New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-18

with previous years has been main
tanned, and the inference may fairly
be drawn" that Substantial part of
this trade was in fact intended for
the enemy countries, going through
neutral ports by routes 70 which it
was previously unaccustomed."
Taking up some of the "incon-
veniences to which this great war is
exposing the commerce of all neutral
countries" the note points out that
undoubtedly the SERIOUS shortage in
shipping available for ocean transport
and the consequential result Of excess
sive freights" have had much to do
with the situation, but denial is en-
tered that Great Britain's activity has
brought about this shortage, for it is
added that only ten neutral vessels are
awaiting adjudication in prize court.
Great Britain declares that she, too,
is suffering from the shortage of ship
ping and rise in freight "as acutely,
II not more, than other nations" and
has taken every step consistent with
belligerent interests to increase the
tonnage available for the transport Of
sea-bOrne commerce"
The hope is expressed that the
United States will realize that the de-
tention Of neutral ships by the Allies
has not contributed nearly so much to
the shortage Of shipping "as has the
destruction of neutral vessels by sub
marine mines unfortunately laid by
the enemy on the high seas many miles
from the coast in the track of merchant
vessels"
Destruction by Mines.
Up TIL now" continues the note,
twenty-five neutral vessels have been
reported as destroyed by mines on
the high seas. Quite apart from all
questions of the breach of treaties
and the destruction of life, there is
Tar more reason for protest on the
score OF belligerent interference with
innocent neutral trade through the
mines scattered by the enemy than
through the British exercise Of the
right of seizing contraband."
Discussing the general proposition
that belligerent is entitled to capt.
ure contraband goods on their way to
the enemy, the British note traces the
origin of the right of interrogation and
speaks OF the new devices encountered
rom time to time for dispatching con-
traDand goods TO an enemy. The doc
trlne OF continuous voyage as enunci-
ated during the Civil War by Secre-
tary Seward is quoted at length and
the question of ultimate destination
argued in legal detail.
To justify the detention of suspect
ed cargoes when passing between
neutral countries and taking them into
ports for examination, the cases of
American practice during the Spanish.
American War also are cited, and the
note says these precedents are incon-
slstent with the statement OF the
American government made 20 the
British Ambassador at Washington on
November Z, which insists that search
should be made on the high seas Eat
the time of the visit" and that the
conclusion Of the search should rest
upon the evidence found on the shin
under investigation, and not upon cir
cumstances ascertained from external
sources"
The Foreign Secretary reiterates
that the increased size of steamships
necessitates search in calm waters.
and insists that during the Russo
japanese War, and also during the
second Balkan war, British vessels
were made TO deviate from their
course and follow the cruisers to some
spot where the right OF visit and
search could be more conveniently car.
ried out" and in both cases cal
though questioned at first, Great Brit
ain finally acquiesced"
To take a ship into port, the note
contends. is not to be looked upon "a,
a new belllaSent right but as an |,