Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-12-29


ment feels compelled to ask for defi-
mite Information as to Great Britain's
attitude in order that 1t may take such
measures as will protect American Cit
tzens in their rights.
The United States 1t points out, was
patient at first. realizing that the un-
expected outbreak of hostilities had
heaped mass Of burdens on the Brit
ish government and thinking an early
clearing of the air would come.
Waited Patiently in Vain.
Five months have now elapsed, the
note asserts, with no Improvement in
the situation. In the meantime Ameri-
can shippers have availed themselves
OF various suggestions from the Brit
ish government. such as shipping car
goes to definitely named consignees in
neutral 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 cargoes. The situation,
however, is described as having hardly
improved after these concessions.
Reference is made in the note to the
high principles of equity which have
pionship in the past of the freedom Of
the seas to neutral commerce, and the
hope is expressed that even though a
seriousness to the neutral OF, continued
interference.
Other Nations May Follow.
Although the sending of the note was
not known to members of the diplo-
t. ,irh -
likely that the Washington govern
ment, with the exception Of the British
ambassador, will communicate 1t to
them unless they request 1t. high Off
cials thought it not unlikely that the
path marked by the United States
would be followed by other neutral
South American nations especially
have been keeping in close touch with
the attitude of the United States on
subjects Of neutrality, and in most
cases have adhered to the American
position.
AS the note involves commerce most
ly with European neutrals. 1t is be-
lieved that diplomatic representatives
here Of the latter will seek the Ameri-
can viewpoint for transmission to their
governments.
Disregard Rules Of London.
The position Of the United States as
expressed in today's note is a conse-
quence Of several steps by Great Brit
ain, France. and Germany on the sub
ject Of contraband.
Although the Declaration Of London,
drafted in 1909. embodying the pre-
vious understandings of international
law and new rules for the conduct Of
maritime warfare with respect to neu-
trail commerce, had not been ratified
when the present war started, it was
thought for time all countries would
adhere to It. F
Great Britain by an order IN council
on Aug. 20 last declared the Declara-
ton Of London effective with certain
notifications. Germany announced to
all neutrals her Willingness to adhere
to the. whole declaration IL the other
beiligerents would.
The United States took the position
that 1t could not accept piecemeal
adoption by the allies Of the Declara-
ton of London with their own amend
ments, and declared that 1t would be
guided by the general practices of in
ternational law, irrespective Of the
Declaration Of London.
The German government in q formal
note to the United States and other
neutrals then voiced its objections to
the British notifications which the
United States opposed.
Senate Leaders Endorse Protest.
When the senate convened Senator
Walsh introduced resolution calling
on the president, II not incompatible
with public interest, to submit to the
senate all correspondence to foreign
nations with relation to seizure of
American copper. Senator Walsh gave
notice he would speak on it Thursday.
Vigorous criticism of the policy in
Mexico and an endorsement of the pro-
tests to Great Britain against the
seizure of American vessels. were
coupled in the house by House Leader
Mann.
"Our rights on the high seas" he
said, must be upheld with dignity and
firmness. I commend the administra-
ton for the position taken. We wish
to keep out Of the European war, but
we do not intend to keep out by saying
you may do what you please but don't
violate our rights England can not
afford to go to war with US. Neither
can Germany"
Referring to the Mexican situation
he said:
IF there was proper conception of
our duties we could bring order out of
chaos and that without war. I favor
the Monroe doctrine but am not in
favor of turning over Mexico to
anarchy or to European CONTROL"
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