The Sentinel=record., 1915-03-16
ENGLAND ISSUES ORDERS CLOS ING ALL PORTS OF GERMANY
 TO SHIPPING.
ID SEIZE ONLY THE CARGOES
The Measure is Avowedly a Reprisal Against the German Submarine Warfare, as the order Does Not Mention Germany's Allies.

London. March l5-9:I5 D. m.- Great Britain made known to inc world today in d formal proclamation signed in council by the king and issued from Buckingham palace. how she proposes to seyera all the ar. teries of sea commerce To and rom Germany during the period of the war
 As in Premier Asqu.th's speech forecasting the order. the term blockade is not used and no prohib- tied area is defined. Nevertheless, the text Of the order makes plain England's Durpose-to prevent com modities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany during the war.
 British officials tonight frankly called the movement a blockade the foreign office describing it as an sf- fectiye blockade differing from the effective blockades of history only in that the property seized will not be confiscated outright but sold the pro. ceeds eventually going 10 the owners.
 In the last clause of the proClama. tion is the proposal most interesting to neutrals This is flat agreement 10 itt the 'hloclade" iu ease auy la- tion WiIl certify that the ships flying its flags shall not carry goods to Ger many. or originating therein or be- longing to the subjects of the German empire
 It is notable that the order declares no intention 10 capture ships proceed ing to and from the countries of Ger. many's allies. Austria and Turkey. the reason being, no doubt. that the measure Is ayowediy a repusal against the German submarine war fare. lClTeyer. gordon Of ships win be maintained to shut off the com merce of German ports and regulate trade in the war zone, although ships voyaging eastward across the Al tan- tic wi1. it is expected, be seized be- fore they reach the North sea
 When a neutral vessel is held up in all cases. except where there js a false declaration of destination or other attempts at subteriuge the cargo only will be seized, provided it is not contraband.
 copy ot the order in council was handed 10 the American ambassador tonight for transmission 10 Washins- ton.
 The foreign office emrha lzes the fact that wide discretion is allowed prize court officials handling neutral claims Prominent officials urge upon neutral governments to bear in mind that many powers are conferred hy the order upon the officers entrusted with the disposition of detained ear goes and instructions will be sven these men to act with the greatest despatoh consistent with the proper performance of their tasks
 The elasticity of the order in so far as it affects neutrals is pointed ont by the foreign office. which has called attention from the first announcemen, of the reprisal policy 10 the fact thai the regulations are not i0tIeN.ol5 where the rights of neutrals are con cerned. While the order is absolute in so far as ships to and from German ports are concerned. using the word must" in stipulating how goods shall be discharged in English ports, the provisions concerning cargoes des tined for neutral ports set forth that they may be required to discharge at British ports.
 This Language is typical of the gen e1l ttitude of British officials to"arc neutral trade