The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-07-22
BRITAIN MAY MAKE
COTTON CONTRABAND
Possibility Of Such a Step Is
Causing Concern to This
Government.
WORLD Is OVERSUPPLIED

wAsHISGroN, July 21.-The growing
agitation in England in favor of placing
cotton on the British contraband list IL
attracting wide attention here. Despite
the fact that the British Government
last fail declared its intention not to
make cotton contraband and the fact
that Il Is known to he still unwilling to
take such action, 1t is believed TO DO
within the range OF possibility that 1t
will feel compelled to yield To the strong
pressure being brought to bear upon 1t
at home.
At the same time hat this agitation
Is being fomented in England the Wash
inston Administrator is also perceivins
that II soon will have to face a revived
campaign about cotton in this country.
1t In therefore more than likely that
within the next few weeks the cotton
question will be very much OF an issue
for the President and his advisers.
Overlooked ana More CominG.
The cotton question is being called up
anew by men representing southern IN
terests who are pointing out mat while
the world cotton market outside or GER
many and Austria is now overstocked
nearly 1900. 900 bales. there is already
in sight another large crop. The desire
OF the cotton interests Is of course for
the United States Government To secure
access TO the German and Austrian mar
kets. That would just about take up
the surplus from last years crop.
There is no prospect OF this being
accomplished. according to statements
made in responsible quarters. In fact
the Administration is not even attempt
ing to secure direct access TO those mar
kets. as Il does not feel that II has any
ground on which Ia make such an at
tempt. The right or the British to block
ade Germany and Austria Is conceded
and this Government has even conceded
that a blockade may possibly be legal
even IL not maintained under precisely
the same conditions that were held
requisite before the advent of sub
marines as important elements In mari
time warfare.
All that the United states Is con-
tending for In the cotton issue Is che
right of Americans to ship cotton TO
neutral countries without interference.
II has refused TO recognize the right ~
the British authorities to seize cargoes
of cotton consigned to neutrals on the
ground that they were ultimately des-
tined for Germany or Austria. Ihat
the British are paying for cotton that is
seized does not alter the position or the
United States on the principle involved.
Should Great Britain declare cotton
contraband and should the United states
accept such a declaration the situatibn
would be much less satisfactory from
the polnt OF view of both the cotton
shippers and the state Department.
Cotton suspected OF ultimate destination
to Germany could then be seized am
ronfscated without compensation on
the ground tha II was destined Tor use
Of the enemy. The shippers would mus
lose their property, whereas now. tnougn
n BILE to make deliveries at the points
desired. they are being compensated
when their shipments are taken by tins
British.
The position OF the state Department
would be less advantageous. for II II
doubtful whether it could object TO the
seizure of cotton designed for snip
ment through neutral countries, rms
Is largely due to the fact that the Ger
man Government H. understood to have
taken control of all cotton supplies IN
Germany, ard thus II could he main
tanned with force that cotton. as con-
traband. being sent into Germany
through neutral countries was contra
hand destined for the enemy Govern
ment. While the issue has not ye'
arisen. 1t appears that The trend OF opin,
ion is toward the belief that the unltet
states could rot successfully controver'
such a claim as England would put Tor
ward II cotton We're made contraoa III
civil WAR Ruling cited.
rps position OF the United States IL
r.sard 10 cotton IS u matter OF dispute
I, Is held by Europe that the unite'
States declared cotton c~ontraband o
urar in the civil war. Many American
contend, however, that the cotton wa
not made contrabaud OF war, nut wa
subject to coniscation since 10 reael
the high seas. II must have been ru'
through the Federal blockade ana there
fore subject to seizure.
The record OF this Government is no
clear. so that some doubt exists as I
what measure of success this Govern
ment could expect in c~ontending ina
cotton should never be regarded as con
traband.
British officials have recently indicat
ID that the reason his Majestys Gov
m has RETAINED from putting cot
ton on the contraband list was a deslr
10 avoid unnecessary irritation or IN
limited States. There is no reason t
doubt this, as there have been rtpeate
evidences that the British authorize
fully appreciated the Importance of cot
ton in American economic and politica
life and the dangers which might resul
if a drastic policy in regard to cotto
should arouse the entire South asains
Great Britain.
This view is being met by those he
hind the campaign 70 make cotton con
traband with the statement that tn
British are suffering in the war by thi
considerable for American interests an
that therefore the necessities of the oc
rasion require that the Government dis
card the policy which Is hampering I'll
success of the British measures agains
Germany.
HNDAfA ArC HD 4 DID 4