Bisbee daily review., 1914-12-29
J. 5. TAXES FIRM STAND
 WITH BRITAIN
Protest Filed With Foreign Secretary Against lndiscrim-
 mate Use of Britian's Sea Power to lrrupt Commerce.
COPPER CARGOES ONE
 OF PRINCIPAL TOPICS
Note is Long and Has Been In
 Preparation by State De partment for More Than A Month-Dehnite Stand Taken

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.
 The United States government
 dlspatehed a long note to Great
 Britain insisting on an early im-
 proVement in the treatment of
 American commerce by the Brit
 ish fleet lt gave warning that
 mueh feeling has been aroused
 in this country and that the pub
 lie criticism Was general over
 the interference in the legitimate
 foreign trade Of the United
 States.
 Since France has adopted practical ly the same decrees on contraband as has Great Britain the note virtually is the statement intended for all members Of the triple entent. The feeling is aroused on the subject tG an extent. the communication says. the American government feels com. pelled to ask for definite information as to Britain's attitude in order to take such measures as to protect American citizens in their rights
 One of the compiaints, cited in the note, is against the treatment of Am. erican cargoes of copper.
 The document, constituting the strongest representations on this subject made by the United States to any belligerent since the out. break of war was cabled to Ambassa- dor Page to be formally presented to Sir Edward Gray, the British foreign secretary. Its preparation was begun month ago by the state department officials and finally had the personal attention Of the president who reyis- ed the phraseology with minute care The note declares at the outset that the representations are made in a friendly spirit but that the United States considers it best to speak in terms of franlness. lest silence be construed as an acquiescence in the policy which infringed on the rights of American citizens under the laws of nations.
 The United States points out that it was patient at first, realizing t>- unexpected outbreak of hosulities heaped a mass of burdens on the British government and thinking that an early clearing of the air would come Five months have now elapsed with no improvement in the situa tion. The American note mentioning that foodstufs are conditional con traband since they may be destined for use of the civil population ai well as the army, declares foodstuni while hostile destination must b' shown 10 be consigned to the arm! of the enemy before declared contra band This is perhaps the broades declaration in the American note. If it Is accepted in Great Britain American trade to Germany and Aus tria. virtually at a standstin now may be reslumed, including wheat flour. and live stock and other food suns.
 Taking up the subject of the de tention of American ships at sea tn, | Washington government states I cannot tolerate undue delays in e0 aminlng them or conveying sucl ships to British ports for detailei examination It argues that proof O the hostile destination Of a carg must be evidenced at the tim search at sea. The benigerent righ of search, the note adds is fully rec ognized. but can not be extended t the point of diverting American ship into be,agerent ports merely on su' pi1ion.