the personal attention of
President Wilson himself, who re-
vised it's phaseology with minute
care.
AS the detailed point Of view of the
United States in the numerous specific
cases Of detentions and seizures of
cargoes had been set forth in a series
OF emphatic protests, most Of which
have gone unheeded, todays com
munication was couched in general
terms covering the entire subject of
the relations between the United
States and Great Britain as affected by
the latters naval policy, considered
highly Objectionable to this govern
ment.
The note declares at the outset that
the representations are made in
friendly spirit, but that the United
States considers it best to speak in
terms Of frankness lest silence be con-
strued as an acquiesence to a policy
of@Great Britain which infringes the
rights of American citizens under the
laws Of the nations.
Since France has adopted virtually
the same DEGREES on contraband as
has Great Britain, today's note is
statement intended for all members
Of the Triple Entente.
The document points out that com
plants on every side and public criti-
cism in the United States hold the
British policy as directly responsible
for the depression in many Ameri-
can industries. reimbursement alone
for cargoes unlawfully detained or
seized, 1t states, does not remedy the
evil, as the chief difficulty Is the
moral effect of British practice on
American exporters who are restrain
ed from taking risks or hazards which
In no case ought to surround lcgiti-
mate trade between the United States
anu other neutral countries,
Feeling has been aroused on the
subject to such an extent, the COM
municatlOh adds, that the American
government feels compelled to ask for
definite Information as to Great Brit
aims attitude In order that 1t may
take such measures as would protect
American citizens In their rights.
The United States, it points out,
was patient at first. realizing that hos
tilities had heaped a mass of bur
dens on the British government and
thinking an early clearing OF the air
would come. Five months have
elapsed, 1t assorts, with no improve
mont In tho situation. In the mean
timo, American shipps3s have availed
themselves OF various suggestions
from the British government such as
shipping cargoes to definitely named
consigneos In neutral countries and
the taking out of certificates from
cnMshls in this country which follow
GA promises of the British foreigh
Office that the allied fleets consequent
ly would &Sase detentions OF these
cargoes. The situation, however, is
described as having hardly ffhproved
after these concessions.
Reference Is made In the note to
the high principles OF equity which
have actuated Great Britain In her
championship in the past In the free
Continued On Page Fpur)