New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-16
Washington Hears Reply
to American Protest
Soon Will Be Sent.
HINTS OF ANSWER
HALT u. S. ACTION
British Government Arranges
to Settle Cotton Claims in
This Country.
from The Tribune Bureau

Washington, June Examinations
have been given to the State Depart
ment that the British Foreign Office
has in preparation an answer to the
American note to Great Britain OF
March 30 protesting against the rlgors
Of the British Order in Council OF
March Is. This answer has been de-
layed while the United States and
Germany have been interchange 2
notes over the misuse of the subma-
rine as a fighting vessel.
It is hoped that Great Britain VIII
so modify its practices regarding neu-
trail commerce as to bring its acts INTO
stricter conformity with the recog-
pized rules Of international law. II IS
the knowledge that the British answer
is 70 come soon that has halted the
,ronaration of a further note of pro-
tost to Great Britain. Pending the re-
cejnt Of the British note the United
states will make no further repre-
sensations.
1t is doubted in Washington that e1-
Secretary of State Bryan ever knew
Of the British intention TO send reply
70 the American protest. He urged the
preparation of a stiff note to Great
Rritain as an Offset to the reply sent
10 Germany on June 9, and the with
holding Of such a note was one OF the
causes of his withdrawal from 'no
Cabinet.
Bryan's Opportunity.
Whether Mr.. Bryan did or did not
understand that Great Britain planned
rote modifying her attitude, govern
ment officials think he did not intend
70 await a British reply when the
chance offered to complicate the sltua-
tion nv attacking the British position
at the same time Germany's policy was
being criticised by the American gov
II is practically certain that the
r-ri+od States will make an offer OF
mediation for changing warfare on the
seas TO Great Britain along the hnes
of the offer in the German note. &C
cording to present plans, however, thls
will not be done until after the BRUSH
II is not believed that Great Britain
will show any great hurry TO Iltt us
embargo on shipments into GeInahy
II Is pointed out that OF the ZO,OVO OF
more vessels which have cleared from
British ports since the war zone proc
lamation, only about 100 nave Deen
tornedoed. Consequently, from tne
o.. : German
r,.rire warfare has been ineffective.
0n,in,ism as TO the German reply
continues TO prevail in Washington
although high officials frankly confess
tbo,, have no substantial basis for their
beIief except the friendly way IN
which the Presidents latest note was
received in Germany.
To Settle for Cotton Here.
M , was given by the British En-
, Sassy Vs-day that authority had Deeh
.,roted for the settlement and pay
ment at the embassy here, ana at we
consulate general in New YORK. OF the
claims of America exporters on ae-
count of detentions and appropr aI'ohS
of cotton. ,..o
This arrangement will affect large
number of shippers whose carsoes' III
& H. =
49, been seized under the British Or
dor in Council against commerce wltE
Germany and Austria. Ii Is expected
"a facilitate settlements, as proofs Oh
ownership and destination can De sup
mitted and verified much more quick
in the United States than IN britlsh
ports in which the ships are detained
II was said to-day that progress was
being made on negotiations LOOKING 10
another extension of tie time allowed
bv the British government for the
fiinp of evidence that American-ow ned
goods of German origin awaiting snip,
ment 10 the United States from neutral
countries were bought before March l
last. This time expired to-day.
May Separate Goods.
Plans have been preached for the
sonaration of goods of unquestioned
evemntion from seizure from other
sbioments of doubtful character, and
Il these can be perfected 1t Is believed
that the British authorities at least
vii consent to the free movement OF
tie former without being subject 10
consideration by the prize courts,
II has become known that early IN
TIE war the British government con-
templated declaring cotton absolute
contraband. because il was the basis
Of smokeless powder and gu: cotton. On
urgent representations by the United
states that such a declaration would
paralyze an American export 1ra o III III
this staple worth about, SoCO'OOV'OVV1
Great Britain withheld the threatend