Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1915-01-05
PROTEST TO BRITAIN
UNITED STATES DEMANDS ALL
RIGHTS AT SEA FOR AMER
ICANS.
PAGE TO PRESENT THE NOTE
British Policy Blamed for Depression
in Industry In This Country, and
England Is Given Warning Of Public
Sentiment Aroused.

Washington, Dec. SO-The United
States government on Monday dis
patched a long note to Great Britain
insisting upon an early improvement
in the treatment of American COM
meree by the British feet.
II gave warning that much feeling
had been aroused in this country, and
that public criticism was general over
unwarranted interference with the
legitimate foreign trade of the United
States.
The document, constituting the
strongest representation on this sub
ject made by the United States to any
of the belligerents since the outbreak
of the war, was cabled to Ambassador
Page to be formally presented to Sir
Edward Grey, the British foreign sec
rotary.
Its preparation was begun a month
ago by Solicitor Cone Johnson, Coun-
selor Robert Lansing and Secretary
Bryan, and finally during the last two
weeks had the personal attention OF
President Wilson himself, who revised
its phraseology with minute care.
AS the detailed point Of view of the
United States in numerous specific
cases Of detentions and seizures of
cargoes had been set forth in series
of emphatic protests, most OF which
have gone unheeded, the COM
munication was couched in general
terms covering the entire subjec. of
the relations between the United
States and Great Britain as affected
by the latter's naval policy, consid-
cred highly Objectionable by this gov
eminent.
The note declares at the outset that
the representations are made In q
friendly spirit, but that the United
States considers it best 10 speak in
terms of frankness, lest silence be con-
strued as acquiescence ir a policy on
the part of Great Britain which in
fringed the rights of American citizens
under the laws of nations.
Since France has adopted practically
the same necrees on contraband as
has Great Britain, the note is
virtually a statement intended for all
the members Of the triple entente
The document points out that COM
plants on every side and public criti-
cism in the United States hold tho
British policy as directly responsible
for the depression in many American
industries, a. situation the seriousness
of which must be apparent to Great
Britain.
Feeling has been aroused on the sub
ject to such an extent, the communica-
ton adds, that the American govern
ment feels compelled to ask for def
mite information as to Great Britain's
attitude in order that 1t may take such
liens in Their rights.
Five months have now elapsed, the
note asserts, with no improvement in
| the situation. In the meantime Amer
lean shippers have availed themselves
of various suggestions from the Brit
ish government, such as shipping car
| goes to definitely named consignees IN
neutral countries and the taking out Of
certificates from consuls in this coun
try, which followed promises OF the
British foreign office that the allied
I fleets consequently would cease deten-
tons of these cargoes. The situation,
however, is described as having hardly
improved after these concessions.