The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-02-27
REPORTS ARE
ENCOURAGING
AMBASSADORS PAGE AND GE-
RARD WERE OF ATTITUDE
TO LATEST NOTE.
Complete Replies of Two COun-
tries Not Expected For
Several Days.

WASHINGTON. d. C.. Feb. .s-
Encouraging reports from both Am
bassadors Page and Gerard. at Lon
don and Berlin. respectively. were re-
ceiyed BY President Wilson and his
cabinet to-day. concerning the atti-
tude OF Great Britain and Germany
toward the latest American proposals
Tor the safeguarding OF neutral com
merce from the dangers OF submarines
and mines and the unrestricted ship
ment OF foodstufs to the civilian pop
ulation OF the belligerent countries.
Complete replies are not expected for
several days, because the subject is
sun under consideration by England
and her allies
Germany's willingness TO make CON
cessions and negotiate for an under
standing on the vexations questions
already has been made known infor-
mallly to the United States and a for
NAL acquiescence is expected in a day
or two. All eyes now are turned on
the merits of the suggestions Some OF
the leading men in the British cabinet
are said to favor in principle the
American proposals as a means OF
solving the problem with as little in
possible. Another element, however.
is said 10 be impressed by the military
value OF further restriction OF sup
plies 20 Germany and more reprisals
| and there is some indication that
when the final resolution on the
American proposals Is to be made. the
military faction will present strong
opposition TO them.
Nature Unknown.
The exact nature OF the proposals IL
still unknown because OF the rigid re-
ucence OF the officials both here and
abroad, but each day adds Information
on the subject. Briefly this much or
the contents OF the American sugges-
tons now has been confirmed:
The United States has asked that
the previous rules OF International
law with respect TO the shipment by
neutrals OF conditional contraband des-
tined TO civilian population, and not
the belligerent forces OF an enemy,
remain unaltered.
A system Is suggested whereby
proof can be furnished that the sup
plies will be used by the civilian pop
ulation.
The removal OF all floating mines
by Germany, as well as Great Britain,
Is proposed, this not 10 apply. how
ever. to mines used for the protection
OF coast defenses and harbors: pilots
10 be furnished to guide neutral ships
through such fields as remain.
Attention is called TO Germanv's
promise that II foodstuRs are not de-
tained when destined TO her civilian
population. the submarine warfare on
merchant ships will be abandoned.
DO Not Dwell on Attacks.
The American proposals do not
/ dwell on the attacks by German sub.
marines on enemy merchant ships. as
/ the position OF the United States. 4,
Is understood, would not permit inter.
/ ference in the mode OF warfare adopt.
ed by the belligerents toward each
other except where the lives OF neu.
trails are placed in jeopardy. IL Is
assumed. however. by officials that the
promises made by Germany of an in.
tention 70 abandon such warfare on
merchant vessels and confine opcra.
tions TO those enemy vessels carrying
/ troops and munitions OF war would be
I fulfilled II foodstuffs were TO be given
unrestricted passage to Germany.
\ The details OF the proposals. Il Is
i felt here, can be readily arranged II
there Is a disposition on the part OF
/ both Great Britain and Germany 10
make concessions.