The Sentinel=record., 1915-02-26

Washington, Feb 25.-The United States government has suggested ia- formally to Great Britain and Ger many that in the interests of human fly and the safeguarding Of legitimate commerce, all mines be removed from the nigh seas except those directly necessary for the protection of coast defenses and harbors.
 This suggestion, along with pro posals designed to obtain Great Brit aims acquiscense in a plan to pe-- init the distribution of imported food stutfs to the civilian population of Germany and bring about aDandou- ment by the latter of its submarine warfare on merchant ships, has been simultaneously submitted by England to her allies, France and Russia. for consideration
 ltimations have come to the Wash ington government that until the British cabinet acts and the attitude of France and Russia is learned. no reply can be given to the American proposals This may require several days
 In the meantime Germany already has manifested willingness to make concessions. which gives officials here ground for hope that coacilil- tory spirit will be adopted by Great Britain
 1t can be stated authoritatively that in the American communication ma1e identically to Germany and Great Britain. no mention was made by the UAited States of what course it would pursue in the event of rejection of its proposals The United States assumed rather the role of mediator
 High officials of the Washington government have shown much solici- tude over what might be the extent of retalatory measures adopted by the belhgereAts if they continue to disre- gard previously accepted principles of international law It is understood that one of the arguments used is that if the policy of starvation is put into effect by Great Britain the first to feel the pi1ch of hunger might be the British, French and Russian pris- oners.
 Another suggestion said to have been conveyed is that suffering forced upon the civilian population of Ger many might produce an unwholesome effect on the attitude of the American people toward Great Britain and her allies
 There is every evidence that neu- tral governments are working in close harmony with the Washington gov ernment and have manifested more than a willingness sto cooperate ia efforts made here to assist in a set. clement of the vexatious questions arising out of submarine and mine warfare Secretary Bryan denied to- day that an embargo by the United States on exports of foodstulfs was contemplated.
 Fo lowing a talk with President Wilson, Representative Porter of Pc nsylvania, republican, introduced a biN to authorize the president to lay, regulate and revoke an embargo on all ships and vessels in United States ports of United States or for eien vessels whichever in his opil- ion it is necessary until fifteen days after the commencement of the next sesscn of congress.
 No man" said MT. Porter, "can an tic.pate the emergencies likely to arise in our foreign relations during the next nine months and congress should ot adjourn without pacing in the presidents hands every possible assistance to meet the complications as they arise
 The delicacy of the negotiations prevents officials from revealing Just what has been proposed. The minis ters from Norway and Sweden and other neutral envoys who have ln- ouired. some of them even by instruc- tioa from their government, have not been given the details by the state department. because the subject IS reearded as in an informal and unof- fieial stage as yet, more in the nature of au interchange of views than TOT maj negotiation.
 From the point of view of the Wash