The Washington times., 1915-07-27
Sinking Of LeeIanaw, Mexico,
British Blockade, and Other
Issues Worry Officials.
U. S. NOTE F0REsTALLED
EngIand's Latest lnsistence on
Right Of Blockade MuddIes
War Situation.

Across the horizon OF international
affairs today there loomed several prob
lens which appear to be pressing in
upon the Administration. They were:
The Leelanaw incident and it's relation
to the broader question Of Germany's
submarine warfare.
Great Britain's unsatisfactory stand
regarding the maintenance Of it's block
ade. which continues to interfere with
American shipping.
The acuteness Of the Mexican situa-
tion. which Is going from bad to worse.
Jingoistic pressure. which seeks to
construe the torpedoing Of the Lee
lanaw as Germanys answer to the
latest American note.
The revival issue Of national defense.
which vitality concerns not only official
dom but the man in the street.
These five questions are deemed suf-
ficient to cause any Administration
worry. All are coming to head, for
1t is now apparent that even the ''let
ed by the United States regarding
Mexico must quickly end.
With respect to Germany, this Gov
ernment's position is one Of apprehcn-
sive waiting 1t is not believed the Lee
lanaw incident will seriously complicate
the controversy between the two gov-
ernments on the general subject Of sub
marine warfare. but the destruction Of
the American ship has by no means i'm
proved the situation nor tempered pub
lie sentiment.
Although the context Of the British re-
ply regarding its blockade policy has rot
heen officially announced, enough is
known of the attitude of Great Britain
to say that it Is not reassurinS.
Insists On Blockade.
Great Britain insists her blockade is
hoi taI ,,a 1ri in,
ternational law: she even cites as
precedent the blockade of the United
States Government in the civil war CT
ffty-odd years ago. Protesting Ameri-
can shippers. instead of being guaran-
teed the safe transportation Of cargoes.
are reminded that If a cargo Is seized
the shipper has recourse to the prize
court. then to- the British pr.vy council.
and finally to diplomatic representations
The British reply has been sent to
President Wilson. at Cornish. for his
consideration That the forthcoming
American, note to the British govern
ment will be one of strong protest Is
The controversy with Great Britain
would have received earlier and more
vigorous attention at the hands Of this
more pressing question OF Germany
submarine warfare-which inolves hu-
man life rather than cargoes or 1relght.
Taken Calmly Here.
News dispatches saying Germany
proposed to "stand firm and quoting
important personages in Berlin to the
effect that the Kaiser could not
abandon submarine warfare. were
taken calmly here.
The essential thing, 1t was remarked.
was that Germany refrain from TN
warned submarine attacks involving
danger to or loss OF American lives.
Germany might be as firm" as she
pleased, German officials might talk as
not be answered at all. 1t was said.
so long as this condition was observed.
and the Washington Government would
be satisfied.
a critical examination of the British
communication concerning the order In
council.
1t was the consensus Of opinion that
the London foreign office chose the
time for dispatching its note with great
care. While the Washington Admins
tration was engaged in preparing Its
message to Germany, the British.
attention until Germany was out Of
the way, delayed. Directly after the
German note had gone. however. and
before America had had time. to ad-
oreSs EnSland tne idtteT spoke, just
in time to forestall the American COM
munication.
This temporarily tied up the American
message. for the British representations
had to be weighed carefully.
In its way, the Anglo o-American was
almost as embarrassing as the German
American situation since big American
interests, notably those engaged in the
cotton and meat packing trades. were
seriously threatening a combination. re-
gardlesS of the Administrators wishes
to put private. unofficial. but never
theless effective embargo on shipments
of their products to the allies unless the
order in council were modified.