The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-10-13
so SAYS RULE ANNOUNCED
Solicitor Johnson Declares That
American Bottoms May
Carry Cotton to Ports of Bel
ligerent Powers; Rule May
Go Long Way to Help Situa-
ton for the South

CBy the Associated Press.)
Washington, ID. c.. Oct. 10.-Con-
tinuing its policy IF forging out a
complete code for regulation of ship
ments of American products, not only
10 neutral but to ~belligerent coun-
tries, the State Department today an
nounced a decision relating to eX-
ports of cotton seed oil. The de-
cision marks Il distinct advance in
the exemption of semi-contraband
goods from seizure when carried in
American bottoms.
This declaration, In effect, is that
American trade in cotton seed oil in
neutral bottoms is not subject to
seizure or detention, not only when
destined for neutral countries, but
When shipped to Germany, if not in
tended for military uses. The British
government has aSsented 10 so much
OF the proposition as relates to ship
ments to Holland of neutral goods.
such as foodstuffs which the Neither
lands government has embargoed for
expectation.
The departments opinion goes be-
yond the mere matter Of cotton seed
OIL ana lays down the principle that
cotton is non-contraband and is not
subject to seizure even when shipped
to a ~belligerent country, providing it
Is on American or other neutral
ships. Therefore, there is no i'm
pediment to the shipment of Amer
lcan cotton to Hamburg consigned
TO German %spinners.
All Products Now Free.
Inc statement OF the department IS
sued by Solicitor Johnson relating
TO the cotton seed stu. ton, is as
follows:
THE department has received a
number nf nnronJn;,4e fo-. ~
interested in the expectation Of cot
ton seed products-cottOn oil. cotton
SEED meal and cotton seed cake which
appear 10 result from the reported
action of the Holland-American
steamship line which, it is said. de-
cine to accept shipments for Rot
terdam unless consigned to the
Netherlands government. The de-
partment has not received any official
aovlces OF the seizure or detention of
shipments of cotton oil from the Uni
TED states to purchasers in neutral
countries. A shipment of cotton SEED
cake was detained by the British
soselnInent at an English port, but
the department is advised by the
consul general at London that the
Shipment will be released and pr
united to go forward, and that the
board OF trade has ruled officially
that no steps would be taken to pre-
80 ms cake from reaching its
dutch destination.
The Trade Legitimate.
Il am OF the opinion that cotton oil
is most, to be ranked as conditional
CONTRA and-being Of the nature ri
a food stuff, and that our trade in
cotton oil with neutral countries Is
entirely legitimate and is NOT right
tuiiy SUBJECT to seizure or detention
by n ~belligerent power when car.
RED in neutral bottoms; and as ia,
that matter, shipments of cotton oil
to German territory, if having 2
neutral and not a belligerent destina.
t1on, as destination is defined in in.
ternational law, as for instance in the
ondon convention, are permissible
be free from seizure.
"Ihe trouble with the cotton oil sit.
uatlOn appear to me to be one ri
transportation, growing out Of the re.
ported action of the Holland-Ameri.
can line in declining to accept ship.
ments. The Netherlands government
OlSclalmS any connection with this ac.
ton of the steamship company, which
is a private owned line.
The department has inquired O
exporters of cotton oil if they know
of n shipment of cotton oil which
mas been seized or detained by tn,
British government and if so to fur
cumStances.
British to Revise List.
The British Ambassador has mott
lied the department that his govern
ment intends to revise their proclama
ton respecting contraband and tina
meanwhile shipments to Holland il
neutral vessels, OF goods, slch as food
stuffs, respecting which the Neither
lands government nave placed an EN-
barge against transportation, woul
not be considered c%ontraband of wa
or interfered with on that account.
May Ship Cotton Freely.
THE department keenly appreciate
the cotton seed products situation an