The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-26
u. 5. URGES WARMING NATIONS ID REMOVE
 MINES FROM SEAS
Asks Only Waters Protecting Coasts and HarbOrs Be Guarded = Germany
 Would Compromise

Washington, February 2J.-rhe uni- ted states hns suggested informally to Grest Britain and Germany that in the interests of humanity and the safe guarding of legitimate commerce. all mines he removed from the high seas except those directly necessary for the protection of const defenscs and hn rbors.
 This suggestion, along with proposals designed to obtain Great Britains ac- qIiescence in a plan to permit distribution or foodstuffs to the civilian population of Germany and bring about cessation of the German submarine warfare on mer- chant ships, has been submitted by Eng land to her allies for considerations
 lntimatons have come to the Washing ton government that until the British cabinet acts and the attitude of France and Russia is learned no reply can be given to the American proposals. This may require several days. In the meantime. Germany aireaGy mas manifested willingness to make conces- sion. which gives officials present ground fer hope that Great Britain will show a canciiatory spirit.
 It can be stated authoritatively that the United States made no mention of what | course it would pursue in the event of rejection of it's proposals.
 Show Much Solicitude High officials of the Washington gov ernment have shown much solicitude over what might be the extent of retaliatory
 measures adopted by the beligerents if
 they continue to disregard previously ac- cepted principles of international law. It is understood that one of the arguments l used by the United States is that if the policy of starvation Is put into effect | by Great Britain, the first to feel the l pinch of hunger might be British French and Russian prisoners.
 | Another suggestion, said to have been conveyed, is that suffering forced on the l German civil population might pro- duce an unwholcsome effect on the atti- 1 tude Of the American people toward Great l Britain.
 | There is every evidence that neutral | governments have manifested more than & willingness to cooperate in efforts made here to assist in settlement of
 questions arising out of submarine and | mine warfare.
 l Secretary Bryan denied today that the l United States contemplated an embargo or experts of foodstuffs was contem- l rlsted.
 l Following q talk with President Wilson. l Representative Porter of Pennsylvania, l republican,, introduced a bill to authorrzc the President today, regulate and revoke l efntargoes on all ships and vessels in l United States ports, or United States Or l foreign vessels, until 15 days after the l commencement of the next session of l Congress.
 No man." said Mir. Porter, 'can antici- pate the emergencies likely to arise in our foreign relations during the next nine ! r,onths and Congress should not adjourn without placing In the Presidents hands every possible assistance to meet the com plioations as they arise."
 Not Given Details The ministers from Norway and Sweden
 and other neutral envoys who have in- ! cuired, some of them on instruction from their government have not been given details of the proposal because the sub | feet is regarded as in an informal and un- official stage as yet.
 From the points of view of the Washing | ton government Great Britain would have | much t6 gain from acceptance of the ! American proposals. The abolition of the ivar zones around Great Britain and Ire lard and the removal of mines it Is lI argued would render the commerce oi the allies safe.
 Originally when mines were laid in ,hs , North sea. Germany and Great Britain
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