The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-01-11
AMERICAN NOTE
toontinu.d FROM rir.. Page,

shall endeavor to keep our action
within the limits of his principle on
the understanding that IL admits our
right to interfere when such interfer-
ence. is. not with bona fide' trade be-
tween the United States and another
neutral country. but with trade in con-
traband destined for the enemy's coun-
try and we are ready. whenever our
action may unintentionally exceed this
principle to make redress.
Miseoneeption Exists.
We think that much misconcep-
ton exists as TO the extent to which
we have. In practice interfered with
trade. Your Excellency's note seems
to hold His Majesty's government re-
sponsible for the present condition OF
trade with neutral countries. and IL Is
stated that through the action OF His
Majesty's government the products OF
the great industries of the United
States have been denied long estab-
lished markets in European countries,
which. though neutral, are contiguous
TO the seat OF war. Such n result is
Tar from being the intention OF His
Maiesty's government and they would
exceedingly regret that II should be
due to their action. I have been I'M
able TO obtain complete or conclusive
figures showing what the state Of
trade with these neutral countries has
been recently and can therefore only
ask that some further consideration
should be given to the question
whether United States trade with
these neutral countries has been 80
seriously affected.
We do not wish to lay too much
stress upon incomplete statistics: the
hgures are not put forward AZ CON
elusive; and we are prepared to ex-
anime any further evidence with 70.
gard TO the state OF trade with these
neutral countries, which may point TO
different conclusion or show that n
Is the action OF His Maieatv's govern.
ment In particular and not tho exist.
ence OF a state OF war and consequent
diminuton Of purchasing power and
shrinkage OF trade. which il responsi.
bic for adverse effects upon trade
with the neutral countries.
Adverse Effect.
That the existence Of q state Of
war on such n scale has had a very
adverse effect upon certain great in.
dustries. such az cotton. is obvious
DIT II ts submitted that this Is dine 10
The general cause OF diminished pur.
CHASING power Of such countries as
France. Germany and the United King.
dom. rather than 20 Interference with
Trade with neutral countries In the
matter Of cotton b. may be- recalled
hat the British government gave spe.
cisl assistance through the IfverpooI
cotton exchange 10 rho renewal OF
transactions BOO the cotton trade OF moi
only the United Kingdom. but OF
many neutral countries
y our EXcrllcncy's note refers In
particular % the detention Of corner
The figures taken from official returns
Tor the export Of copper from the
United States for Italy for the months
during which the war har been Ca
progress up 20 the end 81 the fret
three weeks Of December are as fol-
lows.
Nineteen thirteen Fifteen million
Two hundred thousand pounds Nine
teen fourteen Thirty-siK million two
hundred and eiFhfy-fve thousard
pounds Norway sweden. Denmark
and Switzerland are not shown aaps.
rately for the whole period In tho
United states returns bur are inrIud.
Cd In the heading other pIroue"
that is. Europe Other fran the United
Kingdom. Russia. France Belgium
Austria. Germany. Holland and ItaIyI
The corresponding figures under This
heading sre a. follows.
Nineteen thirteen Seven million