Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1915-07-13
Wants Distinguishing Marks.

"In order TO exclude any unforeseen
dangers to American passenger steam
ers, made possible in view of the con-
duct of maritime war by Germanys adj
versaries. German submarines Will be
instructed to permit the free and safe
passage Of such passenger steamers
when made recognizable by special
markings and notified a reasonable
time in advance. The Imperial Gov
eminent, however, confidently hopes
that the American Government viii
assume to guarantee that these yes
sells have no contraband on board, de-
tails of arrangement for the unham-
pered passage of these vessels to be
agreed upon by the naval authorities
of both sides.
"In order to furnish adequate facili-
ties for travel across the Atlantic for
American citizens the German Govern
ment submits for consideration pro-
posal to increase the number Of avail
able steamers by installing in passen-
ger service a reasonable number OF
cLch4ClS AhS <AhANAAN>~-~
flag, the exact number to be agreed
upon under the same condition as the
above mentioned American steamers.
U. S. Citizens Cannot Protect Ships
OF BelIigerents.
1.-THE Imperial Government believes
1t can assume that in this manner ade-
quate facilities for travel across the At
lantic Ocean can be afforded Ameri-
can citizens There would, therefore.
appear to be no compelling necessity
for American citizens to travel to Eu-
rope in time of war on ships carrying
an enemy flag In particular the I'M
perial Government is unable TO admit
that American citizens can protect an
enemy ship through the mere fact OF
their presence on board.
Germany merely followed England's
example when she declared part OF the
high sea an area of war. Consequently,
accidents suffered by neutrals on en-
envy ships in this area of war cannot
well be judged differently from acct
dents to which neutrals are at all times
exposed at the seat Of war on land
when they betake themselves into dan
gerous localities in spite Of previous
warnings.
IF however, 1t should not be possible
for the American Government to &C
quire an adequate number of neutral
passenger steamers, the Imperial Gov
eminent is prepared to interpose no OBJ
jections to the placing under the Amer
lean flag by the American Government
of four enemy passenger steamers for
passenger traffic between North Amer
lea and England Assurances Of free
and safe passage for American pas
senger steamers would extend to apply
under the identical pro-conditions to
these formerly hostile passenger steam
ers.
Asks Good Offices OF Wilson.
1.-THE President of the United States
has declared his readiness, In a way
deserving Of thanks, to communicate
and suggest proposals to the Govern
ment of Great Britain with particular
reference to the alteration of maritime
war. The Imperial Government will
always be glad to make use Of the good
offices of the President and hopes that
his efforts in the present case. as well
as in the direction of the lofty ideal OF
the freedom of the seas, will lead to an
understanding.
"The undersigned requests the Am.
bassador to bring the above to the
knowledge of the American Govern.
ment and avails himself of the oppor-
tunity to renew to his Excellency the
assurance Of his most distinguished
consideration.
WON La onur y