New Britain herald., 1914-08-28

voyage a. seaman, either American or foreign, shall have the right to de- mand half of the wages due him, and if refused, in the case of a foreign vessel, sue for the compensation due him in an admiralty court. Critics of the bill declare that the enforcement of the provisions relating to desertion and the payment of wages and the direction given by congress to the President to terminate all con- ventions inconsistent with the law in these regards may give serious offence to some belligerent power or at least involve the United States in an inter national controversy at a time when all such trouble could be avoided. Mann Opposes Bill. Representative Mann, the republi- can leader, yesterday made a speech on the seaman's bill in which he ex- pressed doubt as to the wisdom of passing the measure at this time. He said that this was time in which the United States should proceed slowly in making enactments affecting for eign countries. He was wildly ap- plauded, as he declared at this stage in the worlds affairs it was the duty of the United States to preserve "civil- ization.'
 Mr. Mann adressed himself par ticularly to the provisions of the bill affecting the treaty obligations of the United States on shipping questions,
 The only thing that concerns me- said MT. Mann, lis to keep the United States at peace with the world. fear that some of the warning nations may look askance upon the growth of the business in this country at the expense of foreign countries and some of them may think that we are passing this bill now with the provision in it that have mentioned because they are un- able to protect themselves. If we keep our heads. if we keep cool, if we do not become hysterical, if we keep non- partisan in the war, that is now going on, the prosperity of the world will fall largely in our laps; and the civil ization of the world depends upon the attitude which the United States of America takes in the present con- test; we must preserve our temper and preserve the civilization which has come down to us.'
 War With Japan.
 Representative Humphreys of Wash ington, republican, who was opposed to the section of the bill imposing re- strictions regarding crews of steam CTS, predicted that if the measure be- came a law it would lead to a war with Japan.
 The bill, so far as it protects lives and cares for seaman's comfort, is 8 splendid measure, but the provision which relates to the crews of foreign vessels entering our ports will get us into difficulties" "'said MT. Humphreys. "The section was written for the pur- pose of getting rid of Chinese crews, but it will have the effect of turning the Pacific Mails Steamship Company vessels into Japanese ships, flying the Japanese flag"
 MT. Humphreys said that if Japan failed to comply with some of the pro- visions of the bill the United States would be compelled to hold Japan csc vessels.
 No self-respecting nation would, countenance such action,' said MT. Humphreys. II predict that if the bill is enacted into law in it's present form We will have war with Japan in thirty days.'
 The seaman's bill now goes to con- ference. It will be closely scrutinized by the administration before it is per- mitted to become a law.