Evening star., 1915-01-01
READING Of NOTE
D|SPELS IRRITATION
CONTINUED from First Page)
unison in this matter, he has used every
effort to relieve the situation.
Snecific Cases NOT Dealt With

Specific Cases Not Dealt With.
High officials of the United States
government said that no specific cases
had been included in the present note,
because these had been dealt with at
considerable length separately in a
voluminous correspondence covering a
period of five months and that the
British foreign office was fully familiar
with the detailed position of the United
States in each case. 1t is quite pos
sible, however, that a brief summary
of some of the typical cases will be
made public in a few days by the State
Department.
The note itself was distributed last
night to members of the diplomatic
corps. The preparation of the docu-
ment was begun nearly a month ago in
the State Department, and from time
to time drafts of it were sent to the
White House to President Wilson, who
wrote portions of it and revised it in
detail.
1t was learned from high officials
that it was not alone the desire for
careful perusal and study which de-
layed the sending of the document, but
the confident belief of the government
here that each day would bring from
the British government. in response to
Americas numerous protests In spe-
ciic cases, note saying definitely con-
ditiors would be relieved.
Senators Called in Consultation.
Secretary Bryan gave callers yester-
day an idea of the numerous steps
which were taken in developing the
administrators policy on contraband.
when ne said Senator Stone, chairman
of the foreign relations committee. and
other senators had been in close con-
sultation with the department respect
ing the questions involved.
1t was recalled in diplomatic circles
that Senator Stone several weeks ago
delivered a warning speech against
unwarranted detentions of American
ships and although it was not known
at the time, the admission came from
officials last evening, that he spoke
with the knowledge of the executive
branch of the government.
The communication on contrab band,
regarded as by far the most important
document dispatched by the Washing
ton government to any of the beIlig-
erents since the war began, has been
for several days almost the sole topic
of discussion among diplomats of all
countries.
The step has awakened much en-
thusiasm among South American dip
fomats, who think it paves the way
Tor more vigorous interest on the
part of the United States in the va
rious proposals looking to an assertion
Of the rights of neutrals. Incidentally
II was said that the sentiment in favor
Of the proposal made by Venezuela
for q convocation of neutral nations
to discuss contraband was rapidly
growing and it would cause no sur
Prise if one of the results of the pres
ent situation is the convening of such
q congress in Washington.
May Set Standard of Usage.
Diplomats from neutral European
Countries thought the correspondence
between the United States and Great
Britain might develop a standard of
usage that naturally would benefit all
neutraIs.
AT the British, French and Russian
embassies no statement of any charac-
ter was MADE concerning the note, it
being realized that the London iorGIgn
office would handle the subject for the
allies. and. after mature deliberation.
transmit it's answer
Ambassador Page reported last night
that he considered the tone Of the Brit
ish press reasonable. He made no pre-
dictions as to the outcome of the con-
troversy, but it became known last night
that he has been obliged by instruc-
m1pns from Washington to speak with
Ihe same fTmneSS and emphasis as char
man.. specific cases of detention Of
American cargoes by the British gov
efpghent
.,Keen interest is manifest throughout
the capital to the reply of Great
Britain, which probably will be formally
transmitted through the British ambas-
sador, Sir Cecil Spring-Rice. although
Ambassador Page. according to custom.
will be simultaneously advised of it's
contents.