Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-09-09
BIG RELIEF FUND
VOTED BY SENATE
Million Dollars for the Use of
U. S. Diplomatic and Con-
suIar Officers.
FUND IS NOT TO ASSIST
AMERICANS IN EUROPE
Repayment Expected by Nations for
Benefit of Whose Citizens
Money Is Expended.

The Senate today passed the House
joint resolution apPropriatins 100000
for the use of American diplomatic and
consular officers abroad III caring for the
nationals of Other nations which have
asked the United States to act for them
in the belliserent countries.
Senator MARITIME chairman Of the APP
Preparations committee, explained that
this roney was not t. lac used for Amer
lean citizens, but fo~ foreign citizens. and
that Ultimately it would ae pad back by
the countries whose business was cared
for llv American repr, scntatiTes abroad.
There WAS no opposition TO the measure.
Asked by NJ. Bryan.
The money Vas asked for on Satur-
day by Secretary Bryan. who explained
that American ambassadors and consular
agents in Europe have assumed much
extra expense because of the fact that
mos Of the belligerent nations have ask
ed the United States diplomatic officers
to looll after the Interests of those coun-
tries
The republican attitude toward the
resolution and the request of Secretary
Bryan was expressed by Representa-
tive tiillett of Massachusetts, who said :
81 voted for the resolution in COM
mittee, and as representing the minor
ity in committee | want to state that
in all matters OF tbs kind. involving
the diplomatic relations OF the United
States in the European conflict. We
shall endeavor to lay aside partisan-
ship and give this administration help
and loyalty the same as if it were
our own admin istr; ton
The resolution, which has already
passed the House. now goes to the
President for his signature
Saved City of Client.
An undated dispatch from American
Consul Johnson at Osteud to the State
Department today explains that through
the friendly intervention of julius Van
ilee. American vice consul, the city of
Ghent Was saved from q bombardnlent.
An agreement was reached by which
me German TROOPS We're not to enter
the oity. Two wounded German officers
who came into Client by automobile it
was arranged, would not be held as
prisoners OF war, but would be returned
10 the German lines on their recovery.
Denies Germans Seek Mediation,
Reports that intima tons had been con-
veyed to the State Department by
Oscar s. Straus of New York. that the
German emperor would look favorably at
Wilson of his offers Of mediation in the
European conflict. met with prompt de-
niais today by Secretary Bryan and Sir
cecil Sprlng-Rice. the British ambas-
Sador
Nj Straus was in Washington and
called at the State Department and the
embassy Secretary Bryan said the ru-
mored purport of the visit was EN-
firely without foundation. The British
|ampassador said he had discussed peace
| in Europe with Mr.. Straus, but that
nothing was said to indicate that the
latter spoke III behalf of the German
emperor. No report OF the visit was
sent TO the British foreign office he
said.
American officials were Interested in
the report that the Spanish steamer
Montserrat had been conveyed into a
Canadian port by British cruiser but
only on account of the precedent it was
likely TO establish in the present war.
Conveys Neutral Ship.
Although the right of search is freely
accorded 5elligerent vessels in time of
war and neutral ships are bound to sub
NIT to it, international law has never
definitely settled whether passengers can
he removed from such ships on the high
seas and taken to helligerent ports.
In the civil war the United States re-
moved Mason and Side,l, agents of the
confederacy from AN English vessel but
SUR ntIe-ed them later to the British
aut L critics, admitting that ii had no
right 10 take passengers from neutral
vessels
Beliigersn MT ships have the right 10 con-
yey neutral ships to their own ports if
suspected Of carrying CoptrabTand, and
it is presumed here that the Montserrat
was taken 10 Halifax on that theory.