Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-03-03

Predict Strong v. s. Protest.
The impression is general in Official
quarters that strong protest would
be made against the action OF the
allies which was regarded as an un-
precedented and novel step.
OFFICIALS pointed Gut that in the re-
prisals which the belligerents were
making toward each other there was
singular forgetfulnessA of the fact that
whatever might be the violations OF
international custom as between those
countries at war, this could not affect
the status of international Jules as be-
tween the United States and countries
with which it was at peace.
Assurances given by Great Britain
that the note was not reply to the
recent proposals of the United States
for an adjustment of the entire stu
alton which led to the retaliatory
measures gave ground for some hopes
that the mea sures taken might be only
of temporary character.
No Mention Of Blockade"
Copies Of the British and French
notes were Immediately sent by Secre-
tary Bryan to President Wilson. State
department officials admitted.e that one
of the most complex problems of the
war had arisen. OFFICIALS were unani-
mously in their opinion that the notifi-
cation could not be called a block
ade," altho 1t had virtually the effect
of the same.
1t was. noted genrally that the COM
mnpicAtion did not use the word
Ebfockade, and at the French and British
embassie. here there was an avoidance
Of the same word. The Eotes leave
much. therefore, to be explained.
Just when the United States gov
eminent, will act on the latest note is
dependent to some extent on when the
replies are received from the allies and
Germany to the informal ccmmunica-
ton looking to an abolition Of subma-
rine warfare on merchant ships and the
shipment Of foodstuffs to- the civilian
population Of belligerents.
Germany's answer is said to be on
it's way and officials expect that 1t will
be practically an acquiescence in tho
principle of the American proposals.
v. s. Officials pispleased.
Displeasure over the latest develop.
ment was unconcealsd in state depart
ment circles, where the stopping OF
commerce to and from Germany was
viewed as much more serious than
blockade since it :nterfered also with
cargoes presumed to be bound to a
belligerent while in transit to neutral
country.
Whereas, the doctrine Of; continuous
voyage has previous been invoked tn
the present war by Great Britain to
sustain its right to detain cargoes at
any stage in their journey If proved
ultimately to be destined; 20 helliger-
ent, such presumption IS understood
now to include all articles of merchan-
disc, such as machinery and imple-
ments as well as cotton bound between
the United States and neutral coun-
tries, unless an embargo on re-ex-
portation is put into effect by the neu-
trails to whom tho products are con-
signed.
Americas Duties Inersase. Y
The injection of an element of sus-
picion on cargoes Of goods hitherto un-
touched when bound between neutral
ports viii greatly increase the duties
OF the American government IN pro-
fectTng the interests OF its shippers
from undue delays and detentions
without sufficient proof.
The entire question OF the right sci
up by Great Britain to take neutral
vessels into ports for extended exAmi-
nations and kindred subjects. such as
consignment ito order" and to named
consignees, will be brought into the
field Of discussion again affecting ma
terially the answer which the United
States was preparing to the CORE
spondence with Great Britain on the
subject OF contraband begun with tbs
American note on Dec. 20 and COR
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