Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-02-27
REPLIES
TO j. S. PROPOSALS
Encouraging Reports Received
Concerning Attitude Both of
Great Britain and Germany.
ALL EYES NOW ON LONDON
England's Allies Reported in Alb
solute Accord as to Reprisals
to Be Made on Enemy.

WASHINGTON. February 26.-En-
couraging reports from both Ambas-
sador Page at London and Ambassador
Gerard at Berlin were received to-day
concerning the attitude of Grea; Brit
ain and Germany toward the latest
American proposals for the safeguard
ing Of neutral commerce. and the un-
restricted shipment of foodstuffs TO the
civilian population of belligerent coun-
tries. The United States does not cx-
pcct complete replies for several days.
Germany's Willingness to make con-
cessions and negotiate for an under
standing on the submarine. food and
mine questions already has been made
known informally, and the United
States expects formal acquiescence in
day or two. All eyes now are turned
on London. where opinion is understood
to be divided on the merits OF the aug-
gestions. Some leading British Cabi-
net members are said to favor in prin-
ciple the American proposals. as
means OF solving the problem with as
little Inconvenience to neutral coun-
tries as possible. Another element
however. is said TO lie impressed by the
military value OF further restricting
supplies TO Germany
OFFICIALS RETICENT
ON L. 6. PROPOSALS
The exact nature OF the American
proposals is still unknown. because of
the rigid reticence OF officials here and
abroad, but each day adds information
on the subject Brieny this much Of
the contents of the American sugges-
tions now has been confirmed:
The United States has asked that the
previous rules of international law
with respect TO the shipment by neu-
trails of conditional contra band des-
tined to the civilian populations. and
not the belligerent forces OF an enemy,
remain unaltercd.
system is suggested whereby proof
can be furnished that the supplies will
be used by the civilian population
The removal or allSfioat!ng mines by
Germany and Great Britain is proposed,
except mines used for protection OF
coast defenses and harbors. pilots to
be furnisNed TO guide neutral ships
through fields that remain.
Attention is called 10 Germany's
promise that IL foodstuns are net de-
tanned when destined TO her civilian
population, the submarine warfare on
merchant ships will be abandoned
DO NOT DWELL on GERMAN
SUBMARINE ATTACKS
The American proposals do not dwell
on German submarine attacks on
enemy merchant ships. as the position
Of the United States. it is understood
would not permit interference in this
mode of warfare. except where the lives
Of neutrals are endangered Oficials
In he
made BY Germany of an intention to
abandon SUCH warfare on merchant yes
sells and contine operations to those
enemy vessels carrying troops and mu-
nitions of war. would be fulilled II
foodstuffs were TO be given unrestricte ed
passage to Germany.
The destruction of the American
steamers Carib and Evelyn continued
TO be talked about in official quarters.
The hope OF the American government
is that dangers from mines will be
eliminated by an acceptance OF some, at
least. of the American proposals