, 1915-01-13

consumers, instead OF exporters, ana the
neutrals are compelled to seek elsewhere for
what they ordinarily would take from Aus
trim and Germany. The British figures re-
gardiug the seizures are thought to show
the generally good character Of American
commerce., while the complaint of the inter-
rnption to by o procedure short
OF seizure has not been remedied. The off
cials intimate that the British practice is
little less than o blockade of the high seas.
1t is admitted that the conduct of some ship
pers embarrases the Administration in pro-
tecting others. Surprise is felt that Eng
land has justified her departure from
the principles of law by similar con-
duct on the part of her enemies, a plea
which is thought to be inadmissible, The
matter has been much simpli6ed and a COM
plete adjustment will certainly be facilitated
by The appointment of a commercial adviser
Of high rank sent to assist Sir Cecil Spring
Rice at Lis request. The foregoing is pure
~ provisional and not authoritative, pending
England's more detailed reply, which perhaps
will not be received for another fortnight.
The reply recei> ed takes the heat from the
controversy and advances the matter salts
factorily,
A Paris official statement shows the con-
t~nuatlon at certain points Of intermittent
cnnnonading but without important results.
Some trench fighting has taken place with
French gains, according to the announce
ments.
A Berlin official despatch announces "Tn
an engagement near Perthes, in the centre
Of he battle line, the Germans recaptured
some trenches which had been stormed by
the French aud Inflicted heavy losses on
their opponents, while fresh German success
SEES are claimed in the region of the Argonne.
Din ErnnuI okfo11rc 81 To Rniccol1o on1
north of scissors have ali deem repuised.
The unfavourable weather continues to hind
ell military operations III Russian Poland,
though we are making progress slowly in
the direction of Warsaw"
Adyices from C0ilstantinOplo received il
Rome indicate that the bombardment by the
Allied feet has already greatly damaged
some Of the outer forts OF the Dardanelles,
and the belief is growing there that the fleet
will evidently force q passage and that the
Allies will capture the city. The informu-
tioh that the Turkish army has been disas-
trously beaten in the Caucasus is being with
held from the Turks, the official announcement
dealing only with the fighting in Northern
Persia, where the Turks have gained some
minor successes. Latest advices show that
the Turkish army in the Caucasus has been
strongly reinforced and that an attempt is
DClDS hIbNAG u ~ AAO LC0UC AOASO6
and resume the uffensive.
New York, Jan. 12ih-Despatches from
Chicago state that wheat prices broke at five
and q half cents per bushel under the gene
ral selling price, owing to rumOurs that o
fort guarding the Dardunelles had been de-
molished by the walships of the Allies, spe-
c~ulutors drawing the inference that the way
would speedily be opened for the Russian
wheat, Which is piled up in immense quaint
ties because of the Turks having closed its
natural outlet through the Durdanelles.
London, Jan. 12th-The "TiMes", in q
leading article upon the British reply to the
United States Note, considers it excellent in
substance and tone and anticipates a favour
able reception in the United States. Com
ment by other papers is mostly similar, but
the "Morning Post" expressed the sentiment
of those thinking that EDgland's policy is
too moderate. 1t says: Our ancient rule
was to confs9ate the enemy's goods in neu-
trail ships. That was a good rule, and it had
the effect of weakening the enemy and short
ening The war. Ia the present war we have
abandoned this rule and made so many re-
~laxations in our system Of sea warfare that
the enemy is nourished and strengthened
and the war will drag on and many brave
EngiisLmen will be sacrificed because the
Government has adhered to the modern con
ception that property is more sacred than
life. The United States Government did
not protest against the violation of Belgian
neutrality, or the bombarament of ande-
Tended towns, or things even more serious,
but it has protested against our modest and
Intellectual attempts to use our great navy
for the stoppage Of contraband of war obvi-
ously devised for the enemy"
The 'Daily Chronicle" comments similar
ly, while the "Daily Telegraph anticipates
that a certain number of damage claims will
be duly settled without entangling the Gov
ernment's indifferences.
The London correspondent of the New