The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1914-12-31
VIGOROUS PROTEST
SENT TO BRITAIN
BY UNITED STATES
Riuhts at Sea Are Demanded for
Americans.
MUST PROTECT OUR TRADE
Washington Instructs Ambassador
Page to Present List Of Complaints
British Policy Blamed for
Depression Of Industry.

Washington. Dec. 29.-The United
States government dispatched long
note to Great Britain insisting upon an
early Improvement in the treatment
of American commerce by the British
fleet.
1t gave warning that much feeling
had been aroused in this country, and
that public criticism was general over
unwarranted interference with the
legitimate foreign trade Of the United
States.
Cabled to Ambassador Page.
The document, constituting the
strongest representation on this sub
ject made by the United States to any
OF the belligerents since the outbreak
of the war, was cabled to Ambassador
Page to be formally presented to Sir
Edward Grey, the British foreign sec
rotary.
It's preparation was begun month
ago by Solicitor Cone Johnson, COun-
selor Robert Lansing and Secretary
Bryan, and finally during the last two
weeks had the personal attention OF
President Wilson himself, who revised
its phraseology with minute care.
In Terms Of Frankness.
As the detailed point of view of the
United States in 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 the communCa-
ering the entire subject of the rela-
tions between the United States and
Great Britain as affected by the lat
ter's naval policy, considered highly
Objectionable by this government.
The note declares at the outset that
the representations are made in a
friendly spirit, but that the United
States considerc 1t best to speak in
terms of frankness, lest silence be con
strued as acquiescence in a policy on
the part of Great Britain which in
fringed the rights of American citizens
under the laws of nations
Hits All in Triple Entente.
Since France has adopted practi-
cally the same DEGREES on contraband
as has Great Britain, the note is virtu-
ally statement intended for all the
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 American
industries, a situation the seriousness
of which must be apparent to Great
Britain.
Reimbursement alone for cargoes
unlawfully detained or seized it states,
does not remedy the evil.
Feeling has been aroused on the
subject to such an extent, the commu-
niCation adds, that the American gov
eminent feels compelled to ask for
definite information as to Great Bri-
tain's attitude in order that it may
take such measures as will protect
American citizens in their rights.
The United States, it points out, was
patient at first, realizing that the un-
expected outbreak OF hostiities had
heaped a mass of burdens on the 81.
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 Amer
lean shippers have ayailed themselves
of various suggestions from the Brit
ish government, such as shipping car
goes to definitely named COnsiguees 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 dcten-
lions Of these cargoos The situation.
however is described as having hardly
improved after these concessions.