Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1915-02-24
RR|TAIN REJECTS
PROTEST OF u. S.
Refuses to Modify Its Stand on
Shipping.
GREY CITES CIVIL WAR CASES
Sir Edward in Eeply to American
Note Says 1t Is impossible to Dis
tinqush Between German Army
and Civilians.

Washington, Feb. 19.-The text of
the British governments reply to the
American protest against British in
tprference with American commerce
was made public on Wednesday stimuli
taneOusly in Washington and London.
The British government refuses to
accept responsibility for the situation
Of American commercial and indus
trial interests, described as "pitiful'
in the protest of the United States.
It says that the effect of the war
has been not to increase but practi-
cally arrest the decline of American
exports, which was in progress
earlier in the year." and it adds
that the cause of the unfavorable
condition described by the Ameri-
can government Sought in fairness to
be sought elsewhere than in the ac-
tivities of his majesty's naval forces"
In effect the contentious of the
British note are:
/ Comparison of figures shows that
substantial part of the European
trade of the United States was in fact
trade intended for the enemy coun-
tries going through neutral ports by
routes to which it was previously I'M
accustomed
2. The serious shortage of shipping
and the consequential result of exces-
sive freights has not been caused by
Great Britain's interference with neu-
trail ships, seven only of which are
awaiting adjudication in British prize
courts
8. The detention of neutral ships
with view to the capture of contra
band has not contributed nearly so
much to the shortage of shipping as
has the destruction of neutral vessels
O25 to date) by German submarine
mines.
4. There is far more reason for pro-
test against the use of mines than
against British exercise of the right
Of Selling cOntraband
.. Changed conditions of transpor-
tatiOn justifes Great Britain in inter
fering with commerce intended for
the enemy routed through a neutral
port.
s. Difficulties in the way of visit
and search in stormy weather require
British cruisers to order neutral sus-
poets to 60 to a convenient place for
search, a course followed by the United
States during the Civil war. But this
night must be exercised with due re-
gard for neutral interests.
l. Diplomatic action should not be
taken IN behalf of neutral ships or
cargOes until sheir legal remedies
nave been exhausted, and in order to
aid American citizens to obtain their
rights, the fact of detention and the
grounds therefor are notified to the
American ambassador.
g. Delays in connection with the
procedure instituted against neutral
shipping and cargoes have been mini
mized
). In the peculiar circumstances OF
Tue present struggle where the forces
VI the enemy comprise so large pro-
portion of the population and where
mere Is so little evidence Of ship
ments on private as distinguished
nom government account, it is most
reasonable that the burden of proof
should rest upon the shipper.
10. In the absence of the certainty
Ot German observance of the rule the
british government feels great doubt
mat a belligerent should abstain from
Interference with the foodstuffs in
ENDED for the civil population.
Il. Moreover. experience shows
mat the power of requisition will be
used IN order to make sure that the
wants Of the military are supplied.
,oWeyer much goods may be imported
,Uf civil use. it is by the military that
~ey will be consumed if military ext
seacles require it, especially now that
4e German government have taken
"ntrol Of all foodstuffs of the coun-
Try
T. In several cases the British
sO'ernment has waived its belliger-
SUI right to treat as enemy vessels
s1'ps Incorporated in Germany which
we're subsidiary to and owned by
american corporations.
ID. The British government has en-
Favored to exercise. its belligerent
, ,,sn's with every possible considera-
NOl Tor the interest of neutrals.