Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-01-06
j. S. DEMANDS
RIGHTS At SEA
Washington instructs Page to
Present Complaints.
WARNED OF PUBLIC FEELING
Note to England Says That Policy
Has Caused Depression in Indus
try and Our Trade Must Be
Protected.

Washington. Dec. 30.-The United
States government on Monday dis
patched a long note to Great Britain
insisting upon an early improvement
in the treatment of American com
merce by the British feet.
1t gave warning that much feeling
had been ar ),sed in this country, and
that public criticism was general over
unwarranted interference with the
legitimate foreign trade of the United
States.
The document, constituting the
strongest representation on this sub
ject made by the United States to any
OF the belligerents since the outbreak
OF the war. was cabled to Ambassador
Page to be formally presented to Sir
Edward Grey. the British foreign sec
rotary.
Its preparation was begun a month
ago by Solicitor Cone Johnson, Coun-
selor Robert Lansing and Secretary
Bryan. and finally during the last two
weeks had the personal attention OF
President Wilson himself, who revised
its phraseology with minute care.
As the detailf point OF view Of the
United States in numerous specific
cases Of detentions and seizures OF
cargoes had been set forth in a series
OF emphatic protests, most of which
have gone unheeded. the commn-
nicatlon was couched in general
terms covering the entire subject OF
the relations between the United
States and Great Britain as affected
by the latter's naval policy, consId-
cred highly Objectionable by this gov
eminent
The note declares at the outset that
the representations are made In
friendly spirit, but that the United
States considers it best to speak 10
terms Of frankness. lest silence be con
strued 's acquiescence IN a policy on
TIE part of Great Britain which in
fringe5 the rights OF American clti.
zens under the laws Of nations.
Since France has adopted practical
ly the same DEGREES on contraband as
has Great Britain the note is
virtually a statement intended for all
the members Of the triple entente.
The document points out that com
plants ON every side and public eritl-
cism In the United States hold the
British policy as directly responsible
for the depression In many American
Industries. situation the seriousness
of which must be apparent to Great
Britain
Feeling has been aroused on the sub
iect 20 such an extent. the communica-
tion adds. that the American govern
ment feels compelled TO ask for def
mite information as TO Great Britain's
attitude In order that II may take such
measures as will protect American cit
liens in their rights.
Five months have now elapsed, the
note asserts, with no Improvement in
the situation. In the meantime Amer
lean shippers have awaited themselves
OF various suggestions from the Brit
ish government. such as shipping car
goes to definitely named consignees In
neutral countries and the taking out of
certificates from consuls in this couu-
try. which followed promises of the
British foreign office that the allied
fleets consequently would cease deten-
tions OF these cargoes. The situation.
however, is described as having hardly
Improved after these concessions.