Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1915-02-18

should be obtained for them in this
way. When an effective mode OF re-
dress Is open to them in the courts or
a civilized country by which they can
obtain adequate satisfaction for any
invasion Of their rights which Is con
trary to the law of nations, the only
course which is consistent with sound
principles is that they should be re
fcrred to that mode Of redress and
that no diplomatic action should be
taken until their legal remedies have
been exhausted and they are In posi-
tion to show prima faCie denial Of JUS
dee"
The British government recalls that
1t followed this course with its own
ships during the American civil war
and the Spanish American war
In connection with the subject Of
detentions, Ambassador Page Is re-
minded that he has now been supplied
by the British foreign office with
particulars of every ship under Amer
lean colors detained and OF every ship
ment Of cargo in which an American
citizen appears to be the party inter
ested; not only is the fact OF detention
notified to your eXcellenCy, but, so far
as practicable. the grounds upon
which the vessel or cargo had been
detained are also communicated to
you, a concession which enables any
United States citizen TO take steps at
once to protect his interests"
Turning to the question OF condl-
tional contraband and foodstuffs, the
note says.
Permit Civilian Supplies.
mo country had maintained more
stoutly than Great Britain in modern
times the principle that a belligerent
should abstain from interference with
the foodstuffs intended for the civil
population. The circumstances OF the
present struggle are causing his maj
esty's government some anxiety as to
whether the existing rules with re-
gard to conditional contraband,
framed as they were with the object
OF protecting so far as possible, the
supplies which were intended for the
civil population, are effective for the
purpose, or suitable TO the conditions
present. The principle which / have
Indicated above is one which his mai
esty's government has constantly had
to uphold against the opposition OF
continental powers. In the absence or
some certainty that the rule would be
respected by both parties to this con
flict. they feel great doubt whether
il should be regarded as an established
principle Of international law
Sir Edward then quotes Prince Bis
marcks answer to tho Kiel chamber
OF commerce in 1s44 in connection
with the treatment OF rice as contra
band I'm the French-Chinese war:
THE measure In question Prince
Bismarck Is quoted as saying. has for
It's object the shortening Of the war
by increasing the difficulties Of the
enemy, and is a justlfiable step in war
II impartially enforced against all
neutral ships"
The British note here remarks: His
maJesty's government Is disposed to
think that the same view is still main
tained BY the German government.
Another circumstance which Is now
coming to light Is that an elaborate
machinery has been organized by the
enemy for supply OF fOodstuffs for the
use of the German army from over
seas. Under these circumstances II
would be absurd to give any definite
pledge that In cases where the sup
plies can be proved TO be for the use
OF the enemy forces they should be
given complete immunity by the sim
pie expedient OF dispatching them to
an agent In a neutral port.
Distinction Not Clear.
THE reason for drawing dlstlnc-
ton between foodstuffs intended for
the civil population and those for the
4 o. ont