The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1915-01-06
MANNING, c. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY g. 1915

on copper. On the other hand, Italy
not only prohibited the export Of cop
per, but, as this government Is in
formed, put in force decree that
shipments to Italian consignees or to
order which arrive in ports Of Italy
can not be exported or transshlpped
The only exception Italy makos is OF
copper which passes through that
country in transit to another country.
In spite of this decree, however, the
British foreign Office has thus far de-
clnied to affirm that copper ship
ments consigned to Italy will not be
molested on the high seas. Seizures
are so numerous and delays 80 pro-
longed that exporters are afraid to
send their copper to Italy, steamship
Zines decline to accept it and insurers
refuse to issue policies upon it. IN a
word, a legitimate trade IS being
greatly impaired through uncertainty
as to the treatment which it may ex-
pect at the hands Of the British
authorities.
Feel Course justified.
1--WE feel that We are abundantly
justified in asking for information as
to the manner in which the British
government proposes to carry out the
policy which they have adopted IN
order that We may determine the
steps necessary to protect oIr citl-
zens, engaged in foreign trade, n
their rights and from serious losses
to which they are liable through
ignorance of hazards to which their
cargoes are exposed.
"In the case Of conditional contra
band the policy Of Great Britain ap-
pears to this government to be equal
~ unjustifed by the established rules
OF international conduct. AS evil
dence Of this attention is directed to
the fact that a number of American
cargoes which have been seized con-
sist OF foodstuxs and other articles
Of common use in all countries which
are admittedly relative contraband.
In spite Of the presumption Of inEo-
cent use because destined to neutral
territory, the British authorities
made these seizures and detenttens
without, so far as We are informed
being inTossession Of facts which
warranted q reasonable belief that
the shipment had in reality belllg-
erent destination, as that term Is
used in international law. Mere sus-
picion is not evidence and doubts
should be resolved in favor Of neutral
commerce, Lot against it.. The effect
upou trade in these articles between
neutral nations, resulting from inter-
rupted voyages and detained cargoes.
Is not entirely cured by reimburse
ment to the owners for the damage
which they have suffered. after in
vestigation has failed to establish an
enemy destination. The injury IS to
American commerce with Lautfa!
countries as a whole through the
hazard of the enterprise and the re-
peated diversion OF goods from es-
tablished markets.
"It also appears tnat cargoes OF the
character have been seized pF the
British authorities because OF a be-
lief that, though Iot originally so in
tended by the shippers. they Will ult!-
mately reach the territory OF the enc
mics of Great Britain. Yet this be-
lief Is frequently reduced to a mere
fear in view Of the enbargoes which
have been decreed by the neutral
to which they are des.in-
ed. on the articles composing the car
goes.
Lord Salisbury Quoted.
"That consignment to order OF
articles listed as conditional contra
band and shipped to neutral port
raises a legal presumption Of enemy
destination appears to be directly coz
trary to the doctrines previously held
By Great Britain. and thus stated oy
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